I enjoyed and related painfully in some cases to all of this. I had no idea how difficult expat life would be when I chose it 20 years ago. I didn't follow much of your advice and my journey has been a struggle at times because of it. I think becoming an expat as part of a couple, in my case my partner living in his homeland, created its own issues. As much as having the benefit of an inbuilt social circle has helped, it made me less independant than I was prior to moving abroad at times. I wasn't forced to make friends at first which I kind of regret now, as time and life wears away certain circles I miss the stability of friends and family of my own. And it really is a form of grief as you say. Excellent piece, so important to anyone contemplating this life, thank you.