Sunday, February 12, 2012
One of the hardest things about being in my 20s is suddenly becoming "tante" to many of the kids in church. When you're lumped in with the tantes, you become the indirect butt of all tante-jokes.
 |
| Thank you, Coptic Memes! Thank you, Fady! |
So I feel like I have to defend us, especially since I've made it a habit to say this more often :). For the non-Copts, "3obalak" means "until it's your turn" or "hope it's your turn soon."
When I was not married, not a mom, I thought this was a direct criticism of my life. Tantes said, "3obalek," and I heard, "Hurry up and get married." I would roll my eyes and say things like "Never, not for another 10 years, tante!"
It takes a tante to know one, so let me explain what "3o2balak" really means. We tantes say 3o2balak from the depths of our joy for the bride and groom (or the new parents, or whatever) and our hope that you will be equally happy in your life. We're so happy at that moment that it doesn't really matter if we know you; we love you anyway. Happiness might not come in the same form for you, but we wish it for you nonetheless!
So when a tante says, "3o2balek/3o2balak," resist the urge to roll your eyes, resist the urge to argue--it's not meant to be a personal affront. Just say thanks and smile and be just as happy for the bride/groom/parents. And spread the love around ;).
