does it get easier being in a new place?

jackie0831 · 2011-11-06T08:05:09+01:00

does it get easier being in a new place? Expatriate forum forum. Find answers to your questions in the expat forum. Blogs, pictures, forum for expatriates on expat.com

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jackie0831 Member

Member since 25 October 2011

jackie0831Member06 November 2011 06:05:09

Hi, my husband and I arrived here a month ago. He has his job and I'm the tag along.... At first, experiencing new things was great, but now that he is at work everyday I am finding it a little lonely, I'm a little shy so it is hard for me to make new friends. My children are all grown so i am used to time alone, but at home I have my work and friends. If anyone has any advice i would really like to hear it. Thanks

sportsnut4657 Active member

Member since 13 September 2011

sportsnut4657Active member06 November 2011 07:34:11

Hi Jackie,

I would recommend a few things:

1) Volunteer your time to some meaningfull organization such as "Special Olympics", the smiles from the kids will be priceless. Also, you will meet others like you that have time on their hands and friendships will form with them.
2) There are many classes at a local college that you can take for enrichment purposes. Photography & computers are examples!
3)Exercise such as walk everyday or take yoga classes and you will meet people that have the same interests as you. Don't let shyness hold you back from enjoying everything that life has to offer, it is true that "life is too short".

Robert

manawat Member

Member since 07 November 2011

manawatMember07 November 2011 16:18:37

The trick to not feeling lonely is to be busy. You can either try the physical route or the mind route.

For the physical you can volunteer at a place for those in need, a museum, a park, or library. You can take language classes or offer them. You can take local classes or attend local events.

For the mind you can take online classes. Or you could start a blog where you do touristy things and then share what you find; after a few months you should have a few people following you that you can interact with.

I know how lonely it can be, and how difficult (I am very introverted). I found attending museums, walking in parks, and taking up new hobbies helped me. I still wish I could have a dinner party with friends, but I have learned to readjust my expectations based on the culture/availability.

Best of luck!

HaileyinHongKong ViP

Member since 28 December 2010

HaileyinHongKongViP19 November 2011 13:08:58

4723

It gets a lot easier. Everything that used to be so different becomes familiar. Things that start out as strange turn normal.

Ally_Cat New member

Member since 20 September 2011

Ally_CatNew member20 November 2011 10:47:18

HI Jackie.. I am in the same situation as you.... Although I have a little one to keep me company.. it does get rather lonely! I also find that not speaking the language is also a factor... as in my situation.. hardly anyone speaks English, unless they just dont feel like conversing with me! lol

We have been in Porto for almost 3 months.. and it really has been a rollercoaster of emotions! We are based in Porto.... where abt are you?

Alison
xxx

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