I realise this is the kind of question that will elicit completely different answers depending on each person personal situation, but anyway, I am curious to hear about other people’s stories.

I have been living in the UK for nearly eight years and I can’t say I have one really close friend who is British, and this is despite being very well integrated here (my partner is English).

I’ve heard endless experiences from other expats that are similar to mine, where most if not all their closest friends are other expats. This could be just a London thing, simply because of the amount of foreigners here. Also I am in my mid fourties, so establishing meaningful relationships is simply harder (no offense, but I am not that interested about hearing how you, a 20 something, has plenty of British friends).

I am not asking how to make friends, thank you, I can figure out that joining a club or volunteering or whatever is a great way. I am mostly curious to hear from others if this is a common experience.

  • Cheesefriequeen@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I have been in the UK for almost 6 years (I’m 34) and 2023 was the year I really started making friends . I would say I’m friendly with lots of people but only have 2ish close friends. I am from the States and none of my friends are expats, which I am fine with.

    I have a small business along side my day job so that has put me in spaces to meet lots of different people. I am not too bothered about having really close friends but understand why it’s important. I feel like even if I’m not super close with lots of people, the casual friendships are still meaningful in their own way.