Being a young adult is quite daunting, even if you're in the most open-minded community that ever existed ... but it's always a bit more intense for youngsters in the Arab world.
Why? Because people here like to guide you as you try to shape your life.
They do that through saying things that'll scare you into action or annoy you time and again.
Things like what? Here are a few examples:
1. Before you graduate college
They'll say: Lessa ma tkharajt? (Haven't you graduated yet?)
It means: Hurry up and stop wasting your time and your parents' money.
2. At your graduation
They'll say: Mabrook! 3o2bal el far7a el kebeera (Congrats! May you celebrate your marriage next).
It means: A reminder of all the more 3o2balak/ik to come, because no matter what you do, it'll never be enough.
3. At every engagement/wedding you attend
They'll say: 3a2belik/ak, El fal letsh/El fal lek (May it be you next).
It means: We simply want to annoy you more than anything else. Plus you're getting old; get married already and bring us babies.
4. When you turn 20 and you're still single
They'll say: Ma fi shi heik heik? (Do you have a special someone in your life?)
It means: We're just checking if you're dating anyone before we arrange someone for you.
5. When you're nearing 30 and you're still not doing what society dictates
They'll say: Enta ma 3edt zgheer/La tseer yahel (You're not so young anymore/Don't be a child).
It means: Do what we tell you, we're older and know better.
6. When you get adventurous and refuse to settle down
They'll say: Meta tekbar? (When are you going to grow up?)
It means: We're here to scare you into speeding everything up.
7. When parents want you to do what everyone else is doing
They'll say: Shoof 2elli b3omrek (Look at those your age).
It means: Compare yourself to people your age and be better ... so we can brag about your achievements and bury our failures.
8. When you want to do things your own way
They'll say: Ma yseer (It won't happen and you can't do it).
It means: Be discouraged from living the life you want so you won't disgrace us.