As an Australian, I’ve realised that we are very friendly people and nice, in general. We are up for a chat but crossing the boundary towards a close friendship can be a little harder and takes more effort. But once those friendships are made, they are generally real. I think also social media, makes people feel they see their friends all the time and so people make less effort. When I quit FB and Instagram, I felt lonely for a while but I’ve also realised, I have to find like-minded people and make friends other ways - clubs, book groups, language groups… But it’s hard, but I believe it will happen.
Trust me, as an Aussie it's extremely hard to make friends in Australia. Aussies are not friendly, we're very individualistic, Aussies will take 3 days to text you, we don't say hi to strangers anymore and we don't even know our neighbours names anymore. The government even started a Loneliness program to tackle the increasing Loneliness epidemic here in Australia. I'm leaving this country
Thank U again 4 another Great Post ! UR Such a great Lady ,& Never forget that ! And Never Easy to Say What U have just Said to Anyone,even on a personal level ,yet alone Publically ! Yes Loneliness is hard & difficult for us all . Believe me ,I Certainly know ! As an elderly Aussie gent ,now Retired living on my own with 4 beautiful girls of all French Names & a Son ,all grown up now with Families of their own with not one nearby is very difficult indeed ? And of Sportsman Qualities to Represent & International Driver Travelling was part of my life for a long time . Meeting all peoples was Something I Valued highly & Appreciated ! But Sometimes One has to Value Real Friendship more then even Family, when it Comes down to it ? Many people have a Set Agenda,& if it don't Suit them ,then they will drop U ? This is When Real Friends & Mates Stand with U & support Each other ! So U R not Alone my friend in admitting this ! For me being busy in Doing Something or Anything is Key to an Answer !Difficult as it is ! But it is always beautiful to have Someone by your Side in Difficult times! To Share these Experiences with Eachother & to help Eachother Cope ! God bless U ,Mam & Thank U once again ,a Great job ,&🙏 Should be Proud ! 🇲🇫❤️☘️🇦🇺
I'm an immigrant here too and I can so relate to what you're saying. It's not a language thing really...it's culture. The image Australians have abroad is so different from what life here is like, family connections are so so important here and also people keep their local connections from schooldays and teenage years into their adult lives. It's so hard to break into that circle as an adult. You're describing the kind of friendships you have as a teenager or young adult. People change. Before I came here I was advised that your friendships will be made through your work. As unsatisfactory as that turned out to be, it seems it's true. Good luck 🙂
Good evening. I absolutely agree with everything you said. I am slowly learning to accept that relationships won't look like what they once were and that there great things to come still, no need to compare with anything else. I'm sorry to hear you are feeling that way too though... but I do feel understood which I think does help me progress, so thank you very much 🙏
I’m Australian and even I have trouble making Australian friends. In fact I don’t have any. My friends are from all around the world who live here. I think Australians are hard to really get to know.
Hello Christine 😇 First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to share this with me. I'm sorry to hear this. I would have never thought that this would apply to someone who is from here. But you see, your friends are lucky to have you, as a local, being so open minded. Thank you 🙏
They're friendly, but sadly unless you went to high school with them it's extremely hard to develop anything deep - for australians that seems to be the cut-off for close friendships, everything beyond is going to be largely very shallow and likely quite transactional.
Hi Helena, Wow! the second video I watch from you describes perfectly the situations I found myself in when I lived and traveled in Europe. I totally relate to your phases. What changed my situation was meeting a Belgium lady that I shared a lot of character traits with. We formed a relationship and I began to develop relationships with individuals and families I met primarily through her but also through my independent, outgoing nature. I have been living back in Australia now 23 years, and I still have regular contact with my adopted Belgium friends and families. I lost contact with all my Aussie friends whilst I was away, they married, moved on, relocated and many other reasons. The constant is the bond I have with these Belgium people. Though we are thousands of kilometres apart, modern technology allows the bond to strengthen and expand. Involvement in Sports in Australia triggers many lasting friendships in Australia, particularly in regional and country areas, but also in city environments. I developed many lasting relationships with French people that came from a shared enthusiasm for a sport. I was so pleased to find the French are mad about sport like the Aussies. I would tease my Parisian friends they would gamble on frogs hopping across a freeway, attempting to hide the fact that Aussie are no different. lol. Create the life you wish to experience, loneliness is always a personal choice, for whatever reason.
I remember those feelings you are talking about. The initial stages trying to befriend people just for the sake of company. The deep sadness of someone you connected with moving away. Many friendships but few close relationships. Australians are very friendly but very guarded about bringing people inside their boundaries. To be honest, things didn’t really change for me until my partner (now wife) and I started our family. They were and are still all I needed for fulfilling company. I’m not suggesting you do that of course. Lol. As you said, these moments will become a distant memory. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Michael. You have completely understood how I was feeling in that moment. Thank you for sharing your experience as well. It is my dream to have my own family one day, and I do believe that having children does help in that area. Thank you again. 😊
Believe me it’s not a deficiency in you or being French , the problem is nothing to do with you. Many people feel the way you do. I don’t know what the answer is, but you seem really nice and I hope you meet some people who can form a deep connection with you. That’s what we all need. ❤️☺️
U have an awesome personality, you're slowly starting to sound like an Ozzie😂🤣😂🤣fair dinkum, hope u continue to have an amazing journey through life and u meet more friends.....my great grandparents are from Tahiti, unfortunately i didnt learn much French or Tahitian....Leesshhggoooo🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰ohh and i subbed too.
