Alone

To everyone feeling alone, know that it's not unusual for expats to feel this way. It's not something to ignore, but hopefully it feels less insurmountable knowing that you're not alone in feeling alone.

A quick look at the homesickness and hard times branch will show you that others feel the same way (and have for years) and there are some good suggestions of things to do, too.

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?board=68.0

Sometimes all we need to do is voice our stress and worries to feel better. The UK Yankee community is a great place for that.

It's not just expats, our society and work patterns are changing so that everyone is getting more isolated.  I read an article in the Guardian  a few months back that talked about the increasing number of people who want to get married but lack even one friend they can ask to be their best man/bridesmaid. 

I'm happy that people can talk about this without feeling shame.  Karlee, good luck with your appointment.

Funny you mention the bridesmaid/usher situation. Was talking to my friend the other day who's planning her wedding / hen do and I was laughing saying if I had to plan mine again I don't even know who I'd invite and that it'd end up being her, me, and my dog! lol

When I got married at the courthouse, we got a guy out of the driver license line to witness. Have a picture with him.

When I got married at the courthouse, we got a guy out of the driver license line to witness. Have a picture with him.

If I'm honest, that kind of sounds more romantic and meaningful than some of the most lavish weddings.

The more expensive and lavish the wedding, the sooner the divorce.  At least that's what some people say, I rarely attend lavish weddings .

The more expensive and lavish the wedding, the sooner the divorce.  At least that's what some people say, I rarely attend lavish weddings .

Obviously not true for everybody, but I can say that this was true for my SIL...They literally split before a year after planning a quite expensive wedding and she admitted that it was probably subconsciously a way to "show their love" or at least make it appear that way. Was just unfortunate But I digress...

Is there an active meet-up group on here by any chance? I just don't recall if I'd seen any as of let.

I'd be happy to meet up somewhere near London, although I'll drink a lot less this time!

I'd be happy to meet up somewhere near London, although I'll drink a lot less this time!

Where abouts are you?

I'm in Twickenham, so I can meet anywhere near London.

Is there an active meet-up group on here by any chance? I just don't recall if I'd seen any as of let.

There's a UK Yankee meetings and events branch here:
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?board=20.0



AFAIK, there are no regular meet up groups on UK Yankee, but if you arrange it, they will come. I know we had about 10-15 people for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in London a few years ago.

There's a UK Yankee meetings and events branch here:
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?board=20.0



AFAIK, there are no regular meet up groups on UK Yankee, but if you arrange it, they will come. I know we had about 10-15 people for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in London a few years ago.

Thanks TravelingFrog! I've seen that branch on here but I wasn't sure how active it was! Good to know that people do actually turn up if an event is planned! Might have to get something sorted!

Hey Neveen, did you see that there are at least 4 people responding who have also felt lonely enough that they felt they had to do something about it.

Yea I see Sorry it took me a bit to respond been working a lot last few days, I'm feeling a bit better, I think I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed and wanted to air out my angst, I suck at forums tbh, I think this was my second post ever on here and the first one I think was asking about visas or something and then 2 years later my depressing post. Sorry about that, I just need to get out there and try to adapt better.
If anyone is in the West midlands area and wants to hang or chit chat let me know, I live in Dudley.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, it means a lot, it really does. In a weird way I feel a bit better knowing it can be normal to feel a bit alone in these situations and that it isn't unusual. Thanks again.

Yea I see Sorry it took me a bit to respond been working a lot last few days, I'm feeling a bit better, I think I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed and wanted to air out my angst, I suck at forums tbh, I think this was my second post ever on here and the first one I think was asking about visas or something and then 2 years later my depressing post. Sorry about that, I just need to get out there and try to adapt better.
If anyone is in the West midlands area and wants to hang or chit chat let me know, I live in Dudley.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words, it means a lot, it really does. In a weird way I feel a bit better knowing it can be normal to feel a bit alone in these situations and that it isn't unusual. Thanks again.

Glad you're feeling a bit better.

Did you take up any of the suggestions given?

You're welcome to vent as much as you want here, Neveen. I'm sure you'll find people here who can relate.

Also, I don't think it's possible to 'suck' at forums. You can use them in whatever way you want - posting regularly with questions, irregularly with vents, wallflowering without joining in on discussions... whatever you want to do and however you want to use the forum is up to you. 

I'm in Twickenham, so I can meet anywhere near London.

So funny. After all these years somebody else is in Twickenham!
I spent so long feeling just like this post. Even today I joke about the "almost-friends" I've made here--we chat on the street, we almost have a cup of tea.
Hang in there.