[gmk]

Regarding the original question, I think that when Muslims are rude to members of the opposite sex, it's because there is a lot of emphasis in the Muslim community on keeping up appearances. And that means if she or he is perceived as acting too friendly, people may spread gossip about them. That's one thing I have had a hard time with since converting (years ago)... it seems like if you want to rack up "Muslim street cred" you have to act a certain (sometimes not genuine) way when you are around other Muslims. I mean, I'll bet people who are rude to Muslim members of the opposite sex are NOT that way to their opposite sex, non-Muslim classmates/co-workers.