Awww that's so kind of you!! What a great message. Thank you!! 🙏I'm happy you enjoyed my personality. Tahiti seems so beautiful. And Tahitian are known for being very kind. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thank you for subscribing. 😊
U are the best, hope u get to meet more of my Polynesian family from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Tahiti, New Zealand we are a happy bunch, we love food, we love family gatherings, we love sports and we love to party and drink🤦♂️🤦♂️😂🤣😂🤣all the best and hopefully one day you'll plan to visit one of these places.....profiter et s'amuser dans la vie💯💯💯💯👏👏👏👏
People in Australia make friends in the same way you mentioned. Perhaps there are people who stick with school friends, but those would be very few. Most Australian people make friends in workplaces, through meeting friends of friends and through joining social groups. I would recommend joining social groups to meet people. I was in theatre for years and I never lacked for friends just from that one hobby. You could probably contact any local amateur theatre group and they'd be really thrilled to have you, btw! Amateur theatre groups are always looking for people to help out - they'd probably welcome you with open arms. Australian people are (mostly) really friendly if you try to fit in with them and do the things they do. I would recommend joining social groups - choirs, classes, special interest groups. At social groups you will find other people who are also looking for friends. 🙂 The great thing about Australia is, if you try to fit in with Australian people, they will literally adopt you as being fully Australian. That's a great thing about Australia that I suspect is pretty unique compared to other countries - we will generally just give you "adopted citizenship" just from enjoying our country. Doesn't happen in most countries. I also live in a different country. I live in South Korea and I don't speak the language here well like you speak English (Korean is very difficult to learn). I am older, and friendships are less important as you get older, as you slowly enjoy your own company more, but I very much remember when I was younger, when friendships were very important. I also want to make friends in Korea, with Korean people, but the language barrier is huge. People here speak Korean and very, VERY little English, so I enjoy the people I work with and the encounters I get to have, particularly if they are prepared to accommodate my very bad Korean skills! Korea doesn't have that friendly "adopting of foreigners" that Australia does, unfortunately - quite a lot of suspicion of foreigners, actually, but if you get past that natural suspicion and show natural friendliness over time, Korean people are truly beautiful and very thoughtful people. ♥ Yes, Australia has a pretty unique sense of humour that is very, very different from most of the rest of the world. Australian sense of humour is very complex and unique, more complex than most of the rest of the world. I hope over time you will understand it better. 🙂
Hi Helena 🖐 I get what you're saying about humour. I remember when I came home from just a few months in France (at age 18). HUMOUR was the one thing i told everyone i had missed the most. Without those shared references and clever word play (which is what most of my humour is based on), i felt so dull and kinda stupid. Yes, it's very isolating and there is no quick fix (besides finding a French friend). And i can understand why that would help you to feel better . . shared experience and shared understanding is so comforting and reassuring. Have you watched any of the UA-camrs who do 'reactions' ? There are quite a few who have a strong Australian following and the channels have become a pretty decent source of Cultural Education. Some focus on music, some on humour, some are a mix of things. But these channels could be a great way to get to know more about the tv shows Aussies grew up with, the people (and puppets!) who were 'Celebrities'. You might find out who was influential in sporting, cultural, music, theatrical and comedy arenas. Perhaps you could ask us, your subscribers, about the origins of our meanings of words or jokes. I have a love of language and I can understand the impact it has to not get 'cultural' references or to be unsure if what you're saying is witty or silly i.e. "are they laughing WITH me or AT me 😢??". I must say that the issue of identity is significant for me at the moment. Here I am, a 52 year old 'Convict' Australian, and I've been questioning what genuine "culture" i identify with. I rarely feel envy, but I must admit that when I see Indigenous Australians increasingly connecting with their land and language groups, and learning more about their beautiful but sadly battered heritage - I wish I had something more than a funny accent, a few sports, and mysterious ancestors who were criminals and/or immigrants as my 'culture' 😢. I know this may not be what you expected to hear, but have you looked at connecting with other Australian immigrants (regardless of how many or few generations) with shared culture? Believe it or not, there's a long tradition in this multicultural land, of ethnic, cultural, faith, language, music, food, groups getting together to share this part of their identity. They share it to feel good, they share it so that their children and grand children understand more about their family and their heritage. Don't forget that as an Aussie, your heritage and what it brings to this melting pot of people, is what makes this country what it is!! Without ALL of the brave, adventurous people who, like you, have faced the isolation of language, the separation from a homeland and friends to put down roots in Australia, this nation would be a much poorer place in every way.
Wow! Thank you so much for such a great message, I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond to me in that matter. You are absolutely right, it could be very helpful indeed to watch this videos, and I also do ask my colleagues anytime they laugh about things I clearly didn't have the reference for. A lot of things come with time, and if not, I will end making friends later on in life, or at the right time. I definitely won't be chasing it, I want it to feel right. And me being on this platform is a way to make me feel like I belong to something. Being able to reach so many different kinds of people, I asblotely love that.i hope to learn and get to know some of my subscribers as time goes by. Thank you again once more. And you have a lot more to yourself that the "simple culture" you describe ❤️ but I understand also where you re coming from...
Helena, you're a lovely young lady. Please keep trying to make good friends because I'm sure it will happen. One of my best friends is a Frenchman and he's a top bloke. Keep your chin up!
The person that says they have lots of friends confuses many as acquaintances. A friend is like a spouse or sibling, it is based on trust, similarities, reliability, loyalty, to name a few. People will have many acquaintances during their life, but never any more than 5 true friends. The true enemy of loneliness is self confidence. Self confidence brings success. People are attracted to confident successful people in an effort to have some of that confidence / success rub off onto themselves. Helena, you have that self confidence already. You moved to Australia on your own and you've put your face on UA-cam opening your heart. Friends WILL come, but they are not door to door salespeople. Keep your head up, nous en reparierons.
Omg I totally agree with you. I was actually going to mention that but ended up not keeping it in the cut because the video was going to be too long.. but it so so true... that's why a lot of people that may seem very surrounded actually also feel lonely deep down... I truly appreciate you taking the time to lift me up, with your kind words. I am very grateful for this. (Also, sorry just to clarify, I moved to Australia because I have relatives that moved here a couple of years before me. Fortunately I was not alone in that sense. But in every other way, I definitely was. I couldn't work or do anything when I first arrived. But it makes me appreciate everything I do have today. Thank you again 🙏
Just get out there and follow your interests and try to meet others with the same passions, values, concerns, attitudes etc. through interest groups, pursuits, clubs, work, study, etc. Strike up casual conversations with others, wherever. Aussies love small talk and during such conversations you may hit upon a common experience, interest/attitude. Be courageous enough to suggest further contact on neutral ground and exchange phone numbers. This would involve going out for a coffee/drink/ interest. You do this for a while to gauge that person, dig deeper into who they are (and vice-versa), get an understanding of their values, ethics, way of living etc. before you move to a move on to a deeper and more personal and intimate level of connection and put more energy into a relationship. Make sure that there is an equal exchange of energy and that it is not all one way. You build up trust between one another. Be discerning as to who you choose to be a part of your life. Then after your choice, let the test of time choose the real and true friend.
I am quite honestly shocked by your incredible message. From the bottom of you. I can not believe that even though you have never met you, you took the time to right me the best advice with the right amount if everything I needed. You definitely gave me a push. I have cried a bit tonight, that loneliness feeling is overwhelming at times, so to read this tonight really made me feel good. Thank you 🙏
@@HELENAMNR.Thanks for your gracious reply. No-one teaches you 'how to make friends'. (Although there are books written about that may help you.) It is a learning experience and I've been through it, too. I culled some of my friendships some years ago as they were a one-way (from me) form of energy-giving ie. I truthfully was not valued by them. I have three main friends now who do 'put in'. I met them in three different ways at various times in my life. I can be myself with them. Everybody is different, but for me I have also become more reliant on myself as I have aged and have some interests that I can enjoy by myself. I try not to let my emotions rule me. I rule them. Also, my husband is my friend but we also have our separate interests and friends, too. Women can be bitchy and ostracize with the silent treatment.' Energy follows thought', so allow yourself to believe that you will have good friendships and act accordingly. A funny story- Years ago I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked as though I was (unconsciously) frowning. I decided to put a smile on my lips and in my eyes when out and about. What amazed me was that people responded with a smile and a hello and sometimes a chat! It still works for me! Good luck with your friendship venture and It is my pleasure to hopefully have helped you.
