19 Hilariously Awkward Arab Moments We’ve All Lived Through

Ever found yourself in those awkward Arab moments that make you simultaneously cringe and chuckle? Well, you’re not alone! Here’s a light-hearted collection of 19 relatable awkward moments that every Arab can nod along to (or politely shake their head in agreement, depending on the circumstance).

1. Accidentally replying “inshallah” when someone asks if you can make it to an event, even though you have no intention of going.

2. The struggle of trying to gracefully exit a group conversation that’s filled with intense political debates.

3. That awkward moment when someone offers you a third cup of Arabic coffee, and you’re not sure if it’s polite to refuse or if you’ll end up with caffeine jitters.

4, Accidentally using a casual nickname for someone older, and then backpedaling with endless apologies.

5. The overenthusiastic social media aunt floods your comment section with cringe-worthy compliments and like 20 emojis.

6. Decoding Arab compliments is like navigating a verbal maze. “You’ve gained weight, you look healthy,” or “Nice haircut, I almost didn’t recognize you”.

7. Getting caught in the classic “insisting someone takes the last piece of food” standoff, where politeness meets stubbornness.

8. Attempting to greet someone with a handshake, only to be met with a polite nod, and then you’re stuck in a weird hand-waving dance.

9. Trying to discreetly exit a social gathering without causing a commotion, but the entire room turns into a farewell committee.

10. In a peaceful room, your phone disrupts the tranquility, projecting your Jordanian mother‘s stern voice demanding to know why you’re not home yet. (Father’s tone in the background)

11. Never knowing how many times to kiss someone on the cheek. Is it one, two, or three times? The struggle is real.

12. Being Facebook-stalked by your entire extended family: Suddenly, a comment appears on a photo from a decade ago, and you wish you could vanish.

13. Carrying your lunch in repurposed labneh containers.

14. Oversized Clothes before they were even trendy because “You’ll Grow into it”

15. The relentless reminder that your biological clock is ticking, and if you don’t act swiftly, you might miss the marriage boat. Ah, the joys of familial concern.

16. The struggle of trying to discreetly check if there’s something stuck in your teeth after devouring a plate of warak enab, manouche zaatar, or taboule.

17. Random fights while you have a friend over. Nothing says family bonding like a sudden, passionate argument that erupts while your unsuspecting friend is trying to figure out if they should excuse themselves or pretend this is perfectly normal.

18. The internal battle of whether to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home and risking awkwardly standing around or keeping them on and potentially committing a cultural faux pas.

19. Finding yourself with a plate full of deliciousness, even if you’re not remotely hungry. Because feeding others is an arab love language.