You’ve been counting down for weeks — your visit home is almost here! It will be great, but you should also prepare for some less-expected feelings or experiences.
Inside, a well of feelings is coming up: stress from having to organise everything, mixed with excitement to see people you’ve only talked to over the phone for months.
But one thing you may not realise is that, when you get home, it isn’t really ‘home’ anymore. After all, what — or where — is home for you?
Yeah, we get it. So, as you get comfortable in that chair that you only get to see once or twice a year, here are five things you may find out.
1. You missed some people so much…
It’s so easy to get caught up in your daily life abroad that you don’t realise the chemistry you have with some people and the connection you miss by not being there.
Luckily, it’s as if no time has passed with said people. Sure, there’s a lot of catching up to do, but that connection is still there.
2. …and other people are just filler
Everybody has some acquaintances they hang out with because they’re friends of friends, or because you’re in the same circle, or because you are otherwise obliged.
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When you come back to visit, though, your time is limited, and you’ve got to see so many relatives and friends that you have to prioritise. Essentially, you’ll cut out the niceties and see the people you care about.
3. Downtime is precious
This is not a holiday. Sure, you’re not working, but you’re not visiting an exciting new place either.
You’re possibly experiencing A LOT of pressure from all the commitments you have. So make sure you have some quiet time, too — especially if you’ve gotten used to living alone and are suddenly surrounded by people 24/7.
4. Life at ‘home’ goes on, with or without you
Everyone’s happy you’re back, but that doesn’t mean they have to put life on hold just because yours temporarily is. This can come as a hard realisation if you try to meet up with people who already have plans of their own, work, or family obligations.
“But I’ve travelled all this way and taken days off! Can’t they meet me halfway?”
Yes, and you can make them understand that; but however tough a pill it is to swallow, you’re the one who left.
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Our advice is simple: make your availability known in advance, try to plan a few big get-togethers, and confirm them well before your arrival.
Don’t take it personally if some of these fall through, especially if you’re from a culture where planning isn’t as high a priority as in the Netherlands!
5. The Netherlands is now your home too
After a few days, you’ll start missing the Netherlands too. Who would’ve thought, huh? Of course, you have a whole other life there, and the fact that you probably had to build it all by yourself makes it all the more ‘lived’ in a way.
@flossys_wonderland To anyone who has moved to a new country, or a new city, you are brave and strong and you are not alone❤️ Inspo: @dubrovcik 🫶🏼 #movingabroad #expat #expatlife #expatliving #livingabroad #livingabroadlife #amsterdam ♬ original sound – lizzyparkin
You’re caught between two worlds: the familiarity of your old home and the independence of your new one!
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It isn’t always great, I’ll give you that, but you can also see it as getting the best of both. And luckily, at least for some of us, these two worlds aren’t too far apart!
What do you experience when returning home as an expat? Tell us in the comments below!