Aww your honesty is refreshing Helena. Your right Covid changed alot of things. These days i think it is hard to meet long term friends after a certain age. Its easy to say join some groups, like facebook meetups with like minded people. I have abit of a lull in that area myself but i kinda chose solitude after losing my dad. Now i think where did everybody go? Dont get me wrong i still have friends but agree thats for goin out and not just hanging out and like u said visiting each other just to chat & laugh. Seems to b non existant. You have a beautiful personality & you will find people that match your spirit. Ru in Sydney or QLD? Sending love & hugs your way💝🌻
Christel! Once again, thank you so much. I can't believe how supporting you have been since you found my channel even though we have never met. I truly appreciate you opening up and feeling comfortable doing so under my video. It seems like we share similar straits. You seem like a very kind person. I can only hope to meet people like you in real life. 🙏❤️ I honestly can only wish you to also find what you are looking for. x
@@HELENAMNR. aww lovely! Im from Sydney but love QLD. Especially sunny coast- Mooloolaba, Maroochydore etc. Have spent a fair few holidays in Townsville, Cairns & Airlie Beach recently. Absolutely love it up there :)
So sorry to hear that.Your such a sweet honest lady. I just wish I was 30 years younger. I really hope you can develop some real friendships in the not to distant future. Thankyou for your honesty. ❤ Garry
Hello Garry. This is honestly such a kind comment. Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm very touched. I really hope so to. Thank you for understanding and not judging me. This video wasn't the easiest to make...
Sorry to comment again, but I feel like your uncle watching you from high up in the stands. I'm barracking for you, and you give me hope for my son. Smart kids are still completely capable of navigating the increasingly complicated world you're faced with. Keep going, you're doing well. I'm trying to instill in my son your inclination to adventure. There are many of us cheering you on, we want you to succeed.
As someone who was born and grew up here I can say Anglo Saxon Australians (they are the dominant ethnicity here) for some reason are very guarded when it comes to genuine friendships and it does feel hard to get a sense that their is much or any genuine care in what might pass as a friendship on a surface level. Not all anglos for sure, there are some genuinely beautiful, kind people here, but it does feel like the default setting. Most of my friends have been born overseas.
Never had problems making friends in Australia but then I lived in so many places growing up so got used to being friendless every few years. If you live in a capital city it is harder so can only suggest living in a town where you see the same faces often. Wearing a smile certainly helps to break the ice though I'm an old man of 72.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I couldn't agree more than a smiley and friendly face always opens up a lot of things in life, in general. But it doesn't always gets you all the way to a friendship sadly..
I feel like the world is becoming a more lonely place. That said, i never fell into any clique at school or college. I worked for myself... I married a canadian woman who felt like you do. We got a divorce eventually and she had quite a few partners afterwards but, it really seemed like she never really felt at home. When i think about friends and community, i feel a bit like her actually; i was born here but, i'm not sure if i've ever actually met my people. The country is very beautiful and the people are kind, but the spiritual satisfaction and sense of community is really hard to find.
Good morning. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I'm sorry to hear you are also feeling this way... and that your ex wife did as well. It is very strange. You wouldn't think it'd be so hard, but sadly it is. We can only all hope for the better, what's meant to be will be 🙏😊
@@HELENAMNR. Even so, I'm glad to see down to earth people with diverse cultural influences and attitudes making their way here. Australia could do with a change, and a deeper European connection. Europe is our past, but our culture has become very insular, even from one family to another. Maybe having more foreign nationals stay and make this their home, could break down a few of those barriers in the long run.
@@HELENAMNR. Also, I wonder if the people you meet just aren't confident enough to have a pretty french girl sauntering around their homes in pajamas. The home and the family can feel pretty private. Honestly considering how my ex and my family got along, I'm almost not surprised that you never got dragged back to meet the parents.
Yeah it can be tough here especially with the “it’s who you know” culture. Keep your chin up and keep pressing on, you’ll find the right crowd, the good people are out there
Hi Helena! I echo your sentiment. I'm originally from Malaysia but moved here 7 years ago. I find it difficult to make friends, but I do think it's part of my personality as I am very selective with who I want to hang out with. Not in a bad way I promise! I do enjoy y own company but there's nothing like having friends! Like you, I do long for friends who I can just chill with like back home and for no reason. I was hoping to connect with you but I see that you are based in GC. I'm based in Melbourne. I hope things do get better but I do see that it is very common when you migrate.
Hello Manok 😇 thank you so much for taking the time to share a part of your story with me. I truly appreciate it. I am very sorry to hear that you are feeling the same though.. it's the last thing I want to hear, but at the same time, just know you are not alone feeling this way. Who knows if I head to Melbourne, I could reach out 😊 (and please, be selective, your time and your friendship are worth it). Take good care of you x
Totally agree!! In general they are really individualistic. And i believe you feel more because came from a culture were friendship is more valuable than here. I asked inmigrants for more than 5 years here no one has australian friends. They choose latins euro.
Thank you for sharing your insight on this. I have to admit that I never realised I wasn't the only one feeling like this. But as I am in Europe now, I'll be able to see the difference, living and working, being an adult in my country. Who knows, I might encounter similarities..
Aww I’m really sorry to hear, but I just want you to know that there’s different types of people in the world and you know how some people are ❤ Maybe try smiling at them a lot and asking them if they need help with something then you can question them about their hobbies then get their phone number then your officially friends and you can meet up with them anytime in a specific place ❤❤ I’m your friend I wish in real life too even tho I’m 11 I’d love to be your friend if I met you in life but we are online friends ❤
You are very wise for being only 11am. Thank you for your very kind words. I'm touched. I promise you that putting a smile on people's face is something that aim for in life. There is no better feeling than that. We are definitely online friends ❤️
Helena, firstly, welcome to Australia! You are such a delightful person and we are lucky to have you here! As an older Australian who has worked worked for many years with a French company, I believe I may have some insights as to your friendship situation. Although French people and Australian people are very different in their societies, it possible for members of each society to develop very close friendships. The French capacity to analyse and disect each personality, is in most part, lost on Australians. We would prefer to hang "sh#t" on each other in a jovial way. Not only can this be difficult to understand, the language used will be mostly colloquial slang. If you wish to persist with a friendship, you will find most Australians will speak more directly to you, and this is when you may develop closer relationships. Please don't be afraid to invite people for a meal or bbq at the local park, Aussies are pretty informal, but they can be a bit shy, particularly of sophisticated French ladies. Please don't give up, I'm sure that if your Aussie acquaintances knew of your loneliness, you would be swamped by offers of company.
Good evening Philip, This is honestly one of the most beautoful comments. I'm so grateful 🙏 Thank you for your very wise and kind words. I will definitely remember them. I really want to also become better at it and will always remain open. I am also almost sure that people would definitely be opening their doors to me if they knew. The idea is, I want people to want to do it. It will happen, I am positive. It is just of matter of time. Thank you again so much for your support. 🙏🙏
Feeling lonely in a foreign country is normal. English is a second language for you and it is probably a challenge for you to communicate with people in the way that you would like to. French people are usually pretty nice to talk to. Not as loud as we are in Australia and not drunk and roudy.
