15 Ways You Bond With Your Sibling In Lebanon

All Lebanese siblings have a love-hate relationship, and what brings them together is their bonding experiences. If you have a sibling, let us know how many of these we got right!

1. Sharing “shu 3am b seer” looks during Sunday family gatherings

You know when that one uncle starts spewing the most problematic shit and you either have to sit through it or all hell will break loose.

2. Being “wled kalb” according to your mom

This is her way of showing love because she thinks of you both as wled kalb equally.

3. Eating “akel zbele” also according to your mom

It’s late and you’re preparing instant noodles or ordering from your favorite ma7al sandwiches…and your mom is pissed.

4. Sitting in awkward silence as your parents’ friends byetkhana2o 3a meen men ahelkon bteshbaho aktar

“Yii bas layko heye 3enda monkhar bayya”

“Bas la2 howe tale3 la bet emmo aktar”

“La2 la2 hol l 3yoon l kbar la bet bayya shu bek”

5. Getting mixed up with your other siblings

When your mom or dad call you by your sibling’s name…there is no worse pain.

6. Arguing over who has to y3ayed khalto Samira first

Someone has to do it first. You’d both rather not do it at all, but your mom will put you up for adoption if you don’t.

7. Hating day3a trips

Mostly because it ruined your weekend plans and now you can bond over hating the trip together.

8. Taking sides with your mom/dad (7asab l masla7a)

3el2o your parents and you need to pick sides. Choose wisely. This could make or break your week. Sometimes it’s wise to not pick any sides at all.

9. Analyzing which parent you should ask for money that week

“Sa2alet baba mbereh ya3teene ha2 delivery”

“Okay khalas mnes2al mom lyom”

10. Trying not to laugh during your mom’s bahdale

If your mom mispronounces a word and you make the mistake of looking at your sibling…you’re dead.

11. Running away from your mom’s bahdale

And when your sibling is under attack, it’s best to retreat elsewhere abel ma yeje dawrak/ik.

12. Being the tech geniuses of the family

Teta tells everyone you’re tech geniuses w ken lezem ta3mlo handase.

We’re not sure shu khas handase eza 3am 3alle l brightness 3a your phone ya teta.

13. Borrowing (ahem…stealing) each other’s clothes

Not a good bonding experience but a bonding experience nonetheless.

14. Eating each other’s leftovers

Again, not a good bonding experience. But at least it means they owe you their next leftovers.

15. Being the favorite/least favorite child

Btetkhana2o meen baddo yes2al mom or dad for favors 7asab meen the favorite. This is usually the younger sibling.

If you enjoyed this read, check out more relatable content in our #LebaneseFamilies section.