I'm getting really personal in this one. After 13 years of living abroad, moving to Spain with my husband and daughter, and having multiple team members living in the same city... I still felt lonely. And I didn't know how to admit it.
In this completely unscripted episode, I share what it's actually been like coming back to Málaga after being gone for three months, diving straight into bootcamp mode, and realizing that my business manager Evan had built this entire social life while I was gone… and I was jealous.
I talk about the moment I finally admitted to Evan that I felt left out and lonely, and what happened when I did. Spoiler: he told me he felt lonely too, even with all those friends. And that conversation changed everything.
What I cover:
- Why loneliness can happen even when you move abroad with a partner or family
- The scary moment I asked Evan to introduce me to his friends (and why it felt so awkward)
- How I forced myself to reach out to three people I'd only met once or twice (and what happened)
- Why we hold ourselves back from being vulnerable about loneliness
- The difference between locals and other expats when it comes to building community
- How admitting "I have no friends" at a meetup actually helped me make friends
- My "big asks" practice and how asking for what you need (even socially) is worth the discomfort
The big lesson: Loneliness abroad isn't a sign you made the wrong choice. It's a sign you're human. And the solution isn't going back home, it's reaching out.
This episode is raw, honest, and probably the most vulnerable I've been on the podcast. If you've ever felt lonely (or you're worried you will when you move), this one's for you.
Subscribe and Review
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more visionaries who need these insights. 🎙
Want to join Freedom Life Experience?
Hop on a call with Katti No matter when you’re ready to start, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Links & Resources:
→ Move Abroad Coach Programs
→ Follow my Spain life on Instagram
→ Follow Move Abroad Coach on Facebook
Your move abroad just got a serious upgrade. The Move Abroad Master Plan is an 8-lesson, self-paced course that helps you:
- Create your personalized move abroad plan
- Gain clarity without the overwhelm
- Take action immediately
Plus, when you complete the course, you get a free 20-minute Master Plan Success Session with my team — your roadmap to actually making it happen.
This is your chance to turn your move abroad dreams into a plan you can actually follow. Register Now!
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This? What to Listen to Next:
#101 Enneagram & Moving Abroad: How Personality Shapes the Experience with Coach Lee Milligan (mentioned in the episode)
#132 Moving Abroad Alone, With a Partner, or With Kids: Which Is Actually Harder?
#140 Three Months In… Are We Still Loving Málaga?
#49 How to Make Friends and Meet People Abroad