If you grew up in a Lebanese household, chances are you’ve already forwarded this article to your family WhatsApp group—probably with three heart emojis and a “ya 7aram!” for good measure. Lebanese moms are a vibe, a lovable mix of sass, care, tradition, and just a dash of melodrama. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the quirks that make our moms absolute icons.
1. The Thermostat Police
It could be 30 degrees out, but if there’s the slightest breeze, you’re layering like it’s Mount Everest. Lebanese moms are convinced that a cool draft is a direct portal to pneumonia.
2. Wet Hair = Death
Thinking of going out with wet hair? Think again. “Btirta7 el ro7 men ba3dak,” she says, genuinely worried this is your last day on Earth.
3. “Did You Eat?” (Also: “Eat More”)
Food isn’t just food—it’s love, protection, and heritage, all wrapped in vine leaves. And if you’re not on your third plate of mloukhieh, you’re disrespecting the entire family tree.
4. WhatsApp University
From DIY medical hacks to chain messages that claim coconut oil cures heartbreak, Lebanese moms have a PhD in forwarding information. Don’t even try correcting them—“It’s from Dr. Nabil, he’s very well known.”
5. Dramatic Declarations of Love
Expect sudden outbursts like: “One day you’ll miss me and regret not listening to me!” while you’re literally just trying to find your socks.
6. The Unwavering Love for Fairuz
For Lebanese moms, no playlist is complete without Fairuz. Her voice fills the house, whether it’s a Sunday morning or a quiet evening, as she hums along to songs that speak of love, home, and nostalgia. The whole house might be cleaning or cooking, but Fairuz’s melodies bring an atmosphere of peace—and occasionally a little shweeeesh (whistling) from Mom when she really gets into it.
7. Matchmaking Expert Level 100
Whether you’re 18 or 38, Lebanese moms are always scouting future spouses. Bonus points if they’re from “a good family” and know how to make tabbouleh.
8. The Fashion Consultant
Wearing ripped jeans? She gasps. “Habibi, did you fall? Should I stitch them for you?” No outfit is safe from scrutiny unless it was picked by her, five years ago.
9. Herbal Remedies for Everything
Have a headache? Basil. Upset stomach? Anise tea. Existential crisis? “Drink zaatar tea and take a nap.” Their faith in nature is unwavering, even if science says otherwise.
10. A Walking, Talking Warning Label
Everything is dangerous. The wind, the cold, fast food, late nights, sleeping with wet hair, not drinking enough water. And heaven forbid you forget your undershirt.
11. Story Time (Every Time)
She has stories from the village, the war, the good old days, and that one neighbor who once stole her roses. Each one is more dramatic than the last and ends with a moral lesson you didn’t ask for.
12. Serial Overpackers
Going on a weekend trip? She’ll pack for the apocalypse. “Take an extra pair of everything,” she says. You’ll need a suitcase just for the emergency zaatar sandwiches.
13. High-Intensity Love
She’ll fight with you over leaving the lights on, but also threaten the universe itself if anything ever hurts you. That mix of fierce love and fierce discipline is their trademark.
14. House Clean Enough to Perform Surgery
Cleaning is not a chore—it’s a lifestyle. Guests coming over? It’s time for deep cleaning and soul cleansing. Suddenly you’re wiping lightbulbs.
15. Death by Scented Detergents
If your laundry doesn’t smell like a field of artificial lavender and regret, did your mom even wash it?
16. “Ana Ma Ba3ref Keef Tarabait Ento”
Translation: “I don’t know how I raised you people.” Usually triggered when you forget to bring in the groceries or breathe incorrectly.
17. The Ultimate Guilt Tripper
Cancel lunch? She’ll sigh like she’s in an Egyptian soap opera. “No, no, don’t worry about me. I’ll eat alone… again.” Pass the tissues and the tabbouleh.
18. The Living Lie Detector
Try lying. Go ahead. Her sixth sense will catch it before you finish the sentence. “Mmm hmm,” she says. “I was born at night, not last night.”
19. The Fear of Evil Eye is Real
You got a promotion? Don’t tell anyone. Even she’ll whisper it. “Allah ykhabbik min 3youn el nas.” Then she’ll start sprinkling salt and muttering prayers.
20. Hugging You While Telling You Off
Only a Lebanese mom can scold you for not calling enough while simultaneously kissing your forehead and slipping a fifty into your pocket “just in case.”
In the end, there’s no love like a Lebanese mom’s love. It’s loud, over-the-top, and beautifully unconditional. They might drive us crazy sometimes, but life without their quirky rules, old-school advice, and endless kibbeh would be unbearably dull.
So, to every Lebanese mom out there: thank you for the food, the warmth, the unsolicited advice, and the fierce, passionate love that wraps around us like a hand-knit sweater. We see you. We love you. And yes, we’re bringing a jacket.
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