Moving and living abroad is an amazing adventure, filled with endless possibilities and new experiences. But let's be honest, we're social creatures. So alongside all the excitement, there are certain adjustments we must make - some of which are related to our friendships, both new and old.

Things like cultural adaptation, social changes, international relationships, long-distance friendships, and making new friends are key. Although it might feel like 'another task' - there is a lot of positive in this adjustment process too. Let's get into this.

Friend. [frend] noun. Someone who is aware of how 'special' you are and still agree to be seen with you in public. Who can make you laugh until you pee your pants; even from the other side of the world.

Isn't it wild when two complete strangers, turn into genuine friends?

It always fascinates us, this 'click' or 'Aha moment' when you realize this person you've been getting to know . . . is actually becoming your friend. We never really know how and when it happens, it just does. And it feels pretty awesome when it happens, right?!
As adults, creating new friendships can be challenging. We don't have that many interactions with new people as we used to have before. Maybe we're just making it more complicated than it is. Look how kids are doing it, simple, right?

Either way, because we are social creatures (some more than others, we know), we make sure we have friends around.​

(Photo by Matheus G.O on Unsplash)

We have our friendships from back home - and they are super valuable to us. But somewhere down the road, we might lose some of those. At the same time, we want a friend in the new country where we live (maybe more than one) with who we can meet for a cup of coffee.

So we tend to stay where it is "comfortable" & known. We accumulate and hold onto friendships that no longer serve a purpose or that we have any pleasure in them. Or we try to make new friendships mainly with others that speak the same native language as us. Because it seems like they'll get us better, and it will definitely be easier to communicate with them.

Don't get us wrong, most of us also keep in touch with excellent friends that we should continue to have in our lives! And making new friends who speak the same language, is actually a smart move - for a start at least.​

Friendships exist for a purpose. They should make us feel good and give us as much as it requires from us. It is not about the number of times you talk or meet. It's about the feelings.

How does this person, this friendship, make you feel?

When we find ourselves in a new place, new country, it is actually a great opportunity to ask ourselves "Am I in a positive, healthy friendship?". It's true for both our friendships back home, and the new one where we currently live. Why? Simply because it's easier. We're physically afar, so we can look at this connection from a different angle.

Like everything in life, nothing is black or white, same goes for friendships. We all have ups and downs - that's normal. But overall when you think of a friend, how does he/she make you feel? And be honest with yourself.

Maybe some friendships should become secondary, while others take the lead. Maybe it's time to invest more in a certain friendship, or create new ones.

It really is up to you. You decide who you have in your life - so make sure you have the right one with you - and thank them for being your friends! We talked a little bit more about it here, check it out.

(Photo by Budgeron Bach on Pexels)