an honest life update *life in Denmark*

so I've made a decision...

find me here:

[thejoanaalves]

Hi :)

Just like you, I’m in a very similar situation! I’ve been in Denmark for two years now, and we also moved here because my husband got a job offer. During the first year, I really struggled to adapt... it was like my brain kept thinking this was temporary and that I just had to endure a few months, even though that’s not our plan at all. What really helped me:
- Starting therapy (I swear, it worked wonders for me—understanding why I was feeling the way I did).
- I’m Portuguese, so I joined a group of Portuguese women on Facebook. We meet regularly for brunches or dinners, share ideas, and open our hearts to one another.
- Planning trips and having something to look forward to!
- Focusing on YouTube—but I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this because I can see how consistent and dedicated you are in this area.

Some of the things that made me fall in love with this country:
- Getting to know Danish people—having a dog has been a great excuse to strike up conversations with them.
- This time of year, Christmas! I absolutely love it—Danes truly embrace the holiday spirit like no one else.
- The coffee shops! I’m obsessed. Treat yourself to a solo coffee outing now and then, and just enjoy the moment.
- Saunas! Another thing I adore, and luckily, I have a few near me. 😊

Focus on yourself, practice self-care, explore your city alone, and try to build roots. I’m not sure where you live here in Denmark, but I’m near Copenhagen. If you’d like, we could grab a coffee sometime <3

I hope you start feeling better soon! Stay strong (I really like your videos!).

[laurariedt]

Appreciate your advice 🫶 and also SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEW CHAPTER 🥰🥰🥰

[PeterBondeVillain]

Hallöchen Laura! I'm so happy that you're being honest about your experience of living in a small town in Denmark and that you're asking for advice and input on how to improve the situation! I will try my best to help in this response, and if you want to we can communicate through social media or some other platform for more in-depth conversation.
1) What can you try, experience, travel, do to fall deeper in love with Denmark and the culture.
- This is a really good question! I lived in Ireland for a few years, and I was more or less exactly in your shoes. It's really hard to suddenly move to another country and to build up a social network and to do things that make you fall in love with the place. In my experience, the way that I started to blend in was through social gatherings, sports activities, group meetings, etc. It might sound like a pain to do those things in a busy day-to-day schedule, but it does bring you closer to people, and it does create some bonds that you can use to build friendships and connections to the country. Another piece of advice is to go on day-trips around the country! I can really recommend the history town Christiansfeld as a very cozy and historic village in the south of Denmark. Aalborg is also a lot of fun and really cool to visit. For more of a family vibe I love Odense. And obviously to get the big city vibe and lots of activities, there's Copenhagen. Booking an Airbnb and spending a weekend there is really cool! I have suggestions on what to see and do if you want some.
Congratulations on the pilates teacher training program!! That sounds really cool, and I'm sure it will be life-changing! No matter where you end up, I hope that it is right for you. I will be following along, and seeing German content will surely help with my journey to become fluent in German 🙂
I love that you guys are pursuing this on your own paths and that you both can achieve your individual goals, even though it means some distance between you to get to there! That happens, and it's important to leave space for those kinds of decisions when you're in a marriage.

I'm sorry that I wrote a whole essay in your comment section, haha! I hope it's somewhat useful. All the best to you and your loved ones

[jaanaprall]

If you can find some water, cold water swimming is a great way to adjust your attitude and feel calm and alive at the same time. If you can find a sauna too even better!

[EnesAltan]

Hello may I ask couple of questions ?, Soon I will get a job offer in Denmark (I hope 😅) I am checking work permit procedure. But in nyidanmark website says for work permit, I have to choose suitable schemes. Will my company tell me which scheme I should choose ? Also Do I apply residence permit or only work permit is enough ? If I am asking stupid questions I apologize. (I’m non-EU)

[SimonRaahauge]

go to christmas markets! allways a mood boost! and visit the old town in aarhus and see the 1970'ies area. And do get a light terapy lamp! matas sells them for at few 100 dkk.

[SimonRaahauge]

a town with about 40.000 would support a pilates studio, I