guests

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. It is well known that Islam doesn't allow free mixing of men and women I live in Egypt, and there is a common tradition here that not related families (couples) visit one another freely and sit and chat together inside their homes — man with wife of his friend and vice versa. I do not clearly understand if this is allowed. If the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that there isn't friendship between a man and a woman and we (women) aren't even required to greet non-mahrams, how can we sit and speak freely like that? If my understanding is true and such visits are haram, can you also advise me how in the best possible way I can introduce this issue to my husband and solve this situation without being rude, mean, or regarded as "extremist"? My husband wants me to meet, serve, and talk to his guests. Definitely I do not wish to do anything that goes against modesty, but also I do not want to create more mischief than benefit. Jazakum Allahu khayran.