*big hug*

It may help to know that many of us have been in your position-- and that feeling lonely is always a part of changing locations. I laugh at it now, but I remember feeling so lonely one day that I went out and bought a broom just so I could talk to someone. BUT, as others point out, gradually it does get better and better. And the best way to get through this period is to figure out how to spend your days, especially if you aren't working.

I think it's important to leave the house everyday, even if all you do is walk around your new neighborhood or check out some new shops. One of the things that I did was to buy a map of my new city and take the bus somewhere different every other day. After a couple of months, I think I knew the city better than people who had lived there for years. It also gives you something to talk about with your husband and his friends.

If you are a sociable person, it can be hard not to have a community of friends and relations around you, but you can also look at this interval as an opportunity to develop your private self. Often, we get so used to being with people that we don't know how to be happy unless we are surrounded by others. Be a bit daring and go to the theatre by yourself, or sit in a coffee house and watch the passing crowd for a while.

Just knowing that what you are experiencing is totally normal and happens to everyone who makes a big move can be comforting. And going through this period is going to make you much more sensitive when, after you get settled in your new home with new friends around, you notice a newcomer who looks a bit lonely and lost. You'll be the one who makes the first move to strike up a conversation and suggests going for a cup of coffee. And that person will be ever so grateful!

I would really sign up for an intensive language class. You are bound to meet other people in your position who also have time on their hands. Maybe you do this already, but it would really give your day structure and social contact.

Sorry you are feeling this way! I will be thinking of you all day. It's so hard to move to a foreign country, I have done it myself. I moved alone to Asia several times and it almost did me in.

Have you thought of getting a dog? They are truly excellent companions. I never feel lonely with my dog(s) around.

Ramya, I *so* hear you. Two months and a bit more after my move, and although I am meeting people and there is potential some friendships will develop, it IS SO HARD. New place, new culture, new language - everything. And I've been through this cycle before, we moved a few times across Europe, but each beginning is difficult. Although I'm portraying "been there, done that" attitude towards outside and know it realistically takes and an undefined length of time (but things will eventually sort themselves out), I think right now I'm at my most impatient - I just want it over, this transition that is.

Keep your mind occupied. Develop some routines. Exercise. Look for some form of involvement in the local community. Have your own little rituals.

Above all, learn the local language. It is one form of social interaction that will do you so much good - you'll meet others in your position, plus you're investing in future relationships with the people in your surroundings with whom you'll be able to communicate.

I myself am house-bound, so to speak, at the moment as my son has not started kindergarden yet, but when he does this autumn - I'm starting classes asap.

Big hugs, Ramya! Norway is not always cold, and you will settle in, I'm sure!

Hi Ramya -
I really feel for you! I went through these feelings when I moved from India to the US for graduate school. Even in a country where I spoke the language and had a "job", life was tough, so I can imagine how much harder it must be for you. I'm sending you big, big hugs! There's plenty of great advice here already, and I don't have other suggestions. Please do know that it does - and will - get better. In the meantime, hang in there!
Savitha

Hi...I will send my phone number on the PM and you can call me. I know I am not close enough to visit but we can talk and I have a acquantaince in Stavanger who can give me tips on what is going on locally.

Tips..as Harmonica said, Norway has free norwegian courses for us foreigners so you need to find out where and sign up. I met my best friend in Norway in my first day of norwegian class. Remember, those people will be new here, and lonely too.

Norway and especially Stavanger is super international so you don't have to actually speak Norwegian to get by. Just speak English ...almost all the foreignors I have met who moved here less than 10 years ago, do not speak the language. Norwegians speak English too well for them to learn.

thank you all... loved the tips you guys gave me...
starting now I am going to try all the tips you guys gave me.

I am not usually so negetive but something got into me and i was
misserable.

you guys made me feel better thank you so much

We moved 1,220 miles away from everything and everyone we knew a year and a half ago. IT IS HARD! I still get homesick, although we've made lots of new friends here. I know what you're going through.....((hugs))

I feel for you as I am somewhat in similar circumstances myself. We moved 4,000 kilometers from Ontario Canada to San Jose USA for hubbys work a month ago. I cannot work as I cannot get a visa and I just had a new baby boy so I am somewhat stuck at home. The first 2 weeks all I did was cry from missing friends and family. I have met a few neighbours but not many other people. I hope it gets better....the suggestions everyone has given look great! I am planning to join a gym, volunteer and take some online courses....hopefully things will get easier for both of us

Ramya, I've been in your situation, and it is hard. Consider yourself hugged, right now! The suggestion to take a language class is excellent. It will give you a place to go, some needed structure to your life, and you'll meet people who are in the same position you are. Plus, you'll learn a new language. Getting out and walking around your new city is another great idea. When we lived in Belgium, I ended up knowing more about getting around Brussels than I've ever known about Washington, DC, and I've lived here for almost 30 years.