How to deal with algerian families

[1079239]

Hi all

I met my girlfriend online about 8 months ago, since then we talk on the phone almost everyday and we are totally crazy for each other, the problem is we do not know how to approach her family. Being an American is hard enough in many parts of the world but to ask for a hand in marriage, oh boy!!!!!! Anyway, if you have any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. I am planning to go see her this summer and ask for her hand in marriage to her family. For me this is the proper way to ask her father and mother.

Thanks

[Felicity]

Are you Muslim and is she Muslim? Do you have a good job, house/ are you able to look after her?

[sapphire1202]

Congratulations! I know exactly how you feel, just the reverse set of circumstances. I am American as well and met my fiance online a year ago. We also talk on the phone everyday, but it can get VERY expensive lol..my phone bill quadrupled. It does help to use skype, oovoo, msn or some other online video chat. It helps, trust me. I was very nervous to meet my fiance's family. However I found them very welcoming. My 1st trip last October lasted a week, my 2nd trip in February lasted a month, i've only been back home 2 weeks. We got engaged while I was there and filed our application for marriage. I will be going back as soon as we get the papers back. I absolutely adore his family, although i havent met many of them as his family is very large. I have meet most of his mom's family and some of his father's. They are very kind, giving and generous people and made me feel like family immediately. One thing you should know up front, they like to feed you...and even if they dont know English they learn the word "eat" quickly. Best advice i can give you, be yourself and be genuine. A few small gifts are nice too. I dont know your religious preference, however I made the decision to become Muslim. I was a poor catholic anyway and the choice was mine to make. Just some food for thought. Enjoy your trip there. Curious? What parts of the country will you be traveling to? Good Luck!

[Felicity]

Not to dampen the mood too much but I believe it tends to be much stricter when a man is asking for marriage than a woman coming to get married. Even if the girl wants to get married, the father or uncle or brothers (whoever has guardianship of her) can say no. I understand that in the UK and USA, asking the father for marriage is simply out of courtesy rather than any actual opinion on the matter.

[zhurui]

Good luck! My algerian- then- fiance-now-hubby flew all the way from France to Singapore, just to ask for my hand Thru my daddy! yea i guess thats the utmost respect you can ever give to her parents. And congratulations in deciding to embrace Islam, its a really cool faith. Im learning now too. Im sure you will have a ball, just like i do!