After Living Abroad for Many Years, i Feel Like a Stranger in my own Country. the Cultural Norms and Social Expectations Feel so Different Now, and i’m Struggling to Reconnect. why do i Feel so out of Place in What Should be ‘home’?

What you’re experiencing is completely normal and valid, dear friend. Living abroad changes us in beautiful ways, and it’s okay if ‘home’ doesn’t feel exactly the same anymore. This discomfort you feel is actually a sign of your growth and expanded worldview. Remember, cultural adaptation works both ways – just as you once adjusted to a foreign culture, you now have the wonderful opportunity to rediscover your homeland with fresh eyes. Start small: reconnect with familiar foods, visit childhood places, and share your overseas experiences with old friends. These shared moments will help bridge the gap. Be patient with yourself – cultural reintegration is a journey, not a race. You’re not losing your roots; you’re enriching them with new perspectives. Many returnees feel this way, and with time and self-compassion, you’ll find your unique place in this familiar-yet-new landscape.