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Moving to Amsterdam as an LGBTQ+ person can feel like a contradiction. On one hand, you’ve arrived in a city celebrated as a global icon of freedom and acceptance, a place where you are, in theory, free to be your most authentic self. On the other hand, being an expat adds a profound layer of complexity. You're not just navigating your identity; you're doing it while building a new life from scratch, far from your established support systems. You may find yourself code-switch

It’s a feeling that can be both powerful and frightening. One moment, you’re dealing with a minor frustration—a difficult colleague, a delayed train, a miscommunication with a partner. The next, a "flashpoint" occurs. It feels like a hijack; a hot, reactive wave washes over you, and suddenly you are no longer in control. You say things you don't mean. You react in a way that feels disproportionate, and later, you're left with a wake of regret, confusion, and shame. If this so

It can start as a spark—a flash of frustration in a crowded bike lane, a surge of irritation in a miscommunicated email, or a slow burn of resentment after a long day. For many expats navigating the pressures of life in Amsterdam, anger can feel like a powerful, unwelcome force. It can feel like it’s in the driver’s seat, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from yourself and others. But anger is not your enemy. It is a signal, a messenger trying to te

While expat life keeps us constantly engaged with a whirlwind of logistics and adjustments, it's essential to acknowledge that emotional and

The Unique Challenges of French Expats Adjusting to Life in Amsterdam and Finding Mental Health Support If you're a French expat living...