10 Things that inevitably happen when you move to a new place

For those of you who are not aware, I, Shayn, lover of cardigans, have recently moved to Fairfax, Virginia for my new and fabulous internship in DC. So far, I am absolutely loving this place, but this week, I have been less than ecstatic about my new home. Which made me frustrated, because I used to be so crazy excited about everything here. I realized that my recent moodiness is a common symptom of moving-to-a-new-place-where-you-don't-know-anyone syndrome. I experienced similar symptoms when I moved to China. Here's a list of the steps you will inevitably go through when moving to a new place.

Step 1: Fall in love with everything and everyone. 

Your internship is in an office right next to the capital building! Your temporary sublet isn’t that bad, and your soon to be apartment is an adorable townhouse with great roommates! There is a Trader Joes and an independent movie theater right down the street! Pretty much, “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego movie is your theme music for step 1. 

Step 2: Explore. 

You make a mental list of all the wonderful things you’re going to do in your perfect new home. You start discovering the neighborhood, shopping for home décor, finding cool restaurants, realizing that you live right next to the 7-11 and can go get “hot chocolate” anytime you need it! You are enthralled with the newness and splendor of your perfect home. 

Step 3: Reality hits. 

Before long and after the magic wears off, (usually about two weeks in) you realize that you know absolutely no one. You are alone in a new city with no friends, no hobbies, and too much time on your hands. You find yourself texting your old friends a lot more often than you normally would have done. Expressing your undying love for your mother every time she calls you. This is the phase in which "what am I even doing with my life" comes up a lot in your head. 

Step 4: Netflix. 

You’re never alone when you have television! Also, you never realized how hilarious Tina Fey was before. 

Step 5: Be busy and stay distracted.

You start making lists of very important and productive things that are absolutely imperative to your time, because you are a valued adult with many worthwhile pursuits and interests. “I’ve got to drop off the dry cleaning and get groceries today…” “I’ve been meaning to read Wild for some time now…” “Maybe I should start writing in my blog again…”

Step 6: Second reality check.

You’ve tried, but you’re not fooling anyone. You have no life. At this point, you seriously consider signing up for Tinder. 

Step 7: More Netflix. 

How did you make it to season 4 already?

Step 8: Boredom. 

You know it’s time to leave your cave and attempt to make friends. This is the tricky phase. You somehow have to find people your age with similar interests, and let them know, in a non-creepy way, that you are totally available and willing to hang out with them anytime and be their best friend for all eternity. Good luck with that!

Step 9: Fall into a routine

You've done it! You've somehow managed to create a social circle, and are enjoying your job. You are a regular at that restaurant you love. People have given you nicknames here. You have it all!

Step 10: Contentment. 

Congratulations! You’ve come full circle. This place is now your home and you love it here. You are now lucky enough to say that you have successfully moved to *insert city name here* all by yourself, and it's like a home away from home for you. Success!

The moral of the story is, to all of you not sure about moving away from home, or doing something similarly life-changing, go for it! Sure it's scary, and it involves a lot of change. Sure I may personally be somewhere around step 6 in my current moving process and not exactly 'crushing it', but speaking from experience, I know that it will get better, and then it will get awesome. Change is  good. It's a big world, with a lot to offer, so go get some!