Thread
1) My experience as an #immigrant has been mostly positive, but I got to say I've also been treated like something 'exotic & new', but not as someone to REALLY get to know. I found many are already busy with their families & old circles to really let you in their lives.

2) 'Oh I'd love to see you for a drink' & it never happens no matter how you try. 'Let's meet up for a coffee sometime' & there's rarely a follow up, you're put at the end of their list. Some wants to see you for a bit cause you're bringing something new...

3) ...but there's no way they're going to mix you up with their existing friends, including & embracing you.
Now, I'm not saying we can become close friends with everyone we meet, but it's also true an immigrant has a real need for connection, especially if they came here alone.

4) I've mainly found deeper connections with other immigrants & with Irish people who lived abroad, cause we understand that need. With many other Irish people, they went from interest level 10 to 0, cause the moment I wasn't new anymore, a friendship seemed too much effort.

5) What I'm trying to say is: give us a chance. We're people like you. It's sad to feel you're building a friendship & someone never finds time to meet you & REALLY see you. When the thrill of something new is gone, we discover we're all the same. Let us in. #ImmigrantsMatter