--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: After a year or two, the long term expats…" description: "\"“After a year or two, the long term expats won’t see the beggars the same way. After a year or two, the cheeky young monks won’t make them smile. After..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f6/craig-hodges-75202_burma_after-a-year-or-two-the-long-term-expats_2260997.jpg" --- # After a year or two, the long term expats won’t see the… ![“After a year or two, the long term expats won’t see the beggars the same way. After a year or two, the cheeky young monks won’t make them smile. After a year or two, the newest restaurant opening won’t pull them in. To preserve they will withdraw and settle. They will come to accept the limits of…” quote by Craig Hodges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f6/craig-hodges-75202_burma_after-a-year-or-two-the-long-term-expats_2260997.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f6/craig-hodges-75202_burma_after-a-year-or-two-the-long-term-expats_2260997.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f6/craig-hodges-75202_burma_after-a-year-or-two-the-long-term-expats_2260997.jpg) > ““After a year or two, the long term expats won’t see the beggars the same way. After a year or two, the cheeky young monks won’t make them smile. After a year or two, the newest restaurant opening won’t pull them in. To preserve they will withdraw and settle. They will come to accept the limits of it all. The hype won’t bother them. The promise won’t motivate them. They will have accepted their odd expat life, their awkward place in the chimera that is Myanmar today.”” Craig Hodges ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Long-term expatriates become desensitized to local poverty and novelty, eventually withdrawing and accepting the limited, surreal nature of their existence. **In simple terms:** Expatriates grow indifferent, withdraw, and accept a surreal, limited life. Key Takeaway Recognize desensitization, seek genuine engagement, avoid complacency. Themes exile culture shock alienation acceptance disillusionment Mood reflective melancholic thoughtful Type cultural personal. When to use this quote - volunteer work - local community projects - cultural exchange programs - mindful travel Key Concepts Sociology psychology cultural adaptation Questions to Reflect On - What steps can prevent desensitization? - How can you maintain meaningful connections? A Different Perspective Complacency can lead to loss of purpose and deeper isolation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Expats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expats/) [Long term](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-term/) ## Related quotes > [You most likely know it as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-o-hurley/you-most-likely-know-it-as-myanmar-but-it-will-always-be-burma-to-me/) [John O'Hurley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-o-hurley/) > [“People wonder why so many writers come to live in Paris. 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