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home sickness

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 16:23

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness!

I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland)

I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere.

I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself.

It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself.

Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive!

Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated!

Log in to post new content in the forum.

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 August 2017 - 10:43

Hi Guys, Yes definitely, would be lovely to meet for a coffee! Please see the above details and we can chat on FB! I find it a lot easier than using this forum!

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 August 2017 - 09:51

Hey Ladies. i've been in Dubai for the last 1.5 years, same thing. I have some acquaintances here and there, but nobody special enough to be close. I am 27, My name is Marina. I'm from Ukraine. Let me know, if anyone would like to meet up for a coffee, preferably Dubai Marina area. Cheers! Marina :)

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 August 2017 - 09:29

Hi Ladies! I am the same, moved here two weeks ago met a couple of people but they are a bit older than me (+30years!). I'd love to meet up for a quick coffee or something! I am 23 from London and am a teacher! Charlotte

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 July 2017 - 16:08

Hi Ladies, We've recently moved out here too and not so much homesick but definitely struggling with meeting people - let me know if you do organise a catch up would love to join in! x

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 July 2017 - 09:06

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hello Rhea! I feel the exact same as you! I've been here since Feb this year but unfortunately, no new friends yet. I have acquaintances from work, gym, some people I know from home, but no one to hang out with on the weekends or anyone to rant to when I'm stressed about work, boys, etc. I'm an outgoing type of person and I feel like I'm missing out a lot because it's no fun doing things on your own. Hope we can connect somehow. It would amazing to find lasting friendships out here in the desert! :) Abby xx Hi! Definitely, it seems really difficult to meet proper friends out here! I always find it a bit hard to communicate via these threads so feel free to whatsapp me 0 5 0 9 8 8 3 4 6 7 or add me on Facebook (rhea destains)! xx

16

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 July 2017 - 02:45

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hi, I've only been here a couple of days and I feel exactly the same! I think it would be good to arrange a meet up, if anyone is interested? Not sure if it might be a good idea to start a separate thread...... ?

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 July 2017 - 23:42

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hello Rhea! I feel the exact same as you! I've been here since Feb this year but unfortunately, no new friends yet. I have acquaintances from work, gym, some people I know from home, but no one to hang out with on the weekends or anyone to rant to when I'm stressed about work, boys, etc. I'm an outgoing type of person and I feel like I'm missing out a lot because it's no fun doing things on your own. Hope we can connect somehow. It would amazing to find lasting friendships out here in the desert! :) Abby xx

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 July 2017 - 23:42

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hello Rhea! I feel the exact same as you! I've been here since Feb this year but unfortunately, no new friends yet. I have acquaintances from work, gym, some people I know from home, but no one to hang out with on the weekends or anyone to rant to when I'm stressed about work, boys, etc. I'm an outgoing type of person and I feel like I'm missing out a lot because it's no fun doing things on your own. Hope we can connect somehow. It would amazing to find lasting friendships out here in the desert! :) Abby xx

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 June 2017 - 21:56

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hi, I completely understand how you feel. I moved out to Dubai at the beginning of May, I'm 26 and from the UK and I am really missing home at the moment and feel like I'm struggling to meet like minded people. I'm not really into sports which is a shame as I've heard it's a great way to meet people! If you'd ever like to meet up just let me know, always willing to meet a friend - and remember that everyone person who has moved out here will have been in the same position as you when they first came out, so I'm sure most people will be willing to reach out to you, as I'm sure you will do the same to newbies when you've overcome your homesickness. Take care and I wish you the best. J Hi Jeni, I hope your settling in a bit more now and sorry for the delayed response I don't seem to get notifications (I'm not sure if that's a thing on here)! I'm the exact same everyone says to join the gym etc but sadly that's not really me so it's though to know we're to meet people! If would be great to meet up if you still fancy it! Maby at the mall and can grab a coffee or something? (feel free to whatsapp me on 0 5 0 9 8 8 3 4 6 7 and we can arrange something! :)!

