Working with a Jordanian in America, curious about cultural faux-pas, and dos-and-don'ts of male-female professional etiquette.

Hello!

I've become curious about Jordanian culture to help get my relationship with my new co-worker off to a good start. I've been reading as much as I can about the culture, but a lot of the information I'm finding online is superficial or geared towards tourism. For some context I'm female working in the United States near Los Angeles. I have a lot of exposure to many cultures and known people from all over the world, however, most of the Muslims I've known were second/third generation Americans, or female immigrants from Bangladesh and Turkey. I've never personally known anyone from Jordan. I know nothing of the customs or any particular etiquette specific to men and women working together in a business setting, or how to maintain a platonic friendship without accidentally sending mixed signals. I like to get to know the people I work with and become friends, so I wanted to know what are the rules for friendships and business interactions between genders in Jordan? My co worker has been in the United States a long time and seems used to American culture. Nevertheless I don't want to be "that person" who takes it for granted and ceases to exercise any modicum of cultural sensitivity.

Universally I avoid talking about religion and politics unless I get to know the person well enough to know what's OK to discuss. I love asking questions about where they come from, what their culture is like, and what's brought them to America and if they're having a good experience so far. I'm wondering which questions would be found offensive or inappropriate. I'm also wondering what social cues might get misinterpreted.

For example, a female friend of mine returned from Egypt and told me shared some stories about doing everything possible not to make accidental eye contact with any males in public, even if they approached to try and initiate a conversation. She was advised by her host that eye contact was considered to be an aggressive form of sexual flirtation. I don't know if eye contact is regarded the same way in Jordan, but this is an example of info I'd like to know in order to avoid conflict or a misunderstanding.

Any pointers would be great! I understand Jordan is much more moderate country than others in the middle east, but I don't want to make any presumptions.

Thanks very much!