Mixing Between Afghan Men And Women

Like most cultures, the gesture of handshaking is the most common form of greeting for Afghans. However, women and men do not shake their hands. They only speak directly to one another. Another form of respect is the putting of their hands over their hearts and nodding slightly to the person they're talking. Afghans usually have lengthy conversations. In a meeting, people involved ask each other about family, health, education or business.

Between Genders. Mixing between genders is a sensitive thing for Afghans. Free mixing between genders is only happening within families. In the workplace, men and women could be colleagues but are still particular in maintaining each other's honor and pride. Men cannot directly talk to women in the streets as this will mean dishonor to women. Women should not look straight to men's eyes. Women should keep their eyes lowered when walking in the streets to maintain their dignity. Women should also dress appropriately to avoid uninvited attention. They should make sure that pants worn are loose fitting so that women's thighs shouldn't be visible.

Afghan Families Are Sacred

Afghanistan is a big country. It's population has reached to thirty million by July 2005. The country's population is not limited to Afghans only. It has opened to tourists and guests all over the world. As a result of this, there is a wide variety of races and tribes that are living in the country.

For people in Afghanistan, the family is the most important unit. Men and women are particular with social responsibility as they are enclosed to practice the traditional setup. Women take care of the household responsibilities. Men, on the other hand, are breadwinners. Families still practice arranged marriages based on status, connection, tribe, wealth and social displacement. Families live in kala. Kala is a walled compound where families live. Even after marriage, sons are required to live with his wife in a particular room under the same roof. For Afghans, families are sacred thus should be given utmost premium by everyone – even foreigners.