6 Reasons You Should Date An Expat Instead Of A Local When You Move Abroad

Living abroad can be invigorating, but a little scary at the same time. The excitement of leaving your comfort zone and learning to adjust to something new can be one of the best feelings in the world. It's like a long-lasting adrenaline rush.

Being single can also be fun. Living abroad and being single is also both invigorating and scary. There is nothing like having the freedom to be whoever you want to be, in a city where no one knows who you are.

Dating is scary in general. So, imagine dating someone in another country and allowing yourself to be extremely vulnerable to anything that could happen.

But, dating a fellow expat makes the whole experience a little easier. Here are a few reasons why:

1. They know what it's like to feel homesick.

It's like any other sickness, except you never really heal from it. It always seems to creep in and out of your life at the most random times.

It hurts like hell when you miss family and friends. Being with someone who gets that makes life so much easier to handle. This person knows not to pick on you about missing home. He or she will also try to convince you that being where you are at that very moment – with him or her – is the best feeling.

2. They know how hard it is to adjust.

Adjusting to a new home, language, culture and workplace can be very stressful. Learning to step outside your comfort zone, meet new friends and try new things can all be really scary.

All these things take time. For some, it takes longer than others. But, it really helps to know you aren't the only one who's going through it.

3. They know what the hustle is like.

If you've managed to up and move to another country alone, you're bound to work your ass off to make sure you're comfortable again. You work long hours because you need to pay rent, or you're just struggling to adjust to your normal lifestyle. Dating an expat will help you learn how to balance work and life.

4. They aren't afraid to live outside their comfort zone.

This person too had the courage to up and leave his or her comfort zone and challenge him- or herself. Living abroad is easier said than done.

All the ups and downs you come across teach you so much more about your character. Chances are, if you're dating an expat, he or she is slightly fearless. This person is not afraid to have some fun and enjoy life. It will be a nice reminder when life gets hard that you left home for a reason.

5. They are hopeless romantics.

If you're dating an expat, he or she is likely more romantic than anybody else you know. Why? Because he or she believes anything is possible.

This person believes that falling in love isn't a bad thing. If worst came to worst, he or she would pack up everything and learn to live in another country just for love. Expats live life with passion.

6. Most importantly, they will teach you how to appreciate moments and time.

Expats are more likely to understand that sometimes, things happen that are out of anyone's control. Maybe there is an expiration date on a visa. This means you may have to move elsewhere.

If you're dating an expat, he or she will be the most likely to get it. He or she won't consider it an "end." Rather, he or she will regard it as a new possibility. This person will teach you to enjoy the moments you have left and create the best memories with you.

One of the greatest gifts anyone can teach another person is how to live in the moment and appreciate what one has been given. Expats are experts at this.