You have described the exact feeling that I have. Thank you. It feels good to hear someone feels this way about French people. (And actually, we might not be drunk, but we are quite loud 😅)
@@HELENAMNR. I've never seen any French person get drunk and become violent and threatening, unlike people from Australia or the UK. Have only seen French violence on the TV news when they are protesting against the government. I'm Australian myself yet have found it a bit hard to make friends after moving to a small town. I was easier after I got married as I made friends with other married guys. Maybe try to play a sport or join a club for a hobby? You will meet like minded people and hopefully make new friends? It gets harder to make friends as you get older in my opinion, as people become more settled in their ways and more rigid in their social structure.
I’m from the middle of nowhere down south in Australia, I honestly wanted to say it feels like nobody can make friends here either, everyone knows eachothers business and it’s chaos, you feel like a supervillain because of mistakes you barely remember because people here unfairly hold grudges, I’d say I need a new start but this is all I’ve known, I don’t know where to start, my family all hate eachother, I only have my mum, I’m only just starting to recover from a disability so I don’t add value either. I apologise for ranting and I don’t mean to be selfish or take away from what you are feeling but I’ve always liked to encourage others and I really think you could make some great friends, just don’t force it, I won’t say it will happen but even after 3 years of seeing one other face I haven’t given up, it’s worth waiting I guess
Good evening! I'm very sorry to hear that it is difficult to make friends you are... not a pleasant feeling to hear that it is because of past mistakes... we only humans and from the moment we are willing to learn, grow and evolve, as well as admitting to ourselves when we need to progress. I am certain some people one day will recognise that in you. I honestly thank you for feeling comfortable enough sharing this with me. I wish you all the best in the future. 🙏❤️
It is definitely something that I wish I will have the time for eventually. At the moment I am just going through a tough and uncertain time. But once things in my life will be sorted, that is exactly what I am planning on doing. 😇 thank you very much 🙏
Here's a clue, look back at your friends in France, you most likely know them from school or work. It's exactly the same in Australia, or any western country for that matter, people rarely build connections outside of these two circles. I spent 15 years in Australia, got 2 friends, both through work.
Good evening, Thank you so much for your feedback and taking the time to share a little bit about you as well. I definitely agree with you but since I haven't lived anywhere after turning 18, and also have made friends from other countries... but I'm getting more and more open with people at work. I want to connect as much as possible.
@@HELENAMNR. from other countries is the key here, they're in same boat as you. It's next to impossible to make friends as adult and you just need get used to it.
you'll find people to do nothing with. i dont think it's your nationality or culture..maybe you just need to get beyond the surface level with people here and that might come through working with them or some shared experience. i think people would invite you over if they knew you feel this way - i would. 😊 in the meantime, invite them to your place so they know you want to be their friend. we might be being a bit too polite and dont realise you'd like someone to reach out. hang in there ❤
What a beautiful message to wake up to.. thank you so much for reaching out and for your kindness. I'm very touched. I am dreaming of all of this to happen, and am definitely becoming more and more open. I can see the difference. I love people in general, love getting to know their stories, what makes them who they are. I tend to focus on others and keep a lot inside when it comes to me. You are exactly the kind of personality I would love to meet in real life, just by your kindness. 🙏❤️
"Australians are super open minded"?? Im sorry, but as a native Australian you are definetly wrong! If you are in the city, then they are generally not going to show you their true colours. If you go to the country or rural areas, you are going to be warmly treated but also greatly offended! For some reason, even though you are french, I hear its really hard to make friends with locals by many of my former international friends. There is a lot of pretense in the city, and unless you got the chemistry, you are not going to "clique" with Aussies. Just because they come from a western culture, doesn't mean you are easily going to mingle. I can't give you the formula, but don't expect to be part of the furniture. Best of luck!
Hello Shaun, Thank you for your feedback. Australians are open minded in the sense that not once I have felt like because I was not from here, I was not interesting enough. But it doesn't always mean, indeed, that any relationship would actually be formed. I have lots of international friend struggling in the same way, and seem to encounter more and more Australian people that seem to be also feeling this way. So I want to make sure I'm not pointing fingers at anyone or making à generality about anything. In the countryside, I would not expect much, it would be the same in France. Even I as a french could potentially be offended in my own country in some places. I totally get that. I hope things will change and evolve overtime. Thank you for your support.
I grew up in Australia and people here are not friendly or community oriented. People here text you back 3 days later, we don't smile or say hi to strangers anymore and I don't even know my neighbours names. The government started a Loneliness program to fight this growing issue, I'm leaving Australia and I have great disdain for my country
@@berrymckockiner5883 100% true. We are not community orientated, especially in the major cities. Country can be, even then it can be exclusive. Best of luck mate.
🤝 Amen. Brave to be so open, and in such a public way! Indeed, things do get lost in translation, but i have found that if both parties are open to learning from each other, language and cultural differences , without being judgemental or feeling put down or taking offence when being 'educated' by a local, and vice versa, that this open dialogue can generate a connection and friendship. I hope you can find more connections, and enjoy this country, and its inhabitants. While Australians do have their idiosyncrasies, it is still a relatively young society which is evolving as more and more people arrive, mix, and share their cultures. All contributing to what we have here. While not perfect, it is still a pretty good place to be. I've only been to Sydney a few times, but Melbourne does have suburbs that seem to be occupied by similar cultures. Eg. Carlton Lygon Street would be associated with Italy. 🙏☕🦘🥐🏏🥖🇦🇺
Hello Wally (if that is your name 😊)! First of all, thank you very much for your kind words, and for taking the time to give me some reassurance. I absolutely agree what you said regarding "learning from each other". I believe in making friends here one day. I really can only wish it will happen 🤞 it's also all about being at the right place at the right time. Now I am also so curious about the little hidden gems of Melbourne. I would love to go back 😊 Where about are you from in Australia?
As an Australian, I’ve realised that we are very friendly people and nice, in general. We are up for a chat but crossing the boundary towards a close friendship can be a little harder and takes more effort. But once those friendships are made, they are generally real.
I think also social media, makes people feel they see their friends all the time and so people make less effort. When I quit FB and Instagram, I felt lonely for a while but I’ve also realised, I have to find like-minded people and make friends other ways - clubs, book groups, language groups… But it’s hard, but I believe it will happen.
I’m an Aussie and we are open to friendships and showing people that this is more than a great country. We welcome you.
From the bottom of my heart. Thank you 🙏 I'm very touched and absolutely believe that you all are.
Trust me, as an Aussie it's extremely hard to make friends in Australia.
Aussies are not friendly, we're very individualistic, Aussies will take 3 days to text you, we don't say hi to strangers anymore and we don't even know our neighbours names anymore.
The government even started a Loneliness program to tackle the increasing Loneliness epidemic here in Australia.
I'm leaving this country
Thank U again 4 another Great Post ! UR Such a great Lady ,& Never forget that !
And Never Easy to Say What U have just Said to Anyone,even on a personal level ,yet alone Publically !
