Moving to a new country is a thrilling adventure, filled with the promise of new experiences, cultural discoveries, and personal growth. However, one of the most profound aspects of this journey to Portugal has been the opportunity to make new friends—a blessing that has enriched our lives in countless ways. When we stepped away from our familiar routines and faces back in 2022 I knew I was facing the possibility of being lonely, like really lonely. Little did I know that from the moment we stepped off the plane, our life was going to explode with adventures and we were also about to be blessed with an abundance of new amazing friendships.
The challenge of starting fresh was exciting and scary at the same time. I hated leaving my friends and family but I was also very excited about leaving my comfort zone. The whole reason the move to a new country even became a thought was because I was ready to “Live” life. I was ready to expand myself and my experiences.
One of the things we have discovered is that making friends in a new country has offered us a unique chance to see the world through fresh eyes. Our new friends have introduced us to traditions, cuisines, and customs we might never have discovered on our own. Every conversation, shared meal, or celebratory gathering becomes a lesson in understanding and appreciating diversity. Bonding with people who share the experience of navigating a new culture fosters an instant sense of camaraderie. We love chatting about everyone’s “Why” for moving to Portugal. These friendships often feel like a lifeline, offering empathy and support when the journey feels overwhelming. Trust me it does feel overwhelming sometimes but the connection with our new friends reminds us that we are all where we are suppose to be.
If you are thinking of making a bold move and afraid about what you will lose, keep these tips in mind and watch where they lead you ;-)
- Be Open and Approachable: Smile, say hello, and take the initiative to strike up conversations. A friendly demeanor can break down barriers and invite connection. Mike has grown big time in this area. Mike is uber smart and can yack it up with the best but he has never been comfortable meeting new people till this move. Now he is a pro.
- Join Local Communities: Participate in activities or groups that align with your interests—whether it’s a cooking class, sports team, or language exchange group. Shared interests create natural opportunities for bonding. For us joining the Padel Tennis group here at our resort has been a game changer. I was a tad scared to step up and play as I have never played before and it is an intesne game. But……. you have to say yes right? NO REGRETS, I love love love the game now.
- Embrace Vulnerability: Don’t be afraid to share your story and express your challenges. Authenticity fosters trust and deeper connections. Authenticity is non-negotiable for me. Sometimes, I share too much but I want to always be real and connect with people that connect with me.
- Celebrate Differences: Approach cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment. Asking questions and showing respect for others’ traditions can strengthen mutual understanding. We love practicing this one. I never dreamed I would live amongst so many different expats who foster different religions, cultural practices and ideas. I LOVE IT. I learn something new every day.
- Stay Persistent: Building friendships takes time. Be patient and keep putting yourself out there, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. There are times someone asks me to go to coffee and I would rather keep my ass on the couch with my book but that is not how friendships are built. I now pay more attention to the fact that friendships are a two-way street with effort AND I never regret saying yes,
The Lifelong Blessing
The friends you make while living abroad often become lifelong companions. They’re not just friends but part of your journey, your story, and your growth. The shared memories of navigating a foreign land, celebrating milestones, or simply laughing over cultural missteps create a bond that endures. We will never take this gift for granted.
Living in a new country is as much about discovering the world as it is about discovering yourself. The friends you make along the way are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of connection. They remind us that no matter where we come from, friendship knows no borders—and that is truly a blessing.
And to all of you that often wonder “why” we did it, this is WHY. No regrets :-)
PS: To all my family and friends back in the US please do not take this as I no longer value our relationships. I miss them all terribly. I hope you understand that we needed this growth in our lives. Love and miss you lots.
PSS: LOL I just noticed that poor Mike is cut out of most of these pictures ;-(