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 June 2017 - 21:48

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hey! I moved out here in March and struggling too! I'm from Scotland, moved out due to partners work and cant find myself a job so I think that's making it a lot worse for me! I know when I do go out and socialise it does make me feel better. Try do fun things with your boyfriend on days off and make the most of it. Did you have a job lined up before you came out? Definitely up for meeting up if you fancy it? even for a coffee or something! (inside somewhere with good AC) ha.xx Hi Rebekah! It would be great to meet up! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you's I've only just seen your comments! Let me know when your available! (feel free to whatsapp me 0 5 0 9 8 8 3 4 6 7) and we can meet up at one of the malls and grab a coffee? I didn't have anything before I came out work wise but luckily my partner managed to get me a few interviews so it didn't take too long to find something! Hope your settling in well and have managed to find work if your looking! :)

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 May 2017 - 12:22

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! HI Rhea, I am yet to move there ( moving there in August) but I have already got things in place to help with the home sickness at least for the short term. One. I will Skype with my daughters a couple of times a week. That's a given. Two. We are bringing with us snippets of home ( as in pics and such) as well as favorite foods we will not necessarily be able to get in the UAE. We are Australian so it will be vegemite, tim tams, as example) and have left strict instructions with my daughters to send more over every 3 months or so. I am saying that those pieces of HOME you're used to, being sent over in little care packages by your parents or your sister every now and then, may at least help a little? Also, know your family are with you always, regardless of distance. I took my first OS trip when I was around your age and the above measures I mentioned helped me then as they will later this year. Certainly it doesn't hep the full on home-sickness, but at least you have a little piece of home with you always. BTW when my daughters home over to visit us, perhaps you guys can meet up. My eldest is 25. No doubt they will be back and forth over the years we will be living in Sharjah.

5

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 May 2017 - 17:49

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hey! I moved out here in March and struggling too! I'm from Scotland, moved out due to partners work and cant find myself a job so I think that's making it a lot worse for me! I know when I do go out and socialise it does make me feel better. Try do fun things with your boyfriend on days off and make the most of it. Did you have a job lined up before you came out? Definitely up for meeting up if you fancy it? even for a coffee or something! (inside somewhere with good AC) ha.xx

107

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 09:27

It will take time to adapt to living here. You will find friends don't worry but it takes time. Did you try meeting your neighbors? how about people at the gym?

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 May 2017 - 21:09

Hi, looking for some advice on homesickness! I moved to Dubai in February and I'm really struggling. My partner is also out here but other than that I am finding it hard to meet people that are a similar age and have similar interests. (I'm 23 and from Scotland) I thought it would be easier when I found work however the job I am in it is mainly males that work here. They are all nice and I get on with them but it isn't the same as building proper friendships. The few women that do work here are from very different backgrounds and despite my attempts to build relationships with them it isn't going anywhere. I was very close to my family back home and this is the first time I have ever been away (I was living with my parents and twin sister before the move out here), so it's hard being by myself. It doesn't help that I also feel trapped being tied into contracts for housing etc and pretty soon a car (needed for work), money wise there are no problem (thankfully) but even with money to do things it isn't very fun if you have to do it by yourself. Looking for suggestions on where to meet people in the same positions or how I can try and pick myself up a bit. I went to one of the coffee mornings when I first arrived and everyone was lovely but I'm not that outgoing so it can be quite daunting! I also don't want to come across as needy or pathetic as everyone seems to already have friends .. logically I know this probably isn't the case but as I'm not feeling great my mind tends to go into overdrive! Any thoughts on how to overcome this would be really appreciated! Hi, I completely understand how you feel. I moved out to Dubai at the beginning of May, I'm 26 and from the UK and I am really missing home at the moment and feel like I'm struggling to meet like minded people. I'm not really into sports which is a shame as I've heard it's a great way to meet people! If you'd ever like to meet up just let me know, always willing to meet a friend - and remember that everyone person who has moved out here will have been in the same position as you when they first came out, so I'm sure most people will be willing to reach out to you, as I'm sure you will do the same to newbies when you've overcome your homesickness. Take care and I wish you the best. J