Yes Loneliness is hard & difficult for us all . Believe me ,I Certainly know ! As an elderly Aussie gent ,now Retired living on my own with 4 beautiful girls of all French Names & a Son ,all grown up now with Families of their own with not one nearby is very difficult indeed ?
And of Sportsman Qualities to Represent & International Driver Travelling was part of my life for a long time . Meeting all peoples was Something I Valued highly & Appreciated !
But Sometimes One has to Value Real Friendship more then even Family, when it Comes down to it ? Many people have a Set Agenda,& if it don't Suit them ,then they will drop U ? This is When Real Friends & Mates Stand with U
& support Each other !
So U R not Alone my friend in admitting this !
For me being busy in Doing Something or Anything is Key to an Answer !Difficult as it is !
But it is always beautiful to have Someone by your Side in Difficult times! To Share these Experiences with Eachother & to help Eachother Cope !
God bless U ,Mam & Thank U once again ,a Great job ,&🙏 Should be Proud ! 🇲🇫❤️☘️🇦🇺
I'm an immigrant here too and I can so relate to what you're saying. It's not a language thing really...it's culture. The image Australians have abroad is so different from what life here is like, family connections are so so important here and also people keep their local connections from schooldays and teenage years into their adult lives. It's so hard to break into that circle as an adult. You're describing the kind of friendships you have as a teenager or young adult. People change. Before I came here I was advised that your friendships will be made through your work. As unsatisfactory as that turned out to be, it seems it's true. Good luck 🙂
Good evening. I absolutely agree with everything you said. I am slowly learning to accept that relationships won't look like what they once were and that there great things to come still, no need to compare with anything else. I'm sorry to hear you are feeling that way too though... but I do feel understood which I think does help me progress, so thank you very much 🙏
So True
Thank you, great people like you ❤️😇
I’m Australian and even I have trouble making Australian friends. In fact I don’t have any. My friends are from all around the world who live here. I think Australians are hard to really get to know.
Hello Christine 😇
First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to share this with me. I'm sorry to hear this. I would have never thought that this would apply to someone who is from here. But you see, your friends are lucky to have you, as a local, being so open minded. Thank you 🙏
They're friendly, but sadly unless you went to high school with them it's extremely hard to develop anything deep - for australians that seems to be the cut-off for close friendships, everything beyond is going to be largely very shallow and likely quite transactional.
Hi Helena, Wow! the second video I watch from you describes perfectly the situations I found myself in when I lived and traveled in Europe. I totally relate to your phases. What changed my situation was meeting a Belgium lady that I shared a lot of character traits with. We formed a relationship and I began to develop relationships with individuals and families I met primarily through her but also through my independent, outgoing nature. I have been living back in Australia now 23 years, and I still have regular contact with my adopted Belgium friends and families. I lost contact with all my Aussie friends whilst I was away, they married, moved on, relocated and many other reasons. The constant is the bond I have with these Belgium people. Though we are thousands of kilometres apart, modern technology allows the bond to strengthen and expand. Involvement in Sports in Australia triggers many lasting friendships in Australia, particularly in regional and country areas, but also in city environments. I developed many lasting relationships with French people that came from a shared enthusiasm for a sport. I was so pleased to find the French are mad about sport like the Aussies. I would tease my Parisian friends they would gamble on frogs hopping across a freeway, attempting to hide the fact that Aussie are no different. lol. Create the life you wish to experience, loneliness is always a personal choice, for whatever reason.
I remember those feelings you are talking about. The initial stages trying to befriend people just for the sake of company. The deep sadness of someone you connected with moving away. Many friendships but few close relationships. Australians are very friendly but very guarded about bringing people inside their boundaries.
To be honest, things didn’t really change for me until my partner (now wife) and I started our family. They were and are still all I needed for fulfilling company. I’m not suggesting you do that of course. Lol.
As you said, these moments will become a distant memory. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Michael. You have completely understood how I was feeling in that moment. Thank you for sharing your experience as well. It is my dream to have my own family one day, and I do believe that having children does help in that area. Thank you again. 😊
I’ll be your friend
AW THANK YOU 😇🌸
Great videos. What really strikes me is how astute your assessments are of what happens around you at the age you're at. Very intelligent. 👍
Hello! Thank you so much for your very kind words. I truly appreciate your feedback. 🙏😊
Believe me it’s not a deficiency in you or being French , the problem is nothing to do with you. Many people feel the way you do. I don’t know what the answer is, but you seem really nice and I hope you meet some people who can form a deep connection with you. That’s what we all need. ❤️☺️
Thank you so so much, I'm very touched. Your kind words will resonate in me for the time being. 🙏❤️
U have an awesome personality, you're slowly starting to sound like an Ozzie😂🤣😂🤣fair dinkum, hope u continue to have an amazing journey through life and u meet more friends.....my great grandparents are from Tahiti, unfortunately i didnt learn much French or Tahitian....Leesshhggoooo🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰ohh and i subbed too.
Awww that's so kind of you!! What a great message. Thank you!! 🙏I'm happy you enjoyed my personality. Tahiti seems so beautiful. And Tahitian are known for being very kind. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thank you for subscribing. 😊
U are the best, hope u get to meet more of my Polynesian family from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Tahiti, New Zealand we are a happy bunch, we love food, we love family gatherings, we love sports and we love to party and drink🤦♂️🤦♂️😂🤣😂🤣all the best and hopefully one day you'll plan to visit one of these places.....profiter et s'amuser dans la vie💯💯💯💯👏👏👏👏
People in Australia make friends in the same way you mentioned. Perhaps there are people who stick with school friends, but those would be very few. Most Australian people make friends in workplaces, through meeting friends of friends and through joining social groups. I would recommend joining social groups to meet people. I was in theatre for years and I never lacked for friends just from that one hobby. You could probably contact any local amateur theatre group and they'd be really thrilled to have you, btw! Amateur theatre groups are always looking for people to help out - they'd probably welcome you with open arms. Australian people are (mostly) really friendly if you try to fit in with them and do the things they do. I would recommend joining social groups - choirs, classes, special interest groups. At social groups you will find other people who are also looking for friends. 🙂 The great thing about Australia is, if you try to fit in with Australian people, they will literally adopt you as being fully Australian. That's a great thing about Australia that I suspect is pretty unique compared to other countries - we will generally just give you "adopted citizenship" just from enjoying our country. Doesn't happen in most countries.
