If you’ve travelled before and have tried socializing with foreigners, I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s somehow so much easier to talk to people there than it is here. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all countries. I’m certain cultures vary, but somehow this does relate to most of the countries my friends and I have been to. So, in case you’re wondering why it’s easier to socialize abroad, here are a few reasons I’ve gathered: 

1- Socio-Economic Backgroundclasss

The socio-economic class of a person doesn’t seem to be a big of a deal there as it is here, which is something I truly admire! Most Western countries provide loans to their college students so everyone can have the chance to go to the same university; something that definitely doesn’t happen here. In Egypt, you’d see people refusing to be friends with those of a “lesser socio-economic background”. The reason being that if you’re not “rich enough”, you wouldn’t get the chance to have a certain level of education. This is why some people find it harder to connect with everyone as people abroad do. In the West, the majority get to have a good enough education regardless of their financial status. Needless to say that class is a huge deal in the West, but when it comes to socializing with people, I find that people are still a lot more materialistic in Egypt. For some reason, people care a lot more about you wear than who you are.

2- There’s the Concept of Barsbarrs

Pubs and bars are a blessing abroad. I mean, it’s not just a place to go for a drink and chat with friends. Some people can actually go all by themselves for a drink; it’s not as common as in the movies but it does happen. Anyone can talk to anyone there, whereas here you’d probably be called “shemal” if you tried to do that. In their dance clubs, you’d find people approaching you, and you’d be okay with that. Whereas here, it’s like “No, you can’t do that”. I think we have double standards.

3- There Are Less Taboosatboos

I’m sure this doesn’t apply to all, but it’s usually harder for a man and a woman to go out alone here without being subjected to gossip. Most girls prefer to go out with their guy friends only if another girl is present too. This isn’t the case abroad because, well, nobody really cares. Or they do, but they won’t judge you because nearly everyone does whatever they want.

4- They’re More Accepting of Others Joining their Groupfriends

From my personal experience, I find that people in Egypt like to stick to their own social circles, and are rarely happy when others try to join. There’s the “This is my territory; how dare you approach it?!” attitude. It’s not like this doesn’t happen abroad too, but I’d say this behaviour is a lot more prevalent here.

5- People Are Less Judgmentaljudgy

I think I’ve covered this in basically every point I’ve made, but, it’s true! You can be more yourself abroad and less afraid to speak your mind, because people are more open to differences. You can be who you want to be without fearing people’s judgments all the time!

I’m not saying Egypt is a horrible place to socialize. People on the streets tend to actually be a lot warmer towards one another than they are abroad. But, when it comes to wanting to make friends, I sometimes find it a lot more complicated than it should be.