How to be friends with an Arab

Here is the fool-proof guide to being friends with an Arab:

don't be friends with an Arab. You will be forever confused. 

We're pretty complicated.  XD

No seriously though? Do you know any Arabs? Yes? Then you know exactly how we are. Disclaimer: this is based on my observations only. Please do not confuse culture and religion. This post will address the CULTURE of Arab-Americans through an Arab-American's eyes. It is purely written for enjoyment purposes only so... Enjoy!

Comment below if you agree or disagree with my observations. What else have you noticed? :)

1. Arabs are a LOUD species. I don't know why or where it comes from but I'm sure the entire neighborhood hears my family's dinner conversations because we all talk at once and --in order to be heard-- very loudly. At first it will throw you off and you won't know which conversation to follow but soon you will be able to understand every conversation at the same time while still interjecting your own opinions. On a side note, have you been to or seen an Arab wedding? You have? Well then, case closed.
2. Arabs like to eat A LOT. Well, technically everyone likes food but consider this: in a typical day Arabs will have five meals which include breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late dinner. This is normal. Also, if you are a guest you will be served multiple times during your stay even if you're only over for 10 min. In fact, after exchanging hellos you will will always be asked if you are hungry and then, never mind your response, food will be chucked your way. My advice: come hungry.
3. Arabs give lots of advice--be careful! They will tell you so much irrelevant information about how to live your life. In order to stay sane just smile and nod, letting the words go through one ear and out the other. Somehow Arabs like to hear their own voice so they go around advising people on everything. Granted they might have some good ideas and they do it because they care for you but most of the time I think they should think twice before giving advice. 
4. Arabs are big fans of skinship between members of the same sex. It's normal and not at all weird. Lots of hugs and cheek kisses as a form of greeting. Arab bubbles are also almost non-existent. Shoulders touching and linking arms are normal. Caution though, these are only girl-girl or guy-guy. Guy and girl interaction is taboo for the most part (it's complicated and I won't address it in this post). 
5. Arabs have weird concepts of time. Now if you are Arab and you're reading this you might not want to read another post about Arab Timing but I'm going to mention it because it's part of who you are so just accept it and move on. Arabs are naturally late to almost everything and then they insist that everyone was just early. If you are planning an event, remember people are going to arrive between 30 minutes to 2 hours late (some people have it worse than others). It just takes Arabs a long time to gather everyone into the car. Stressing about time is unnecessary stress because it's not like the event is going anywhere. Even if the event is at their house, they will spend extra time coming down the stairs. Many Arabs deny the Arab Timing condition but it is inevitable. Instead, if you are non-Arab, please understand Arab's shortcomings and tell your Arab friends that the event starts at 4pm when it is in fact scheduled for 6pm to ensure everyone arrives on time. 

I hope you enjoyed my quick compilation of Arab characteristics  If you have anything to add please comment below and I may just edit this to include your submission. :D