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Most Libyan people would not be categorized as being direct communicators. Many are not very comfortable with saying NO to the requests of people whom they are not so close to because they think this answer might hurt their feelings. As they get closer in their relationships they become more comfortable with saying what they really mean or have in mind.
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When communicating and interacting, a person's honor and reputation are of utmost importance.
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Loyalty to one's family tends to takes precedence over personal needs.
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Social class and family background are the major determinants of personal status, followed by individual character and achievement.
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Libyans may openly discuss money and even ask what someone what they paid for things or what their salary is.
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A Libyan may openly ask why one is not married as it is considered t unusual for an adult to be unmarried and have no children.
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It’s best to not speak about family disagreements or any difficulty you may have had in your life. This is especially the case during initial meetings.
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Questions that may be considered too personal include those related to women in a family. It is best not to ask about a person's wife, sister or adult daughter. Just refer to the family as a whole.
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One way to avoid disclosing information that you may feel is too personal is by responding with a reference to the subject in general. For example, answering "why are you not married” by saying “ah, marriage is a wonderful thing.” This indirect approach should let your Libyan counterpart know that there is no interest in pursuing this line of conversation. They may employ similar tactics.
