First assignment, LONELY.

If you are lonely, think about how the poor puppy will feel being left alone for 13+ hours a day.

I love meeting people. Don't depend on just the friends you might have now. I check out the coffee house bulletin boards or local events listings for anything that interests me like a group hike, boating trip, local theater, wine tasting or art show. I join the local gym and participate in the classes. Volunteer at the local animal shelter. Offer to foster a couple of cats during your stay but don't get too attached. I am also fine with enjoying a beautiful view alone just for some me time.

The first assignment or any first time alone for anything is the hardest. You have to learn two things.... 1) how to be alone, its very different being alone and far away from the world you knew. 2) how to meet new people for short term friendships, I dont really care about doing this but I will occasionally.

Another thing you can do is make travel plans and ask for a 6 day weekend in your contracts midterm to fly home and see family/friends. Also, have family or friends visit you... pick places worth visiting for the average american traveller.

Hey Dee,

I'm sorry to hear about how lonely it is for you during your assignment. I compare this adventure to the first day of highschool or college. You literally have to go sit at the lunch table with strangers and strike up conversation. It's rough making new friends as an adult, especially when ya'll both know you're going to be gone in 13 weeks. At 8 weeks in, I say just muscle through the rest of your contract. Forget about stressing yourself out making friends. For your next assignment, be open. Strike up conversation. I'm traveling with my partner, so it helps a great deal, but I know I will be alone in my next assignment. I plan to travel and see the region I'm in. Try to live like the locals. Do what they do. A friendship will develop if it's meant to be. And, get a cat. They don't care about companionship!