Let’s address one of the biggest white elephants about life in Colombia—the loneliness and frustration that often come with it, especially for women (but men too!).
Maybe this will turn into a series of articles, where I combine past and present experiences to reflect on what it truly feels like to be a woman living in Colombia. Along the way, I’ll also share recent encounters and unique situations that have shaped my perspective.
Loneliness and Frustration: The Reality of Being a Foreigner in Colombia
One of the hardest parts of being a foreign freelancer in Colombia is local perception. You often feel like a target—and in many ways, you are.
Over time, we learn to defend ourselves and stand up for our rights, but the journey is filled with pitfalls and challenges.
Life Under a Microscope
Moving to a small town, like I did, makes you feel like a bug under a microscope. The loneliness and frustration of being foreign never fully go away.
No matter your background or nationality, you’re always a bit out of your element. Even after years of adapting to culture, language, and norms, you still hit that invisible wall—struggling to understand the locals, and for them to understand you. I know I do.
The more you experience Colombia with your eyes open, the more you realize: this isn’t Kansas, and you aren’t Dorothy. In some ways, it feels more real than life in the U.S. ever did.
Here, there’s little patience for those who don’t speak the language. And even if you do, you’ll occasionally encounter someone who simply stops listening once they hear your accent.
I’ve ordered food in clear Spanish, only to receive something entirely different—because the person tuned me out the moment they realized I wasn’t local.
Taking a taxi? The driver may bump up the fare by an extra 2,000–3,000 pesos, using traffic or road conditions as an excuse.
Why? Because in this culture, there’s an ingrained belief:
“If you can get away with it, do it. Don’t get caught. And if you do, deny everything.”
This is why foreign residents often feel isolated and frustrated.
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How Do We Cope?
1. Find a Hobby That Makes You Happy
Having an outlet is essential. My personal go-to activities have included:
💃 Dance
🥋 Tae kwon do
🌸 Gardening
🧘♀️ Pilates
Find something that interrupts your routine and brings you joy.
2. Attend Local Events
Support the arts and culture scene. Whether it’s:
🎭 Theater
🎻 Symphony
🖼️ Art galleries
📖 Poetry readings
🎶 Live music
These moments connect you to the community and make life feel special.
3. Surround Yourself with Good People
Spend time with friends, but don’t use them as an emotional crutch. Instead:
🗣️ Practice Spanish
💡 Ask for their insights and experiences
✨ Draw inspiration from their stories
We’re not meant to be isolated. Even when I hesitate to step outside, I push through—because each encounter adds something meaningful to my life.
4. Shift Your Mindset
Loneliness and frustration are normal when living abroad. What matters is how we respond.
🌿 Breathe deeply
🧠 Let go of negative energy
🚀 Embrace new experiences with an open mind
And one of the best pieces of advice I’ve carried with me since my early 20s:
👉 “Don’t feel your way into acting—ACT your way into feeling.”
We can do it, I believe in me, and in you too!
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💡 Want Personalized Advice?
If my travel and expat tips resonate with you, consider booking an online consulting session to dive deeper into life, culture, and dating in Colombia.
📩 Email me at: openmindedtravel@gmail.com
💰 Consultation Fee: $25/hour
Let’s chat about perspectives, cultural norms, and how to navigate life in Colombia!
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