Appreciate Quote by Sarah Turnbull
![“Such is the nature of an expatriate life. Stripped of romance, perhaps that's what being an expat is all about: a sense of not wholly belonging. [...] The insider-outsider dichotomy gives life a degree of tension. Not of a needling, negative variety but rather a keep-on-your-toes sort of tension…” quote by Sarah Turnbull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c81/sarah-turnbull-54185_appreciate_such-is-the-nature-of-an-expatriate-life_2351769.jpg)
“Such is the nature of an expatriate life. Stripped of romance, perhaps that's what being an expat is all about: a sense of not wholly belonging. [...] The insider-outsider dichotomy gives life a degree of tension. Not of a needling, negative variety but rather a keep-on-your-toes sort of tension that can plunge or peak with sudden rushes of love or anger. Learning to recognise and interpret cultural behaviour is a vital step forward for expats anywhere, but it doesn't mean that you grow to appreciate all the differences.”
About This Quote
Expatriate life creates a tension of belonging and alienation, offering both challenges and heightened awareness of cultural nuances.
In simple terms: Expat life is a tension of belonging.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the outsider perspective.
Themes
identity
culture
belonging
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- relocation
- international work
- study abroad
- travel
- cross‑cultural relationships
Key Concepts
cultural adaptation
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you turn cultural tension into growth?
- What practices help maintain a sense of belonging?
A Different Perspective
Tension can lead to isolation if not managed.
![“Well, I'm living in a foreign country, but I'm bound to cross the line Beauty walks a razor's edge, someday I'll make it mine If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born "Come in," she said, "I'll give ya shelter from the storm." [from 'Shelter from the Storm' 1975]” quote by Bob Dylan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c24/bob-dylan-168_beauty_well-i-m-living-in-a-foreign-country-but_1339452.jpg)
