Traveling taught me how to be independent – but there is a problem with too much independence

Independence is good but like many things, too much can also be bad. We always talk about traveling as a way of learning how to be independent.

But we don’t pay equal attention to its negative effects. In a normal day of travel, I had a first-hand experience of not feeling good about being too independent.

I am writing this today because I found myself in a very humbling situation yesterday. You see, I am already in Tbilisi for 3 weeks and this is the first day that the hostel was occupied.

People don’t travel to Georgia during winter and in a certain period, I was the only one who braved the cold.

People came to celebrate New Year in Tbilisi and I was very shocked with the abrupt change. Suddenly, all the beds in the dorm were taken. In a matter of hours, the hostel garden where full of Russians drinking vodka at 10:00.

I woke up on the 31st and someone was saluting me with a morning greeting. I had this vast space to myself for 20+ days and it was strange to be around people. I felt really weird.

I am a very friendly person but after the 20-day solitude, I had to undergo a slight adjustment period. I would usually return the “good morning” but for some reasons, I didn’t feel like it. I still feel I am alone in a hostel and is not obliged to rub elbows with my bunkmates.

One thing that bothered me the most was when after cooking dinner, I put the food on my plate and sat down the dining table where 8 other ‘hostelmates’ were playing a board game.

I didn’t even say “hi,” nor asked if the seat was taken. Neither did I invite them to share my food.

“That was impolite of me,” I told myself. What the feck is wrong with me? Where did your values go, Ana Patricia?

Acknowledging mistakes to myself is one of the good skills I am proud to have honed in the years I am traveling. I am glad to be sharing to you my deep realisations about your admiration for my so-called independence.

I forgot how to ask for help. Or just ask.

My mom always told me it is okay to ask for help aka no man is an island. Humans need to co-exist. This is the reason why we should somehow be dependent on our fellow humans because that is the circle of life.

A few examples include asking for directions. When I moved to Tel Aviv, my head would explode before I find certain locations.

I never ask because I think it’s too much of a bother. You’re in a city that is facing the sea from North to South. You will never get lost. 

That was my reasoning. From not asking, I was late in meetings for hours and even ended up spending more money by taking the taxi.

I really believe it’s good to travel like that. Challenging ourselves when we are out here is a traveler’s hobby. The idea of being lost before finding something is normal most days but only if you are not in a hurry.

I asked myself a few questions: what if I made that turn and didn’t know it was a neighbourhood of robots on meth? I would’ve been killed!

I traveled with an ex-friend of mine (yes, I have ex-friends) and I remember her to be one of the most efficient travelers I know.

I look at her when we were traveling as 20-year olds and I have so much respect for her. She holds the map, walks without knowing where we are going (in reality she does) and asks for directions to every person we come across.

It always saved us time, money and energy. This girl is amazing we did a lot in a day because of her tenacity! From rekindling our travel experiences, I realised that asking is also a form of independence.

When I first moved to Tel Aviv, I had a hard time asking people (even neighbours) for a favour. I was even in a minor bicycle accident and didn’t call anyone because I did not feel the need to.

One of my Tel Avivi friends told me it is not fecking normal to be in a situation like that and call for help. He said I should’ve informed someone. I asked the ER guy if I was dying and he said no that’s why I didn’t call anyone.

But what if I was dying? What if I was dying and still thought that calling someone will only alarm/bother my friends? What if I was dying and nobody knew?

Which brings me to a good transition to my next point: relationships.

I was too self-reliant to maintain a relationship

Okay, we are down to your favourite part but I want to talk about friendship first. It counts as a relationship, okay! I used to be the girl who comes and go.

Aside from the people I grew up with, I wasn’t good at keeping up with friends because there is a common understanding for all of us: we are all traveling.

Nobody can maintain a very strong relationship when traveling. I mean, I had friends whom I lived in Peru for 6 months but where are we now? What are we doing?

Surely, we are still ‘updated’ with each other’s lives (maybe say “happy birthday” in the Whatsapp group every 4 months) but it is very different when you are on different times of your lives.

The time of my life when I decided to move to Tel Aviv means I have to attend Saturday barbecue, Shabbat dinners and surprise birthday parties that I always chose to skip.

It’s not that I was doing it intentionally but I don’t know? Maybe I was still in the ‘coming and go’ zone so I felt it was perfectly normal.

I was telling myself this story but the truth is, I was afraid I’d make deeper friendships.

As part of our social activities, the normal thing to do when you are trying to live somewhere is to build friendships — which leads me to my next point, the part you like the most: I keep finding something wrong with dating Israeli men but I had an epiphany about a few seconds ago while writing this — maybe I am the one at fault? Maybe I am really not normal?

Okay, I am being too hard on myself with saying that. When it comes to dating, the only thing men complain about me is the constant move.

Some do understand the need to move (because of my job) but still complains how I am awful at communicating while I am away.

I must admit, I am really bad at Skype-ing aka long distance relationship but come on, they have to give it to me — I am very good when I am physically present. I really do my best.

Still, more often, it doesn’t work out. But my hopes never went low because I also go with the flow.