I also live in a different country. I live in South Korea and I don't speak the language here well like you speak English (Korean is very difficult to learn). I am older, and friendships are less important as you get older, as you slowly enjoy your own company more, but I very much remember when I was younger, when friendships were very important. I also want to make friends in Korea, with Korean people, but the language barrier is huge. People here speak Korean and very, VERY little English, so I enjoy the people I work with and the encounters I get to have, particularly if they are prepared to accommodate my very bad Korean skills! Korea doesn't have that friendly "adopting of foreigners" that Australia does, unfortunately - quite a lot of suspicion of foreigners, actually, but if you get past that natural suspicion and show natural friendliness over time, Korean people are truly beautiful and very thoughtful people. ♥
Yes, Australia has a pretty unique sense of humour that is very, very different from most of the rest of the world. Australian sense of humour is very complex and unique, more complex than most of the rest of the world. I hope over time you will understand it better. 🙂
Hi Helena 🖐 I get what you're saying about humour. I remember when I came home from just a few months in France (at age 18). HUMOUR was the one thing i told everyone i had missed the most. Without those shared references and clever word play (which is what most of my humour is based on), i felt so dull and kinda stupid. Yes, it's very isolating and there is no quick fix (besides finding a French friend). And i can understand why that would help you to feel better . . shared experience and shared understanding is so comforting and reassuring. Have you watched any of the UA-camrs who do 'reactions' ? There are quite a few who have a strong Australian following and the channels have become a pretty decent source of Cultural Education. Some focus on music, some on humour, some are a mix of things. But these channels could be a great way to get to know more about the tv shows Aussies grew up with, the people (and puppets!) who were 'Celebrities'. You might find out who was influential in sporting, cultural, music, theatrical and comedy arenas. Perhaps you could ask us, your subscribers, about the origins of our meanings of words or jokes. I have a love of language and I can understand the impact it has to not get 'cultural' references or to be unsure if what you're saying is witty or silly i.e. "are they laughing WITH me or AT me 😢??". I must say that the issue of identity is significant for me at the moment. Here I am, a 52 year old 'Convict' Australian, and I've been questioning what genuine "culture" i identify with. I rarely feel envy, but I must admit that when I see Indigenous Australians increasingly connecting with their land and language groups, and learning more about their beautiful but sadly battered heritage - I wish I had something more than a funny accent, a few sports, and mysterious ancestors who were criminals and/or immigrants as my 'culture' 😢. I know this may not be what you expected to hear, but have you looked at connecting with other Australian immigrants (regardless of how many or few generations) with shared culture? Believe it or not, there's a long tradition in this multicultural land, of ethnic, cultural, faith, language, music, food, groups getting together to share this part of their identity. They share it to feel good, they share it so that their children and grand children understand more about their family and their heritage. Don't forget that as an Aussie, your heritage and what it brings to this melting pot of people, is what makes this country what it is!! Without ALL of the brave, adventurous people who, like you, have faced the isolation of language, the separation from a homeland and friends to put down roots in Australia, this nation would be a much poorer place in every way.
Wow! Thank you so much for such a great message, I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond to me in that matter. You are absolutely right, it could be very helpful indeed to watch this videos, and I also do ask my colleagues anytime they laugh about things I clearly didn't have the reference for. A lot of things come with time, and if not, I will end making friends later on in life, or at the right time. I definitely won't be chasing it, I want it to feel right. And me being on this platform is a way to make me feel like I belong to something. Being able to reach so many different kinds of people, I asblotely love that.i hope to learn and get to know some of my subscribers as time goes by. Thank you again once more. And you have a lot more to yourself that the "simple culture" you describe ❤️ but I understand also where you re coming from...
Helena, you're a lovely young lady. Please keep trying to make good friends because I'm sure it will happen. One of my best friends is a Frenchman and he's a top bloke. Keep your chin up!
Hello David! Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words. I can only hope you re right 😊
Helena, we are blessed to have you in our midst.
Thank you very much! That is a very kind thing to say 🙏🍀
The person that says they have lots of friends confuses many as acquaintances. A friend is like a spouse or sibling, it is based on trust, similarities, reliability, loyalty, to name a few. People will have many acquaintances during their life, but never any more than 5 true friends.
The true enemy of loneliness is self confidence. Self confidence brings success. People are attracted to confident successful people in an effort to have some of that confidence / success rub off onto themselves.
Helena, you have that self confidence already. You moved to Australia on your own and you've put your face on UA-cam opening your heart. Friends WILL come, but they are not door to door salespeople.
Keep your head up, nous en reparierons.
Omg I totally agree with you. I was actually going to mention that but ended up not keeping it in the cut because the video was going to be too long.. but it so so true... that's why a lot of people that may seem very surrounded actually also feel lonely deep down...
I truly appreciate you taking the time to lift me up, with your kind words. I am very grateful for this. (Also, sorry just to clarify, I moved to Australia because I have relatives that moved here a couple of years before me. Fortunately I was not alone in that sense. But in every other way, I definitely was. I couldn't work or do anything when I first arrived. But it makes me appreciate everything I do have today. Thank you again 🙏
Just get out there and follow your interests and try to meet others with the same passions, values, concerns, attitudes etc. through interest groups, pursuits, clubs, work, study, etc. Strike up casual conversations with others, wherever. Aussies love small talk and during such conversations you may hit upon a common experience, interest/attitude. Be courageous enough to suggest further contact on neutral ground and exchange phone numbers. This would involve going out for a coffee/drink/ interest. You do this for a while to gauge that person, dig deeper into who they are (and vice-versa), get an understanding of their values, ethics, way of living etc. before you move to a move on to a deeper and more personal and intimate level of connection and put more energy into a relationship. Make sure that there is an equal exchange of energy and that it is not all one way. You build up trust between one another. Be discerning as to who you choose to be a part of your life. Then after your choice, let the test of time choose the real and true friend.
I am quite honestly shocked by your incredible message. From the bottom of you. I can not believe that even though you have never met you, you took the time to right me the best advice with the right amount if everything I needed. You definitely gave me a push. I have cried a bit tonight, that loneliness feeling is overwhelming at times, so to read this tonight really made me feel good. Thank you 🙏
@@HELENAMNR.Thanks for your gracious reply. No-one teaches you 'how to make friends'. (Although there are books written about that may help you.) It is a learning experience and I've been through it, too. I culled some of my friendships some years ago as they were a one-way (from me) form of energy-giving ie. I truthfully was not valued by them. I have three main friends now who do 'put in'. I met them in three different ways at various times in my life. I can be myself with them. Everybody is different, but for me I have also become more reliant on myself as I have aged and have some interests that I can enjoy by myself. I try not to let my emotions rule me. I rule them. Also, my husband is my friend but we also have our separate interests and friends, too. Women can be bitchy and ostracize with the silent treatment.' Energy follows thought', so allow yourself to believe that you will have good friendships and act accordingly. A funny story- Years ago I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked as though I was (unconsciously) frowning. I decided to put a smile on my lips and in my eyes when out and about. What amazed me was that people responded with a smile and a hello and sometimes a chat! It still works for me! Good luck with your friendship venture and It is my pleasure to hopefully have helped you.
Wonderful words @barnowl. Generous of you to give of your time and share your experience. Thank you
@@cathryn5304 Aw shucks - thanks !
G'day ma'am, just be yourself and it will attract those of a like mind
Thank you so much, that is one thing I will always do, being me. That's all we all have, ourselves. 🌞 I really appreciate your kind words.
You are most welcome, I too know the struggle of trying to find a deeper connection than mere acquaintance
I am very sorry to hear that... but hopefully you found comfort seeing you were not alone going through this...
