From the Weekly Topic: The Most Difficult Thing about Living Abroad

I have lived and worked abroad twice in my lifetime, both times in Japan when I was young. This was many years ago, of course, but I will tell you: Despite advances in technology, lifestyle changes between generations, and the ease and/or difficulty of traveling due to security and the internet, one thing does not change: The fact that we are human and social beings by nature.

No matter how much you like to be by yourself, there comes a time when you want to have someone familiar around you, whether that person is your close friend, the love of your life (or just your love right then), your mother, your brother. Along with that, there are times where seeing familiar scenes, having familiar foods, all of that can provide a sense of comfort - especially when you are sick, or stressed, or feel all alone.

Because of all of that, I believe that the most difficult thing about living abroad - even more difficult than language or navigating cultural differences - is not having family or close friends to be with you during hard times.

This is why it is so important that, when you move abroad, you begin to establish routines that make places and faces familiar:

Tips:

- start frequenting a favorite cafe or grocery store.
- speak to neighbors even briefly and be kind.
- join a club or find an activity where the same people will get used to seeing you.
- get off of social media regularly every day and take a walk.

Yes, learning how to get around, pay bills, understand a boss who is angry at you but in a different context from what you are used to - those can all be difficult to deal with when you live abroad.

Make yourself a safety net, then, build your nest in your apartment, put some familiar foods in your refrigerator, and widen your horizons while you create a sanctuary.

It will make living abroad more like Home. And the world is meant to be Our Home.

- Mrs. Davenport

Photo by Chema Photo on Unsplash

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From the Weekly Topic: The Most Difficult Thing about Living Abroad

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