I have the “there is nothing you can do to make me feel bad about myself” mantra so I have to believe that nothing is wrong with me. Whenever I am caught up with these relationship situations, I make them answer the question: 

“Do you want a girlfriend or do you want ME?

There is a big difference between those two.” I think if you really want to be with someone, even if it’s in the most irrational, unconventional and abnormal ways, you will always find a better direction to make it work.

The thing about romantic relationships is that it’s a 2-way street. It will always take two to tango. I think I should learn to tango. I am slowly learning, to be fair.

I said “I have nothing to fear” and it broke my family’s heart

I was just talking to a friend today about going to India for my girls’ education advocacy (which is one of the most exciting events of my 2017!) when we had an argument about India.

The usual stereotypes surfaced and she finally asked me a question: “If you have a daughter, will you allow them to go to India?”

The answer is I don’t know because I am not a mother yet. I never met my child. I need to know her humanity first. I need to know if she can defend herself or is smart enough to take care of herself.

You might think I am very careless about going places but let me tell you that I am not. With India, the feeling is right. There was never a single doubt.

Last year, I had a huge fight with my mom because I wanted to go to Pakistan and Afghanistan for the same advocacy.

Of course, the media is always feeding our minds with negative things but most of news about these two countries are true: there is no place for women out there.

That did not make me feel good and I also came to a journey of learning that even if I am very independent, I need to be responsible about how my family and friends will feel.

“Trisha, I know you want to be Christiane Amanpour and I will support you. But if you are doing this for the adrenaline rush, for the excitement, please, always remember, you have a family and friends who love you.”

My mother has always been there when my fear container is empty. She always makes me open my mind to bigger pictures, not just close my decisions basing on what I want.

Above all, the greatest learning experience from this is that fear is essential. Fearing means you still know how to feel. You have are human. You have a heart.

I am really surprised on how much we can learn about ourselves while we see the world. This thing about growing up doesn’t end! Its such a strange topic, independence and ‘adulting.’

What are your experiences in being independent? Did you also discover some negative effects? It doesn’t have to be major but what did you observe about having too much independence? 

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20 Comments

  1. hit the spot. ate trish.
    My sisters told me the same thing, I travelled to Nepal and trekked alone and they went nuts. Got into a motorcycle accident and I never told my family about it. I don’t want them to worry it was just nothing so yeah.. If you really want to do something despite of your family and friends reaction knowing how our families mindset (Filipino here travelling alone) we gotta do it.. the only reason I can answer to them is that … I want and need to see the world. and well they just laugh at me . ?

  2. I left MNL 3 years ago to work abroad. Just last week my family came over and spent the holidays with me. I realized my personal space isn’t too flexible anymore. I used to sleep in the same bed with my siblings back home, share the same closet with my sisters, basically do everything together. But a lot has changed and I seem to not enjoy these “sharing” anymore. There was one time when all of them were having a great time playing karaoke, I noticed myself not wanting to join at some point. Too much independence made me become selfish of my time somehow. Maybe because I already figured out how effective my “system” works when I’m doing things alone. But don’t get me wrong, being independent has given me the best life lessons I wouldn’t have had the chance to learn If I was at home back in my comfort zone.

  3. i worked in vietnam for 16 months. for two weeks that ive been home, ive been feeling like, somehow, i no longer belong here. people assume that i’ll be leaving again soon and so my presence is deemed as temporary. im feeling the need to go someplace… to provide for them… to live on my own… like i might not ache to come back again. i told my mom about it, i saw her pain

  4. That’s a pretty nice insight. We would probably never experience these feelings because we don’t travel long-term like you. And we are a traveling couple, so our love-life is already fine.

    One thing though that we do experience is our families’ concerns, which, although legit, are amusing to us. They always fear the worst when we scuba dive, climb cliffs, trek up mountains, etc.; and we have to persuade them that everything is all right.

  5. It’s always a good idea to travel with caution. There is a reason why they have travel advisories to volatile countries because you never know what could happen. You still have to be accountable for your actions in case something goes wrong. Not all governments will come to your rescue.

    Be safe out there.

  6. #relatemuch. Yeah, being too independent has a negative side but we gotta have to learn how to balance it and I am learning a lot these days.. Quit my stable job in the Philippines a year ago, came to Dubai, UAE and Viola!!, I’ve been living outside the comfort zone for more than a year now, and the ups and downs are all worth it.. Asking for help was the hardest one but I’m learning to asked anything now.. God bless on ur journey Ms. Trisha! You are an inspiration.. Hugs and kisses from the desert!! ?

  7. I am working out of PHL for about 8 years now but I get to go home every after 7-8 months for 8 weeks. More often than not, I tend to not to inform anyone from work of where I am going not unless they ask. I am more comfortable of doing and figuring things out on my own. I think it has always been my nature ever since I can remember. So, if anything happens to me while on the road no one would really know. But now, I am slowly starting to work on it by at least informing my boss. 🙂

  8. It is crazy how much you learn about yourself when travelling. I have learnt some good points about myself and also some bad which made me chance slightly. Although I do travelling for myself and no one else.

