Never Belonged...

I’m not sure what it was, but growing up as a third culture kid (an Anglo-Indian, as we are called), I was always different, and was made to feel that difference. I never truly felt a sense of belonging, nationalism, or welcome. But guess what? I didn’t quite miss it either. Maybe because I’m a sort of ambivert and happy with my own company, or maybe I’m just quirky. But it did make me super competitive and independent. I decided I had to forge my own path.

Then I moved to HK and felt the full weight of racism. I’ve had to work harder, be better, ensure I stayed relevant… I’ve been luckier than most, I believe. Rather than trying to fit, I walked away towards doing my own thing, and finding my beloved circle of diverse friends and thinkers, whose conversation, intelligence, and judgement I delight in.

Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit? How did that make you feel? I’d love to hear your stories! Please leave them in the comments, I’ll share the top 10 on my FB page!

xx

Deborah Mannas2 Comments