Aww your honesty is refreshing Helena. Your right Covid changed alot of things. These days i think it is hard to meet long term friends after a certain age. Its easy to say join some groups, like facebook meetups with like minded people. I have abit of a lull in that area myself but i kinda chose solitude after losing my dad. Now i think where did everybody go? Dont get me wrong i still have friends but agree thats for goin out and not just hanging out and like u said visiting each other just to chat & laugh. Seems to b non existant. You have a beautiful personality & you will find people that match your spirit. Ru in Sydney or QLD? Sending love & hugs your way💝🌻
Christel! Once again, thank you so much. I can't believe how supporting you have been since you found my channel even though we have never met. I truly appreciate you opening up and feeling comfortable doing so under my video. It seems like we share similar straits. You seem like a very kind person. I can only hope to meet people like you in real life. 🙏❤️ I honestly can only wish you to also find what you are looking for. x
I actually moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast last year. Where about are you from? 😊
@@HELENAMNR. aww lovely! Im from Sydney but love QLD. Especially sunny coast- Mooloolaba, Maroochydore etc. Have spent a fair few holidays in Townsville, Cairns & Airlie Beach recently. Absolutely love it up there :)
So sorry to hear that.Your such a sweet honest lady. I just wish I was 30 years younger. I really hope you can develop some real friendships in the not to distant future. Thankyou for your honesty. ❤ Garry
Hello Garry. This is honestly such a kind comment. Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm very touched. I really hope so to.
Thank you for understanding and not judging me. This video wasn't the easiest to make...
Sorry to comment again, but I feel like your uncle watching you from high up in the stands. I'm barracking for you, and you give me hope for my son. Smart kids are still completely capable of navigating the increasingly complicated world you're faced with. Keep going, you're doing well. I'm trying to instill in my son your inclination to adventure. There are many of us cheering you on, we want you to succeed.
Oh my God. Thank you again, very very much!! I never expected to receive such kind feedback. THANK YOU!! 😇🙏
As someone who was born and grew up here I can say Anglo Saxon Australians (they are the dominant ethnicity here) for some reason are very guarded when it comes to genuine friendships and it does feel hard to get a sense that their is much or any genuine care in what might pass as a friendship on a surface level. Not all anglos for sure, there are some genuinely beautiful, kind people here, but it does feel like the default setting. Most of my friends have been born overseas.
Never had problems making friends in Australia but then I lived in so many places growing up so got used to being friendless every few years. If you live in a capital city it is harder so can only suggest living in a town where you see the same faces often. Wearing a smile certainly helps to break the ice though I'm an old man of 72.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I couldn't agree more than a smiley and friendly face always opens up a lot of things in life, in general. But it doesn't always gets you all the way to a friendship sadly..
I feel like the world is becoming a more lonely place. That said, i never fell into any clique at school or college. I worked for myself... I married a canadian woman who felt like you do. We got a divorce eventually and she had quite a few partners afterwards but, it really seemed like she never really felt at home. When i think about friends and community, i feel a bit like her actually; i was born here but, i'm not sure if i've ever actually met my people. The country is very beautiful and the people are kind, but the spiritual satisfaction and sense of community is really hard to find.
Good morning. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I'm sorry to hear you are also feeling this way... and that your ex wife did as well. It is very strange. You wouldn't think it'd be so hard, but sadly it is. We can only all hope for the better, what's meant to be will be 🙏😊
@@HELENAMNR. Even so, I'm glad to see down to earth people with diverse cultural influences and attitudes making their way here. Australia could do with a change, and a deeper European connection. Europe is our past, but our culture has become very insular, even from one family to another. Maybe having more foreign nationals stay and make this their home, could break down a few of those barriers in the long run.
@@HELENAMNR. Also, I wonder if the people you meet just aren't confident enough to have a pretty french girl sauntering around their homes in pajamas. The home and the family can feel pretty private. Honestly considering how my ex and my family got along, I'm almost not surprised that you never got dragged back to meet the parents.
Yeah it can be tough here especially with the “it’s who you know” culture. Keep your chin up and keep pressing on, you’ll find the right crowd, the good people are out there
Thank you so much for understanding and taking the time showing support. I appreciate your advice 🙏
Hi Helena! I echo your sentiment. I'm originally from Malaysia but moved here 7 years ago. I find it difficult to make friends, but I do think it's part of my personality as I am very selective with who I want to hang out with. Not in a bad way I promise! I do enjoy y own company but there's nothing like having friends! Like you, I do long for friends who I can just chill with like back home and for no reason. I was hoping to connect with you but I see that you are based in GC. I'm based in Melbourne. I hope things do get better but I do see that it is very common when you migrate.
Hello Manok 😇 thank you so much for taking the time to share a part of your story with me. I truly appreciate it. I am very sorry to hear that you are feeling the same though.. it's the last thing I want to hear, but at the same time, just know you are not alone feeling this way. Who knows if I head to Melbourne, I could reach out 😊 (and please, be selective, your time and your friendship are worth it). Take good care of you x
Totally agree!! In general they are really individualistic. And i believe you feel more because came from a culture were friendship is more valuable than here. I asked inmigrants for more than 5 years here no one has australian friends. They choose latins euro.
Thank you for sharing your insight on this. I have to admit that I never realised I wasn't the only one feeling like this. But as I am in Europe now, I'll be able to see the difference, living and working, being an adult in my country. Who knows, I might encounter similarities..
Aww I’m really sorry to hear, but I just want you to know that there’s different types of people in the world and you know how some people are ❤
Maybe try smiling at them a lot and asking them if they need help with something then you can question them about their hobbies then get their phone number then your officially friends and you can meet up with them anytime in a specific place ❤❤
I’m your friend I wish in real life too even tho I’m 11 I’d love to be your friend if I met you in life but we are online friends ❤
You are very wise for being only 11am. Thank you for your very kind words. I'm touched. I promise you that putting a smile on people's face is something that aim for in life. There is no better feeling than that. We are definitely online friends ❤️
@@HELENAMNR. Awww Thank you so much for being so amazing and kind, I really appreciate your message and yes we are online friends ❤️🥰
Helena, firstly, welcome to Australia! You are such a delightful person and we are lucky to have you here! As an older Australian who has worked worked for many years with a French company, I believe I may have some insights as to your friendship situation. Although French people and Australian people are very different in their societies, it possible for members of each society to develop very close friendships. The French capacity to analyse and disect each personality, is in most part, lost on Australians. We would prefer to hang "sh#t" on each other in a jovial way. Not only can this be difficult to understand, the language used will be mostly colloquial slang. If you wish to persist with a friendship, you will find most Australians will speak more directly to you, and this is when you may develop closer relationships.
Please don't be afraid to invite people for a meal or bbq at the local park, Aussies are pretty informal, but they can be a bit shy, particularly of sophisticated French ladies. Please don't give up, I'm sure that if your Aussie acquaintances knew of your loneliness, you would be swamped by offers of company.
