5 years on...

I've been in the UK for 5 years now and I haven't made any real friends here - sure there is the occasional mom I meet up with, but there isn't anybody I talk to on a regular basis or feel very close with.
Ever since having Ethan, I've been really homesick.  Wayne is so busy with work and I just feel so lonely. I spend so much time on my own with just my son - I'd say 80% of my time is just him and I. I LOVE being a mom, but it's still very lonely & isolating and it's really wearing on me. I don't drive here & have a home business which doesn't help. I've done toddler & baby groups with little luck (starting a new one on Thursday) and have also done classes as well. I've joined a gym, a slimming world group & also tried being a consultant for a cosmetics company doing in home parties - All in the hope of making new friends.
I have had probably about a dozen different Moms over for play dates but sooner or later they all drop off. To be honest, I'm starting to get a complex! I never had trouble making friends before coming here. I've always had an easy time of it when it comes to a social life, but it's so hard for me in this country. 5 years is a long (lonely) time to go without friends.
Last week, Wayne got hurt at work and had to go to the emergency room. His family lives 4 hours away & I had nobody I could call to come babysit so I could go be with my husband. It's just not normal to live like this!
I miss my family and friends back home. I miss seamless conversation. I miss feeling like I belong. I'm so fed up with always feeling out of place and always being the only American in the room.

Comments

[Courtney]

I just found your blog and I can totally sympathize with you. I am also an American living in the UK. I have had a few 'girls' nights out' and come home so disappointed I just can't seem to connect with the Brits. I am quickly getting a reputation as 'That American Woman' at my daughter's school as I learn my way around the school system. Sooo frustrating. You are not alone, girl :)

[Courtney]

Thought I'd shoot you an email but couldn't for some reason. Don't know if it's my computer or the site. Anyway, I have been in the cosmetics business for about 10 years too. Hopefully I'm not sounding too desperate here, but I haven't run into too many Americans over here that I have that much in common with. I would love to exchange info if you ever want to unload.