Meet Maddalena : dating as an expat
Meet Maddalena,
an Italian relationship and dating coach now living in London, whose expat journey took her from a small town in Southern Italy to Dublin, Rome, and eventually London. In this episode, Maddalena shares how living abroad transformed not only her life, but also her approach to love, dating, and emotional connection.
Dublin became her turning point. What started as an exciting new chapter quickly turned into a deeper personal journey. Away from her support system, Maddalena began noticing repeating patterns in her relationships — idealising partners, confusing chemistry with compatibility, and unconsciously building emotional barriers to protect herself.
“When you are abroad you build a barrier unconsciously… this barrier makes you feel stronger and independent, but at the same time it blocks intimacy.”
Through self-reflection, journaling, and learning to lower those emotional walls, Maddalena began to understand how expat life can amplify existing patterns. Loneliness, independence, and uncertainty often create a push-and-pull dynamic: wanting connection while simultaneously keeping people at a distance.
She also shares powerful insights into common expat dating patterns:
Dating casually because you know you might leave
Choosing "safe" relationships to prove stability
Confusing chemistry with real compatibility
Seeking connection from a place of need rather than alignment
“Chemistry is a spark, but it's not everything… Alignment is knowing your values, your non-negotiables, and asking deeper questions.”
Today in London, Maddalena feels more grounded. Now a relationship coach, she helps expat women navigate dating abroad, gain awareness of their patterns, and create meaningful relationships built on emotional availability and alignment.
Whether you're newly abroad, navigating loneliness, or simply curious about how expat life shapes relationships, this episode offers thoughtful reflections and practical advice on dating while living internationally.
🎧 Expat Songs
Tubthumping — Chumbawamba
“I get knocked down, but I get up again” — Maddalena’s Dublin anthem that reflected her resilience during her transformation abroadJazz music in London — Maddalena’s go-to vibe for relaxed, meaningful moments in the city
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Credits:
Intro outro Ice tea, Not the king
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