Friendship [/ˈfrɛnd ʃɪp/]: A co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis.
(Lord Tennyson)
I don’t like to be part of a group but on the other hand I like to be part of groupS.
I’ve always been like that…I’m claustrophobic when it comes to be part of a small group that do everything together, see each other all the time. I like to have my options opened, I’m like a bee going from flowers to flowers or groups to groups. Being between two groups in the expat community serves me right… I usually have at least 2 groups to mingle with: the Frenchies and the English speakers and even within those two groups I tend to have sub group.
Maybe it’s my tendency of getting bored too easily or not wanting anyone to know every single thing about me.
I would be the first one to tell you that when you start to move around like we do (Expat’) you need to connect to people as fast as you can because you won’t survive without them. They are not your family but they almost become. Friendship abroad develops way faster than anywhere else because you share so much with each other, not only time but the ups and downs of your new life abroad. You might think that you have all you need back home but it’s not the same. It’s not the same talking on the phone and sharing you joy and sorrow around a cup of coffee. Your friend back home will be there but they cannot understand what you are going through, how could they (unless they lived where you are living right now). Expat are a breed apart. Unless you’ve done it yourself you’ll never know what it feels like. You might read about the cultural shock, but unless you experience it yourself you’ll never fully understand.
So all the people I met along the way being for 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month or 1 year you will always be part of me and I’ve cherish those moment spent together. I have been greatly enriched by our friendships.
Anais Nin (1903-1977) - author, diarist
