Just awhile ago, a friend of mine has told me that my current life looked comfy and cozy. Well, I am delighted if anyone would think so. But it’s probably just because of things that they see on my instagram stories.
I have been showing them slices of living abroad. The glittering blue skies, the beautiful sunset, the shimmering ocean, the road trips, the coffee dates, the sofa indulgement, and even me picking up laundry seems cozy, for anyone who is dreaming to be away from home.
But, there is one thing that is always missing from the picture. Yes, another human being. My social life is pretty much drained out right now. No daily hangouts with friends, meet ups for breakfast, mall strolling with the girls, none of that. It’s just mostly me at home, with my cat.
So, is living abroad indeed lonely?
You probably won’t believe me, but my answer is DEPEND.
When I was single ready to mingle, I lived in New Delhi for 2 years as part of an interneship program in one of international hotel chains that was based in India. My life was far away from being lonely. Life was thrilling. I was thriving. Met new friends, went for dates, got new boyfriends, went for trips between cities and whatever happened in between. All the while juggling the work and attending classes.
I think the age and the reason why you live abroad certainly play a part on whether your life is going to be lonely or not.
I remember the first time I moved abroad as a mom of two toddlers I was desperate of finding new friends. I would spend my mornings peeking from our big window that was facing the swimming pool just to check if any moms with toddlers had come to spend time at the pool. Our apartment was next to the complex’s swimming pool so if I had a friend in a similar situation like mine it would be awesome to relax together by the pool with our children.
No, I had no luck. Apparently, spending the day at the pool under summer heat was not a good idea for anyone. When winter came, it was too cold to sit outside.
Now, I am back in this living abroad journey but with different situation. My toddlers are now teenagers. They spend most of their time at school or in their rooms. I have the whole day just for myself (and my cat). Ironically, at this time I have no rush to make new friends. I really enjoy my solitude.
I get to spend every day with a relaxing morning coffee. Then I will play some games on my ipad or play with my cat. Now and then I get in touch with my team back home and I even start working on personal projects like drawing and designing digital stickers and planners. When my mood is there I go on netflix to watch some kdramas.
Right now I would say in my pretty solitary life, living abroad CAN be lonely sometimes but definitely NOT boring.
But that’s just me.
PS: Let’s connect with me on the other side!
Shelorina’s Corner 
Leave a comment