This is about...

Many people understand friendship but when it comes to distance, it is far more difficult. It’s been several years since I moved aboard and I have met nice friends from work and locals with different personal histories. It is rare to meet people with the same background or culture near-by, whereas if I lived in the capital city of the country, it would be easy to spot a few. I am not living in the capital city or in the countryside but a suburban area. Everything to me is distance, from and to work, to shop or even just to go to cinema: driving is always necessary.

Nowadays, the best way to make friends seems to be to go online (no, not compare.com). I know some people who have the same cultural background from a forum which comments on a wide range of daily matters about living abroad. Somehow they are spread up and down the country, very distant from each other, but it has made me interested to visit the forum often. I like the idea of sharing the experiences with other members within the forum, also understanding how other people cope with life in a foreign country. I am also aware that there are gathering events happening, however the majority of them would take place in the city rather than in the suburban area; perhaps I miss out all the gossip but I definitely enjoy my peace and quiet.

Once upon a time, I thought I was independent enough to live aboard; eventually I found ways to balance myself between working and studying. Filling up my free time to socialise with others by doing volunteer work and helping out with the local community activities are ways to make my life more involved with others no matter where I am. Friends are important, and are even better when family are not around.

So what does "friend" mean to you? For me, a few life long friends would be far better than tons of friends, who are only suitable for having fun with (gossip, drinking or shopping etc). I look out for life long friends, it is already hard enough to find even in your country of birth; never mind now, in a foreign country. The interesting thing is: I have found it easier to be friends with locals than people from home. For instance:

• People are more independent here than from home
• People make efforts and feel more appreciation
• There are no "Should" or "Should Not", only do it when you think it is right and necessary.
• People make decisions based on personal need rather than for others happiness.
• Speak up and stand out.
• People let things go more easily and happy to accept other opinions.
• There is less worry: when something crops up then it is fixed.
  

These are personal experiences, it doesn’t mean everyone has the same thought; you may come across with different idea. Nevertheless, living abroad truly makes your mind open and that is all the matter.