311

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 May 2017 - 18:49

Well, story of our life, isn't it? We came about 20 years back and in so many years, we got over the homesickness but real relationships are a few to name. One got to really make effort to find people with whom you CAN jive and build relationship. Rest all is transactional. Yes, the way how we found few of those best friends was through common interest activities. Some people just clicked - rest didn't matter. We tried beaches, parks, malls, weekend dinners, Prayer groups, groups online (4x4 group if someone remembers used to get together & head into the desert) The tough part of the year is ahead. Plan else these June, July, August can be seriously challenging. One thing we did - we didn't give up. Here we are now with children growing up and silverline on our head too :) Make a conscious effort to find new focus. Good luck.

191

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2017 - 11:22

My own experience, and what I have seen many expats go through... homesickness lasts almost a year, I have seen some leave just cause they are so homesick they dont think its worth it... but those who stick around dont regret it. I think its pretty natural what you are going through, just take the good advice given here and keep trying to make friend and this too shall pass :)

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2017 - 09:53

Hi Rhea, Ill be moving out to Dubai in July from Scotland also and im leaving behind a close family network. maybe we can get in contact. it will be nice to have someone from home! Hi Scotsmama, That would be lovely! Once you are over and settled let me know and we arrange something. Hope everything with your move goes smoothly! :)

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 May 2017 - 14:35

Hi Rhea, Ill be moving out to Dubai in July from Scotland also and im leaving behind a close family network. maybe we can get in contact. it will be nice to have someone from home!

7

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2017 - 14:20

Thanks for all the great advise, I really do appreciate it :) I will definitely find more time to get out there and attend some different groups! I hadn't heard of meetup before now but I have signed up!

27

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2017 - 13:50

Sorry Rhea93...everyone has been so lovely, I'm going to try and give you my experience as a bit of 'tough love'...and it is intended as love! Like you, I moved here alone from the UK six years ago, and knew just one person here who was busy with her own family. Like you the first few months were all about setting up my home, and I like the advice above from leonee about making your home feel like home. After I was set up at home, I felt like you - really lonely. And then I had to try to get out and make friends, I went to gyms, group exercise classes, golf lessons, joined groups of other girls for ladies nights (meetup.com) and went to college in the evening to learn a new skill and meet other people. It's difficult and sometimes you can't be bothered but you won't make friends staying at home (that's the tough love part) I honestly know it's difficult - but push yourself if you can, say yes to every invitation! Like the other ladies have said, all expats have had those difficult few months, and as people come and go here a lot, even after six years you have to force yourself to get out there and meet new people and enjoy the exciting mix of cultures. Find something you love or a skill you've always wanted to learn, once you have something in common, be brave and strike up a conversation. Wishing you the best of luck LJ

19

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2017 - 13:21

I know this feeling too well and can totally relate. The only way that worked so far for me, was either to recreate the home atmosphere that i had in the UK and i also immersed myself in work that I no longer had time to think. I would say try to get comfortable as you can with the new place. Add your touch to it and make it as close as it can get to your ideal or previous home. This would give you a homely feel. Hang in there dear because time is the best healer of homesickness.

163

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 May 2017 - 10:19

I can understand how you must feel. Perhaps you must find a nice hobby or sport that you like to get some distraction and possibly build a friendship from there. Are go to any Scottish UK get to gethers more often? it is not easy being away from home, however, I do think Dubai is one of the easiest places to live as a foreigner because everyone is from abroad here, so it is easier to mingle and connect. It is not like other countries where you would need to integrate slowly into the society. here things go quicker and smoother. Having said that, we have children so that makes mingling also easy as I meet a lot of parents and became friends with them. Try to get the best out of your Dubai experience, do not focus on getting friends but getting experience and enjoying the small things like the amazing desert, the nice beaches, sunsets,... and things will grow from there. best regards to you!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 20:44

Hi ☺ Everybody settles differently without family around, maybe skype home as often as possible.

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