  9. Such great insight – I have felt varying levels of connectedness with travelers over the years, usually depending on my travel situation and who I’m with (if anyone!). I’ve always really appreciated how travel brings out the self-sufficiency in everyone and rarely find that to be a bad thing. But I suppose that after too much time, after too long alone, being reminded that it’s okay to let other people in is always valuable!

  10. Well your in a new country and it’s sink or swim and one of the best things in my opinion is always to make acquaintences and friends as quickly as possible. Being independent is great but struggle in a new places is really scary

  11. How great to look at the flipside of independence. I think the key is to balance honing your skills of independence AND to build relationships. It’s not either or. If you can stay true to yourself and build/maintain ties and connections and those people in your life respect your love/need for independence, then you may have stumbled on an ideal balance.

  12. Great insight and looking at some of the potential disadvantage of having too much independence. And yes, if you’re in an accident you should call someone! I travel with my husband and too kids, so I can’t totally relate but there are times when I would love a hostel to myself. I think I need a bit more independence.

  13. I’m extremely independent and 99.99% of my travel is solo. The other .01% of the time I travel with family and friends. But although I’m independent and travel solo, I’m like your friend – I’ll ask people for help. There’s nothing wrong with that and it’s a great way to meet people, especially the locals. I think you just have to find the right balance and what works for you.

  14. I cannot totally relate with you as I don’t travel for long periods of time and most of the time I travel with company. But you are totally right about traveling alone and worrying parents. Even if I go to the “safest” destinations and people are still worried

  15. Very insightful. Sometimes I do stop and think how “too independent” I and other friends have become. Live everything in life, if we don’t find a good balance, we will get to that level of independence that borders to anti-social or even cocky. In a way, I miss the time when I would just stop anyone on the street and ask for help.

  16. Great read as always and very deep. I am naturally a people person. I like being around people and I am always able to get along with people. It’s a probably a personality thing. I was always able to find the good in people and make people laugh. Those are two of my favorite traits. With that comes the comfort of asking for help or asking a question. The locals know where stuff is and are generally proud of where they live. No shame in asking for help. When I’m home in Toronto I love telling people where things were when they ask me!!!

  17. Great Article. I’ve personally suffered from the “not asking for help” one myself. Sometimes we need a reminder that we aren’t superman/woman and its ok to need help. Happy travels!

  18. I guess it takes time and experiences like these to realize that true independence do not equates to doing and experiencing things alone. I have lived in a dorm life for 3 1/2 years but I always get a chance to go home every week. Like the other people who commented here, whenever I get home, I slowly felt like, I don’t belong anymore. I feel uncomfortable about sharing my bed and closet to my sister. I feel uncomfortable about the idea that I am dependet again on my parents whenever I’m home. But then, after 3 years of living away, I come to realize like you that I can be independent while being dependent to my parents. I don’t have to live alone to become independent. And to be honest, I felt more independent now than ever. I am the bread winner of my family. I pay the bills and provide as much as I can.. And I am set to travel alone to 3 different countries on my own this year. I am quite independent but I am not alone. I know my capabilities that I can do things on my own, and I find solitude at times is very satisfying and relaxing. (P.S., There’s still one thing that I don’t want to be independent at.. I am dependent on my mom when it comes to washing my clothes! Hahaha)

  19. Dear Trisha,

    We don’t know each other. At least, I know you a little bit better than you know me (we even have an acquaintance in common, Julien Cruciani)…But let’s put things straight to begin with : English is not my mother tongue, I would say I am even quite bad with it (I am French, my parents are Polish, though I was born in Paris…). Nonetheless, I wanted to write to you and to express my feelings… Just because I feel like it’s time to share my gratitude ! So, let’s get back to the begining : I am not an English native speaker, and I am not even a blog addict… I don’t have a blog and I never ever expressed myself through a commentary on someone’s else’s blog. Usually, I would always take a quick look on Internet, reading stuff in an intuitive way and passing on something else… Not with you, and It is going to be almost 2 years. 2 years ago, I broke up with my boyfriend (after a 12 years relationship), I moved, and I quited my job… And I decided to travel : I went to South America, for a 7 months trip. Knowing, that in the end, it was kind of the « actual trend », that it was something « in the air » and knowing that what I was doing had nothing « exceptionnal »… It was « in the air ». « Trendy ». « Easy ». Cause yes, I discovered, doing it, that it was easy. Traveling by yourself. Nonetheless, this trip changed my life. Taking a « geographical distance » allowed me to take a real distance, towards everything. A very healthy one. And, just three months before making the big jump, I started to read you. You were different. I was always deeply bored about random traveling blogs… Just giving tips, not so much else. But not you. You are talking, in the end, about life, about human nature. One time in Peru, I thought for one second that it was you, in Cuzco, somewhere in front of a coffe place. Probably just a look a like. Doesn’t matter : just to say, thank you for you blog, thank you for all these invisible ties between people who doesn’t know each other but who feel the same. Maria, a very respectufl admirer.

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