When I moved to France 25 years ago, I didn’t expect life to feel like an endless vacation (although if I’m being honest, I might have secretly hoped it would).
As someone who's lived through this exact transition, thank you for capturing what so many of us experience but can't quite put into words. The shift from "charming European bureaucracy" to "why does getting internet require three appointments and a blood sacrifice" is painfully accurate.
I remember thinking I was uniquely bad at being an expat because simple tasks felt impossibly difficult comparing to a home-land experience.
What really resonates is your point about the nervous system being on high alert. I never connected those dots, but it explains why everything felt so exhausting those first couple years. Back home, running errands was mindless. Here, every interaction requires mental preparation and leaves you drained.
The loneliness is real too. You can't just casually chat with the cashier or make small talk - suddenly you're analyzing every social cue wondering if you're being rude.
But you're absolutely right about finding that deeper, steadier love. Five years in, I can finally laugh about accidentally ordering liver instead of pasta, or showing up to a formal event in jeans because I misunderstood the dress code. Those nightmare moments become the stories that make you who you are.
Thank you for reminding us that struggling doesn't mean we're failing - it means we're human.
Thank you so much for sharing your story so beautifully! You’ve captured the rollercoaster perfectly, from the “blood sacrifice for internet” stage (so true!) to finally laughing at those early mishaps.
I’m so glad my writing resonated and helped connect some dots for you. Struggling truly doesn’t mean failing...it just means we’re all out here being brave humans, one unexpected liver dish at a time.
Sending you lots of cheers on your expat journey :)
As someone who's lived through this exact transition, thank you for capturing what so many of us experience but can't quite put into words. The shift from "charming European bureaucracy" to "why does getting internet require three appointments and a blood sacrifice" is painfully accurate.
I remember thinking I was uniquely bad at being an expat because simple tasks felt impossibly difficult comparing to a home-land experience.
What really resonates is your point about the nervous system being on high alert. I never connected those dots, but it explains why everything felt so exhausting those first couple years. Back home, running errands was mindless. Here, every interaction requires mental preparation and leaves you drained.
The loneliness is real too. You can't just casually chat with the cashier or make small talk - suddenly you're analyzing every social cue wondering if you're being rude.
But you're absolutely right about finding that deeper, steadier love. Five years in, I can finally laugh about accidentally ordering liver instead of pasta, or showing up to a formal event in jeans because I misunderstood the dress code. Those nightmare moments become the stories that make you who you are.
Thank you for reminding us that struggling doesn't mean we're failing - it means we're human.
Thank you so much for sharing your story so beautifully! You’ve captured the rollercoaster perfectly, from the “blood sacrifice for internet” stage (so true!) to finally laughing at those early mishaps.
I’m so glad my writing resonated and helped connect some dots for you. Struggling truly doesn’t mean failing...it just means we’re all out here being brave humans, one unexpected liver dish at a time.
Sending you lots of cheers on your expat journey :)
I loved this. Heartfelt, beautifully written and thoughtful. I really enjoyed this read! 🧡
Thanks a bunch, Amanda! I'm so happy to hear it resonated with you 🥰
Drop by and share your work anytime - I’ll always take the time to read, enjoy & share my thoughts! You’re very talented!!!
I'll be happy to share more with you in the future! Thanks so much for your support, it's very kind of you 💝
Looking forward to it 🥰
Beautifully written, great job!!
Thanks so much, Rozanna! Happy to hear you liked the article 😊
Fascinating to hear the perspective from someone who’s lived it. No matter what, it sounds like a huge growth experience!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Expat life has been a roller-coaster ride, for sure 🎢🎠🎡😊
Real talk🙌🏻
Thanks for reaching out! I'm happy to hear you liked my work 😊