10 Habits that Arab Americans Need to Break
Image Credit: Life HacksBY: Zane Ziebell/Contributing Writer & Dr. Amal David/Arab America Director of Community Outreach
Arab Americans have held onto a few habits from their ancestors that are not the best. Arab Americans would be wise to drop these bad habits, as they are all unhealthy – either mentally or physically. Here are the 10 habits that the community should break.
1. Smoking cigarettes, arghile, and vapes
Cigarettes and arghile are popular with Arabs all over the world. Now vaping is becoming popular, too. Don’t let anyone fool you – smoking is always bad and never cool!
2. Only socializing with other Arab Americans
It is important for Arab Americans to socialize with other people! Having many Arab friends is okay, but it is good to branch out and make friends outside of your comfort zone so you can better share your rich culture.
3. Procrastination
Everyone procrastinates, but Arab Americans have really nailed down the art. Arab Americans will procrastinate to do almost anything: eating dinner, going out with friends, buying a gift, or taking a trip overseas. Dare to be different!
4. Eating too many sweets
Baklava and knafeh are two delicious treats that Arab Americans can thank their ancestors for, but sometimes we don’t need to go for seconds!
5. Not being involved
It is important to be involved in American political life. In the U.S., you can make your voice matter and improve your community by becoming a leader. Just because you are one person does not mean you can’t make a difference in the lives of many!
6. Running on “Arab time”
We all know it. “Arab time” means always being at least 15 minutes late. Sometimes, it means being 2 hours late. But what kind of guest is 2 hours late? It’s time to look at our watches more closely and start showing up on time!
7. The long goodbye
Once the guests have decided to leave, there is always a super long goodbye session at the door that can easily last an hour. It’s like Arab families don’t want their guests to leave!
8. Not saying NO
Sometimes it is hard to say no, but saying “Inshallah” instead isn’t good. It’s okay to say no! It commands more respect than misleading someone and will make you feel better in the end.
9. Cooking too much food
Arabs take great pride in hosting and feeding people, which means they tend to cook too much food. But this is wasteful and should be avoided!
10. Bragging
Some Arab families have big houses, nice cars, and designer items. Although these things are fun to have, it is not good to brag about them. Being humble is always more rewarding than bragging!