I don't think any disrespect was meant....however regardless of your experiences in the past you've never been to Tunisia nor have you fallen prey to anyone there.
If you are prepared to fall victim and suffer the consequences then fair enough, go for it...however don't expect to come away after 2 weeks and feel like your curiosity is satisfied and that his feelings for you have been confirmed...that won't happen. Oftentimes it takes an awful lot longer before someone's true colours show...
If your reasons are to help someone out I'd suggest contacting a charitable organisation, the recipients would be far more deserving than someone who claims to be in love with you and want nothing from you.
There is also a very slim chance that he may be genuine, and I say very slim, there are decent men out there, however they're generally not surfing the net inviting people they've never met to come stay with them and then at some point declaring undying love for someone they've never met.
Being invited to stay at the family home is also a red flag, their culture generally dictates that you don't stay at the family home until after you're married....a few exceptions perhaps but it's the general rule of thumb.
Sorry if this sounds harsh, this is coming from someone who IS married to a Tunisian, but I'd honestly advise you to exercise caution and be honest with yourself. Xx
I can't say if disrespect is being meant here or not. I'm finding that some of the people who are posting here in response to me are exhibiting the same sort of negative attributes that they are saying others have in Tunisia!
Jane, you have NO idea of whom I really am - of my experiences in other parts of Africa or with international charitable organizations. Yet, you are making assumptions about me that are unfair.
One, I did not meet this person "surfing the internet". I have never gone to dating or surfing sites. We met online more than two years ago and have steadily increased our communication during that time. It has never been focused on a romantic relationship and, as I have said, I am well aware of the uncertainties I face when I go.
So how some of you are ending up castigating me & portending "doom and gloom" over my trip is a bit shocking for me - as no one knows the future.
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HONEST WITH MYSELF - AND ALWAYS WILL BE.
Thus, what started out one day ago as my first post here to better understand the complexities of making this trip is ending for me as being an embittering experience.
Is everyone associated with Tunisia as negative as I'm experiencing here? I hope that my journey there will prove this idea wrong.
So sorry that I have been "enlightened" about this beautiful culture & its people in the most revulsive ways.
I will post in this thread no more. Thanks gem15 for providing me with the only helpful piece of info that I have received here.