Good evening Philip,
This is honestly one of the most beautoful comments. I'm so grateful 🙏
Thank you for your very wise and kind words. I will definitely remember them. I really want to also become better at it and will always remain open. I am also almost sure that people would definitely be opening their doors to me if they knew. The idea is, I want people to want to do it. It will happen, I am positive. It is just of matter of time.
Thank you again so much for your support. 🙏🙏
I am def lonely, but i have a disability that makes it hard to leave the house and I have no family really so yeah, lonely af.
🫣😓 I'm very sorry to hear that your disability is what plays in your loneliness... I truly hope you are not entirely by yourself... I'm so sorry... 🙏
I am i'm ngl which is probs why I spend way too much time on my discord server and on youtube lol, and with my pet rabbit@@HELENAMNR.
Feeling lonely in a foreign country is normal. English is a second language for you and it is probably a challenge for you to communicate with people in the way that you would like to.
French people are usually pretty nice to talk to. Not as loud as we are in Australia and not drunk and roudy.
You have described the exact feeling that I have. Thank you. It feels good to hear someone feels this way about French people. (And actually, we might not be drunk, but we are quite loud 😅)
@@HELENAMNR. I've never seen any French person get drunk and become violent and threatening, unlike people from Australia or the UK. Have only seen French violence on the TV news when they are protesting against the government.
I'm Australian myself yet have found it a bit hard to make friends after moving to a small town. I was easier after I got married as I made friends with other married guys.
Maybe try to play a sport or join a club for a hobby? You will meet like minded people and hopefully make new friends? It gets harder to make friends as you get older in my opinion, as people become more settled in their ways and more rigid in their social structure.
I’m from the middle of nowhere down south in Australia, I honestly wanted to say it feels like nobody can make friends here either, everyone knows eachothers business and it’s chaos, you feel like a supervillain because of mistakes you barely remember because people here unfairly hold grudges, I’d say I need a new start but this is all I’ve known, I don’t know where to start, my family all hate eachother, I only have my mum, I’m only just starting to recover from a disability so I don’t add value either. I apologise for ranting and I don’t mean to be selfish or take away from what you are feeling but I’ve always liked to encourage others and I really think you could make some great friends, just don’t force it, I won’t say it will happen but even after 3 years of seeing one other face I haven’t given up, it’s worth waiting I guess
Good evening! I'm very sorry to hear that it is difficult to make friends you are... not a pleasant feeling to hear that it is because of past mistakes... we only humans and from the moment we are willing to learn, grow and evolve, as well as admitting to ourselves when we need to progress. I am certain some people one day will recognise that in you. I honestly thank you for feeling comfortable enough sharing this with me. I wish you all the best in the future. 🙏❤️
Are you in cooper pedy?
May I suggest you join a club or organisation, enroll in a class, do volunteer work or partake in group activities.
It is definitely something that I wish I will have the time for eventually. At the moment I am just going through a tough and uncertain time. But once things in my life will be sorted, that is exactly what I am planning on doing. 😇 thank you very much 🙏
Why did you move to Australia?
I moved here because my father and brother moved here when I was 15. I'm not lonely in that sense luckily. 😊
Here's a clue, look back at your friends in France, you most likely know them from school or work. It's exactly the same in Australia, or any western country for that matter, people rarely build connections outside of these two circles. I spent 15 years in Australia, got 2 friends, both through work.
Good evening, Thank you so much for your feedback and taking the time to share a little bit about you as well. I definitely agree with you but since I haven't lived anywhere after turning 18, and also have made friends from other countries... but I'm getting more and more open with people at work. I want to connect as much as possible.
@@HELENAMNR. from other countries is the key here, they're in same boat as you. It's next to impossible to make friends as adult and you just need get used to it.
you'll find people to do nothing with. i dont think it's your nationality or culture..maybe you just need to get beyond the surface level with people here and that might come through working with them or some shared experience. i think people would invite you over if they knew you feel this way - i would. 😊 in the meantime, invite them to your place so they know you want to be their friend. we might be being a bit too polite and dont realise you'd like someone to reach out. hang in there ❤
What a beautiful message to wake up to.. thank you so much for reaching out and for your kindness. I'm very touched. I am dreaming of all of this to happen, and am definitely becoming more and more open. I can see the difference. I love people in general, love getting to know their stories, what makes them who they are. I tend to focus on others and keep a lot inside when it comes to me. You are exactly the kind of personality I would love to meet in real life, just by your kindness. 🙏❤️
"Australians are super open minded"?? Im sorry, but as a native Australian you are definetly wrong! If you are in the city, then they are generally not going to show you their true colours. If you go to the country or rural areas, you are going to be warmly treated but also greatly offended! For some reason, even though you are french, I hear its really hard to make friends with locals by many of my former international friends. There is a lot of pretense in the city, and unless you got the chemistry, you are not going to "clique" with Aussies. Just because they come from a western culture, doesn't mean you are easily going to mingle. I can't give you the formula, but don't expect to be part of the furniture. Best of luck!
Hello Shaun,
Thank you for your feedback. Australians are open minded in the sense that not once I have felt like because I was not from here, I was not interesting enough. But it doesn't always mean, indeed, that any relationship would actually be formed. I have lots of international friend struggling in the same way, and seem to encounter more and more Australian people that seem to be also feeling this way. So I want to make sure I'm not pointing fingers at anyone or making à generality about anything. In the countryside, I would not expect much, it would be the same in France. Even I as a french could potentially be offended in my own country in some places. I totally get that. I hope things will change and evolve overtime. Thank you for your support.
I grew up in Australia and people here are not friendly or community oriented.
People here text you back 3 days later, we don't smile or say hi to strangers anymore and I don't even know my neighbours names.
The government started a Loneliness program to fight this growing issue, I'm leaving Australia and I have great disdain for my country
@@berrymckockiner5883 100% true. We are not community orientated, especially in the major cities. Country can be, even then it can be exclusive. Best of luck mate.
girl just make friends online
Definitely aiming to. But it is not that easy.... and I want the company here and there as well
🤝 Amen. Brave to be so open, and in such a public way! Indeed, things do get lost in translation, but i have found that if both parties are open to learning from each other, language and cultural differences , without being judgemental or feeling put down or taking offence when being 'educated' by a local, and vice versa, that this open dialogue can generate a connection and friendship. I hope you can find more connections, and enjoy this country, and its inhabitants. While Australians do have their idiosyncrasies, it is still a relatively young society which is evolving as more and more people arrive, mix, and share their cultures. All contributing to what we have here. While not perfect, it is still a pretty good place to be. I've only been to Sydney a few times, but Melbourne does have suburbs that seem to be occupied by similar cultures. Eg. Carlton Lygon Street would be associated with Italy. 🙏☕🦘🥐🏏🥖🇦🇺
Hello Wally (if that is your name 😊)!
First of all, thank you very much for your kind words, and for taking the time to give me some reassurance. I absolutely agree what you said regarding "learning from each other". I believe in making friends here one day. I really can only wish it will happen 🤞 it's also all about being at the right place at the right time.
Now I am also so curious about the little hidden gems of Melbourne. I would love to go back 😊
Where about are you from in Australia?