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Most of us have some kind of place we call home. A place where we like to return because we feel there is a connection between us and that specific location. Generally we attach the idea of home to family and childhood friends.
When you are constantly on the road or when you live abroad, it’s hard to keep in touch with those who you care about. Thus spending time with family or old friends is something that happens only during the holidays. Basically once or twice per year. Unless they decide to come see you, wherever you are.
That in case you didn't get cheap on the airplane tickets and decided to postpone visiting them somewhere during the following year. I guess it all depends on the relationship you are having with your family/ friends.
Throughout the years you could not help yourself from noticing that somehow that vibrant connection you shared with your friends is not that strong anymore. You missed them, they missed you and when you finally meet, you realize there’s something missing.
The dynamic has changed. Most of their conversation topics are money related while you are trying to tell them about being zen and your self-exploration experiences.
After couple of hours together you realize that within the past years nothing has changed for them. They still aim to get a higher status, scale up their lifestyle and step over others to make it happen.
As a good friend, you lend them an ear while they talk about their struggle. The moment you dare to suggest a different approach to the situation, you are faced with condescension. You are being reminded that living abroad turned you into a different person that has lost the ability to comprehend the local political scene and the “way things work down” there.
Life went on for everyone. They married, raised kids, faced “real life problems”, whereas you “enjoyed the perks of living abroad, travelling the world." Once in a way you are called "crazy" for "dragging" your child with you wherever you went.
You call yourself a nomad, while they refer to you as a "gypsy". Somehow that remark reminds you of the days when you were young and used to have lots of fun together. Those memories are the reason why you still go visit them whenever you get a chance.
Everyone is under the impression your life has been only a bed of roses. That’s because you never asked for help. What would have been the point of saying anything about it if it was out of their reach? Why alerting them when there was nothing that they could have done for you? Pointless!
More you listen to them, more clear it gets that they have no idea who you are. They probably still don't know who they are. While being stuck within their bubble, they failed to notice that you have different interests. That your goals are not money driven and that you spend more time playing with their kids than actually talking to them.
The saddest thing is that this scenario is on replay for the past ten years. They even failed to acknowledge they wasted a decade running after money, neglecting their health and family. Their children grew and show no respect, the real estate bubble burst and the global economy threw their hopes into the gutter.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to re steemit or up vote it!
Please leave your feedback in the comments, I would love to hear your thoughts!
@2018 LaviPicu aka The Lyme Poet. All rights reserved.
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