ExpatWomen Confession:


Dear EW Girlfriend,

I’m about to move to Asia on a five-year work assignment. I haven’t admitted this to anyone, but one of my biggest fears is that moving to Asia could spell the end of genuine romance in my life. I’m 41 and do not want to give up on my dream of finding a life-companion and lover who I could maybe have children with and one day, retire with, after many happy years in between. Can you please help me know what to do to look for love whilst overseas?

JT

ExpatWomen Girlfriend:

Dear JT

Many women face this very issue of concern: finding love whilst living overseas. This applies whether they are in Asia, or in any other region of the world, so do not fear, you are not alone. Whilst it might not be as straightforward to find love in a different environment as it would be back home, there certainly are a lot of ways to meet potential partners even if you don’t live in your own country.

Getting involved in the social community is a key to meeting people. There are professional associations, Chamber of Commerce events, Embassy do’s that usually have a large variety of guests, and other events specific to your location.

You could also join a gym, or the local Hash House Harriers (which is a social running group for expatriates and locals in each big city of the world). Or join a language course, or sign up for other classes and/or interest groups that appeal to you.

Once you start building up a social network it will become easier to find someone you have things in common with and possibly romance. People in the same situation as yours gravitate toward each other, so you can share and enjoy their company and experiences. The international community has a tendency to network quickly, you’ll notice.

Be pro-active, go out and do some of the things mentioned above and you’re bound to bump into people you can socialize with. If you do find love, keep in mind that you’re there for a certain amount of time, so that when it’s time to leave you can prepare yourself and your partner in advance and decide to take your romance to the next level or not. It’s probably not a good idea to think about this every time you go out on a date – but do keep it in mind, if your relationship starts to get serious.

In addition to your local scene, don’t forget that may also meet people: at conferences (both in and out of your expat location); on home visits (back to your home location/country); on holidays (wherever you travel in the world!); online perhaps; and any other way/event/place where you interact with people.

Think ‘abundance’ and you never know, you might just get bucket-loads of love in your life. Wouldn’t that be great?! ;-)

ExpatWomen Girlfriend
June 2007 

Our New ExpatWomen Girlfriend is originally from The Netherlands. She has lived as an Expat Woman in India, Canada, Indonesia, Chile and Thailand – where she is currently a ‘trailing spouse’ to a husband of a different nationality to hers. She is a mother of two children, born in Asia, that have dual nationalities. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in European Communications (Marketing) and she will soon graduate from her Master of Science degree in Counselling Psychology. She works in a private mental health clinic, plus counsels expatriate women.

Disclaimer: This column is intended to be of general interest to ExpatWomen.com visitors. Its suggestions and/or inferences are generalisations and do not address the needs of individuals, nor should they be relied upon in any shape or form. Please seek professional advice/counselling/therapy If you genuinely need assistance to talk through issues in your life right now.