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This is such an important reminder and so beautifully expressed! I had an intense struggle with loneliness during my first year living abroad and couldn't figure out why – no matter how much I tried to "put myself out there" – I wasn't making any strong connections. I tried all sorts of clubs, meetups, and societies but it wasn't until this year that I found spaces for myself in the local communities. It's all in trusting the timing and having patience with ourselves!

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Hi Kristen! Thanks for telling your story. Yes, it takes effort, but everything worthwhile takes effort and time, as you said. Glad to hear you are managing to get deeper connections now. :)

Where do you live?

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I say this all the time. People complain about not having friends who live near by. This is a pain – my solution: make friends who already live nearby.

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An old real estate rule of thumb is to find the cheapest place you can in an expensive neighborhood. Sounds like you’ve done something like that.

I wonder if loneliness is part of what’s driving people to the new Taylor Swift concert film — a place to be yourself with instant new friends for a few hours. Just an idle thought.

For binging, just finished season 2 of Annika on the U.S. PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). Even better than season 1.

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