Comments on: Living Abroad: What Is It Like When You’re An Introvert Or HSP? http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/ Helping you thrive in your life abroad Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:57:06 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Being an introvert abroad | Winning Away Expat Tips & Resources http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-405 Being an introvert abroad | Winning Away Expat Tips & Resources Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:55:01 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-405 [...] may remember that last year I was wondering about expatriation and [...] [...] may remember that last year I was wondering about expatriation and [...]

]]> By: Emmanuelle Archer http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-204 Emmanuelle Archer Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:09:47 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-204 Hi Annelise, Thank you for this very interesting perspective! I really love what you said about being able to focus on your experience and not worry about coming across as unfriendly or having to communicate with native speakers. That sounds so liberating, and I don't see it as particularly selfish - rather, it's a specific set of circumstances that happens to work well for introverts, so you might as well enjoy it! Have a great evening, Emmanuelle Hi Annelise,

Thank you for this very interesting perspective!

I really love what you said about being able to focus on your experience and not worry about coming across as unfriendly or having to communicate with native speakers. That sounds so liberating, and I don’t see it as particularly selfish – rather, it’s a specific set of circumstances that happens to work well for introverts, so you might as well enjoy it!

Have a great evening,
Emmanuelle

]]> By: Annelise http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-203 Annelise Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:56:57 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-203 I've been an expat in Taiwan and Switzerland. I think living overseas, particularly in a country where you don't speak the language, is very comfortable for introverts--at least, if you're not moving there permanently and don't feel the need to put down roots. As soon as people realize you can't really speak to them, you're of the hook and don't have to worry about communicating. That sounds selfish and I guess it is...but then you can focus on your own family or your experience of the place and not worry about being perceived as unfriendly. I love going to places where I can be truly anonymous. I wouldn't want to live my whole life that way, but every now and then it's a relief for a change. The people who continue trying to talk to you regardless are usually kind and friendly sorts that even an introvert will enjoy talking to. Additionally, if you get involved in the expat community you typically make friends fast. This jumpstart is very helpful for an introvert. I’ve been an expat in Taiwan and Switzerland. I think living overseas, particularly in a country where you don’t speak the language, is very comfortable for introverts–at least, if you’re not moving there permanently and don’t feel the need to put down roots. As soon as people realize you can’t really speak to them, you’re of the hook and don’t have to worry about communicating. That sounds selfish and I guess it is…but then you can focus on your own family or your experience of the place and not worry about being perceived as unfriendly. I love going to places where I can be truly anonymous. I wouldn’t want to live my whole life that way, but every now and then it’s a relief for a change.

The people who continue trying to talk to you regardless are usually kind and friendly sorts that even an introvert will enjoy talking to. Additionally, if you get involved in the expat community you typically make friends fast. This jumpstart is very helpful for an introvert.

]]> By: Emmanuelle Archer http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-196 Emmanuelle Archer Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:07:39 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-196 Hi chehaw, thanks for your comment! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your three years in Belgium! I have family roots there, and I used to love spending time in Brussels back when I was still living in France. Many people call Brussels boring, but I beg to differ - I find it a fascinating, truly cosmopolitan and charming city. Sure, it may be less flashy than other capital cities... and I for one like its understated charms. Introverts may well have a special talent for uncovering the beauty of more low-key destinations, where you get to roam the city at your own pace until it feels as comfortable as a favourite sweater... Hi chehaw, thanks for your comment!

I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your three years in Belgium! I have family roots there, and I used to love spending time in Brussels back when I was still living in France.

Many people call Brussels boring, but I beg to differ – I find it a fascinating, truly cosmopolitan and charming city. Sure, it may be less flashy than other capital cities… and I for one like its understated charms.

Introverts may well have a special talent for uncovering the beauty of more low-key destinations, where you get to roam the city at your own pace until it feels as comfortable as a favourite sweater…

]]> By: The Introspective Expat | Winning Away Expat Tips & Resources http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-193 The Introspective Expat | Winning Away Expat Tips & Resources Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:14:26 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-193 [...] still musing on the subject of expatriation and introversion, I happened upon this quote by Lawrence Durrell: “Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms [...] [...] still musing on the subject of expatriation and introversion, I happened upon this quote by Lawrence Durrell: “Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms [...]

]]> By: chehaw http://www.winningaway.com/living-abroad-what-is-it-like-when-you%e2%80%99re-an-introvert-or-hsp/comment-page-1/#comment-188 chehaw Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:50:24 +0000 http://www.winningaway.com/?p=1772#comment-188 For three years, I was an expat living in Brussels, and I loved it. At first it's overwhelming, moving to a city and a culture that is unknown. But I think it's as perfect a city as you'll find for introverts--you can wander the city safely, pop into a cafe and sit alone with a book or your thoughts. The language barrier wasn't much of a problem, either--shopkeepers switched to English after hearing my awful French. You do meet some interesting and intriguing people from all over  there, and that makes the experience worthwhile.    For three years, I was an expat living in Brussels, and I loved it. At first it’s overwhelming, moving to a city and a culture that is unknown. But I think it’s as perfect a city as you’ll find for introverts–you can wander the city safely, pop into a cafe and sit alone with a book or your thoughts. The language barrier wasn’t much of a problem, either–shopkeepers switched to English after hearing my awful French. You do meet some interesting and intriguing people from all over  there, and that makes the experience worthwhile. 

 

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