Just being with family and friends is the favorite activity
of most Egyptians. They are an extremely sociable and outgo-
ing people and regard Americans as rather shy and retiring in
comparison. Egyptians do not hesitate to open up a friendly
conversation with anyone, and their “personal space” is closer
than it is among Americans. Men greet men with hugs and
kisses. Their handshakes linger, or they hold hands. Women do
the same, and there is no awkwardness about that—these are
expressions of friendship in Egypt.