🧭 Region & Middle East · #113

I am a Malaysian who moved to Singapore after marrying. Even though the language is the same, I still feel like an outsider. What can I do?

Feeling out of place is normal even when the language is the same, because you have left a support network built over many years. Small differences in how people work, socialise and spend can feel big in the first year. Start with one community space: a religious class at a nearby mosque, a mothers' group or volunteer activities. Ask your husband to introduce you to friendly relatives and friends, not just at big functions. Keep in touch with your family in Malaysia without making them your only source of support. Build your own routine so that the new home feels like yours too. If the loneliness grows heavier, a family counsellor can help. See families in Singapore.

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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