Anybody experience......?

[maryandatif 0]

Courious to know if anybody has experience with mood swings from their ME/NA spouse once they arrive here in the States?

Thanks!

[♥JP♥ 5]

I dont think its uncommon for a spouse from any part of the world to have mood swings. If you are having a specific issue with your spouse maybe you can elaborate on the problem so we can give you some suggestions.

[LoriLawless 0]

Agreed. There are a lot of changes and adjustments going on during that time. Not uncommon at all.

[~Jackie~ 30]

This is a topic our group is discussing. Amal has some very good information on culture shock. Send her a pm and I am sure she will share it with you.

Jackie

[yassmine2878 1]

Hell yes. Ahmed sometimes has what he calls "period of man". Between culture shock, homesickness, and crazy problems with immigration there were some serious mood swings. And jokes aside, I think some men do have a hormonal imbalance from time to time and it shows, just like with women. We just have to talk it out and then give each other space for awhile.

[Carolyn 1]

Yes. Sometimes my husband is pretty unbearable.

Life here in America doesn't always meet his expectations. He seems to have a very low frustration tolerance, and expects that things should be easier than they are. Bills and his small paycheck are especially irritating.

I think that men seem to have regular periods of emotional instability.

On the other hand, he also has incredible stamina and positive energy somedays (an excellent time to get cleaning done!)--I just wish I could predict it!

[PetraPerson101 0]

Having an Arabic background - I've seen many immigrants from MENA - and I'll say this:

Western culture is a more personal culture, ME is communal. It's a big shift from ME to USA. Workday is different, traditions are different, social interaction is different - it's a 180 degree switch.

Your SO will "grow" per-se as they spend more time here. After a few years, you'll end up seeing a "different person", if you will. In about 10 years - you'll both be able to look back - and they'll comment (maybe) on how silly they were when they first came.

Yep, I've seen it happen. But, there's a plus that comes with it. Have you ever heard these news reports lately - about discrimination on people from MENA (Arabs, in particular) - with people commenting on how "I don't see how people could not like (whoever) - he's the nicest guy I know!" -

People from Arabic background, are generally very outgoing & social (as the culture is very communal & social) - and have no problem talking with people & getting along. They befriend easy - strike up conversation - etc. Comes in handy... particularly in business.

Edited October 25, 2007 by KyanWan

[ya falaha! 0]

Yes, but I don't think it was culturally related. I think it was more trying to get used to living in another place, being away from family and friends, getting used to having a full time wife (pain in the azz one at that), learning to be a step dad, not being able to work, not having any friends besides the pain in the azz wife, etc.

Nearly six months later, things are much easier. Making friends, getting out of the house (with friends), and finally being able to work has done wonders to ease these "mood swings".

[doodlebug 3]

Well we're not with each other yet so right now his mood swings are directly related to how his soccer team is doing and how his business is doing. We'll see what happens when he's here.

[yassmine2878 1]

Yes, but I don't think it was culturally related. I think it was more trying to get used to living in another place, being away from family and friends, getting used to having a full time wife (pain in the azz one at that), learning to be a step dad, not being able to work, not having any friends besides the pain in the azz wife, etc.

Nearly six months later, things are much easier. Making friends, getting out of the house (with friends), and finally being able to work has done wonders to ease these "mood swings".

Getting adjusted has done wonders for my hubby's mood.

[chaishai 1]

My husband seems to get his period 2x a month but its usually work stress related, i dont think its cultural or adjusting to US. In fact in his earlier years here in the US I think he was less moody when he had less responsibilities/stress. My FIL and BILs are very very calm, laid back and NOT moody, although they do live in israel where it is relaxing (at least it is where they live believe it or not).

I think stress plays a big role in moodiness, it definately does for me as well. So maybe culture shock/visa process causes stress, hence the mood swings.

[sarah and hicham 3]

Hicham really isn't a moody person. He's pretty happy-go-lucky.

[Nutty 2]

Yeah, ME (as in myself)!!!!

I'm born and raised in the US and lived outside for a couple of years. Coming back to the US is hard to adjust to. Live to work and work to live....Too tired to enjoy my free time. Culture seems very superficial with preoocupation with entertainment news and rapidly changing headlines. Basically I hate it here.

[PetraPerson101 0]

Culture seems very superficial with preoocupation with entertainment news and rapidly changing headlines.

I hear the quality of the entertainment news & other useless information is so shameless - it makes Pravda jealous.

[morocco4ever 63]

Hell yes. Ahmed sometimes has what he calls "period of man". Between culture shock, homesickness, and crazy problems with immigration there were some serious mood swings. And jokes aside, I think some men do have a hormonal imbalance from time to time and it shows, just like with women. We just have to talk it out and then give each other space for awhile.