When relocating to Dubai, there is so much to get through. Once the long list of things is completed – it is time to deal with the emotional side.
Especially when you move and become a Housewife, you naturally fall into being the go-to person for the family. For example, when the kids are struggling settling at school or the husband with work. It is nice knowing you are the rock for the family when they need support on their new endeavors. However, do you have anything left within you to support yourself?
I speak to so many women that say the first year of relocating to Dubai was the hardest. You are trying to get your head around things we usually take for granted like which shop to get groceries or what the social etiquette is. When you add the isolation of being in the home all day, it can snowball into a flurry of negative emotions. So many women suffer in silence – believing maybe it is just them that is finding it hard. The unknown, along with the isolation can turn to self-doubt or lack of confidence, even for the strongest of women.
This is totally normal, and nothing has gone wrong. You just need to spend some time with yourself and process the emotions and thoughts that you are going through – without judgment. Once you allow yourself to feel sad, lonely or maybe even regretful – it is important to understand that it will not always be this hard and there are things you can do to help you get more positive.
6 Tips to get more Social:
- School is a great place to start. Maybe join the PTA where you can meet other parents and try to meet other parents on the school run. Even if it is a brief Hello and introduction. I find most people love helping new parents with helpful tips in Dubai.
- If you have a hobby or interest, check out events for these. This is a great way to meet like-minded people doing something you love.
- When shopping, it is so tempting to order everything online. As painful and long as it may be – try to get out. You get a great feel for what Dubai has to offer and also get out the house.
- Look for groups on social media – go to events that these communities create. There are so many expats in Dubai in the same position as you. I find a lot of people in Dubai like to create new friends as most people leave loved ones back home are also looking to build a network of friendships just like you.
- Once you start to socialise, try to arrange to meet with them regularly – I find a lot of people love a good coffee.
- Most expat communities arrange events for the community. For example, Arabian Ranches arranged a Halloween party for residents last year.
It takes time to form relationships that feel comfortable. You really will get there if you keep chipping away.
Try to meet as many people as you can. Most of these interactions will just be a pleasant chat – but some can form into real connections and friendships.
People often do not want to start the conversation as they do not know how. A great place to start is asking the person questions about themself while also sharing information about yourself. If nothing comes out of a conversation – it doesn’t mean you are not good enough. They may have things going on in their life that they have nothing to offer you now, which is totally understandable. The problem is when we internalise this as a form of rejection. Just move on with the confidence that, with time, you will end up meeting your kind of people.
Contact me via the Website, Email or Social Media if you would like to explore other ways I can help you get through Relocation Isolation or for more information with other areas I can help with overcoming issues expats face.
