Lover girlies, this episode is for you! Have you ever wondered if moving abroad for love is really worth it? In this episode our guest Lexy, who moved to Lisbon for love, shares her incredible (love) story. We’re going to hear all about how Lexy met her Portugese partner and her decision to move to Lisbon to be with him versus actually doing it – and how it’s going now, after living together for 1 year.
Also we talk about the challenges of building a community and meeting new people in a new place when you’re in a relationship – and how that’s different from when you move abroad by yourself. Last but not least Lexy shares how she sees her future in Lisbon and she has some advice for people that are thinking of moving abroad for love.
With love, April Betts & Anna Jirina.
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About From Lisbon With Love
Welcome to From Lisbon With Love! A podcast about real stories of love, laughter, and life in Lisbon — from women who have left it all behind. We share real stories about moving to Lisbon, starting over and figuring life out along the way. We talk love, dating, friendships, breakups, healing, growing, all of it. Basically, the stuff we usually talk about over coffee ☕️ or vinho 🍷. If you’re thinking about moving to Lisbon, already here or just love honest conversations with heart: you’re in the right place! Learn more about our story here.
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Moving abroad for love: the challenges
Moving abroad to be with your partner is a big decision that you can’t make overnight. It requires open communication, being flexible and having realistic expectations. Some things that can be extremely challenging, especially when you’re in love and you have your rose-tinted glasses on all the time ;-).
When you move abroad for love, it’s really important to discuss future plans with your partner beforehand: Being on the same page can prevent the both of you from big disappointments and helps creating realistic expectations. Also building a support system outside of your relationship is really important, to maintain your individual identity through hobbies and friendships.
Creating new connections and building friendships in a new country can be challenging, especially when you’ll naturally spend a lot of time with your partner. It requires dedication and effort to create a community, but it’s essential to make you feel at home at your new place faster, without only relying on your partner.
Is moving for love really worth it?
It’s important to recognize that moving for love is always a risk – something we talk about in the episode as well. You may have to deal with culture shock, being homesick and feeling lonely whenever your partner is at work or attending social activities without you – especially when you don’t have your own social circle yet. It takes time to adapt to your new life and your new country, but these challenges are completely natural.
It helps to approach the experience as a voluntary decision rather than one that could be resented. Also it’s important to be open to the adventure, change, and personal growth that comes with moving abroad for love.
