Welcome to Arab adulthood: the land of social responsibilities, qahwa overdose and Middle Eastern political literacy.
1. You use "inshallah" instead of yes/no
When 'yes' is too much of a commitment and 'no' calls plans off too soon, 'inshallah' saves the day!
Your parents' 'inshallah' got to your nerves so many times before, but you finally get the artistry behind this indefinite answer.
We live on last-minute plans, having finally understood that things can go out of hand at any moment, especially in the Arab world.
2. You can no longer dodge social duties aka wajbat
You now have social duties towards extended family and you can't get off the hook anymore because "3ayb".
Your mom's cousin gave birth? You're heading over there with a flower bouquet. Your dad's uncle has the flu? The very least you could do is call him and have an awkward conversation. Otherwise, the next sobhiyya will revolve around your faulty manners... and your parents'.
Besides, you're now expected to host your own 'azeemas and sobhiyyat, common courtesy and whatnot.
3. You don't cringe at the taste of qahwa anymore
You kind of like Arabic coffee, you've mastered making it and you can't help but ask for a 'tobseer' (fortune-telling) session whenever you drink it.
4. Your single-status sends people into panic mode
Your friends and family think about your relationship status - or actually, its lack thereof - more than you do.
The number of times you're asked "emten bedna nefrah fik/fiki" reaches an all-time high. You're the first one to get "3a'balik/3a'balak" at engagements and weddings, and the first one to be taken into consideration when someone on the hunt for a spouse.
5. You have a newfound appreciation for Arabic Tarab
If you've always had a thing for Arabic music, kudos to you. But many of us grew up presuming we can only enjoy and relate to Western music.
Fortunately, we eventually start listening to Fairouz' songs in the morning (whilst sipping on qahwa, of course), cruising along to Kadhim al-Sahir and yelling "that's my jam!" when a Amr Diab song tunes in at a party.
6. Your friends are more geographically distributed than ambassadors at the UN
It's a real challenge to have all the people you care about in the same country, let alone the same continent.
The typical scenario goes something like this: You live in Lebanon, your best friend is working in Dubai, your other friend moved with her spouse to London, while your favorite cousin is pursuing his Masters degree in the U.S.
7. You (kinda) understand Middle Eastern politics
The Middle Eastern political scene is a real brain-teaser, but you eventually get a hold of it. The conspiracy theorist in you might even make an appearance, pushing you to form your own standpoint and question legitimacy of everything you read or hear.
Beware entering Falsafah zone though. No one likes a mfalsaf.
8. You live for home-cooked meals
You would choose koshari over pizza any day, everyday.
9. You use Arab proverbs like a pro
"The dog that barks doesn't bite."
You appreciate the fact that for any given situation, there's an on-point Arab proverb that can explain it in a way a 700-word article can't. These proverbs, which are usually hilariously witty, have become a vital part of your daily conversations and using them is second-nature to you.
10. Your overprotective parents are tired of being overprotective
Gone are the days of extensive investigations before and after outings, steering clear of talking about the opposite-sex, hiding the fact that you smoke...
Your parents have dropped the authoritative act and decided to accept you for who you are. Well, it's either that or simply the fact that they're tired of being at odds with you. Either way, you get to know their easygoing alter-egos and wonder where they've been hiding for the past two decades.
11. You can glady add your family on social media
You feel no shred of paranoia about having your traditional, speculative and big-mouthed family members on social media. Mabrook, you're officially a responsible adult!