Why can't we be friends?
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to surivival.
-CS. Lewis
We all need space and yet we all need connection too. If you’re an introvert you could spend days to yourself without a need for words. After a few days or weeks though the solitude could take its toll. As an extrovert in a new place, being alone, you could be stuck with no one to even talk weather. Everyone wants someone to care about them. Someone to check in with, daily or every few days, to know that someone is invested in their life and thinking about them. These types of relationships are best face-to-face and while Skype does cure bouts of loneliness, it’s not the same as laughing over drinks at the pub.
It’s much different making friends abroad. If you move to another country and have no network of people or instant community like a university campus or workplace, you could be alone for weeks. If you’re an unaccompanied adventurer or quiet, you may not have anyone to hold the camera while you pose with the Leaning Tower. While struggling to make friends may be embarrassing or seem like elementary education, it's okay to read the below suggestions and take heed, because being away from home can be hard.
Danica Vidotto
VOIX Travel Editor
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-Find a community through social networks. Get on Facebook and join the expats group. Use meetup.com and attend events to find like-minded people. Use platforms like TravBuddy, InterNations or Couchsurfing to really feel planted in a city, gain advice and link to others.
-Unplug. Let go of your iPhone, your iPad and your iPod. Use your eyes instead. Smile at people passing or say Hello to those beside you on the bus. You’re much more approachable when you’re not wired in and those looking for friends will appreciate it as well.
-Stay in hostels. Hostels are melting pots for travelers. Often solo explorers stay there because and know that hostels become common ground.
-Listen. Listen instead of talk and take a sincere interest in the other person’s life. Keep your conversations short and sweet with the other person having the last word. Listen for people speaking English and then put your game face on.
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