Hello, dear friend,

I’m Butter—a doctor, a blogger, and now, a freshly minted Dubai resident with no friends (yet). Picture this: I, a social butterfly with no one to flutter to, am finding joy in my very own cocoon. It’s less of a tragic exile and more of an experiment in turning solitude into a party for one. And trust me, I’ve got a toolkit that’s helping me embrace this solo adventure, one quirky step at a time.

Mandala Painting: My Version of Adult Coloring Therapy
Today started with me painting mandalas. Now, if you think this is just doodling with a fancy name, you’re partly right. But oh, the joy! Each swirl of color was like whispering to my brain, “Calm down, Butter. You’re fabulous.” And honestly, who doesn’t need that kind of pep talk from their paintbrush?

Plant Parenthood: Adopting Green Babies
After mandala-ing my heart out, I brought a tiny green friend into my apartment—a lovely indoor plant. I named it Basil, though it’s not basil, just to confuse myself. Every time I water it, I feel like a responsible adult. And let me tell you, nothing screams “I’ve got this life thing under control” quite like not killing your plant in the first week.

The Hand Drum Diaries
Then came my hand drum. I’ve got this charming little 8-note drum that I bang around like I’m summoning ancient wisdom—or at least trying to figure out how to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It’s not symphony-level yet, but it’s my way of creating rhythm in a new, friendless city. Quite literally.

Meditation: Or Trying Not to Fall Asleep While Pretending to Be Zen
I attempted meditation next. I’d love to tell you I floated to some higher plane, but honestly, I spent 15 minutes wondering what’s for lunch. Still, for those fleeting seconds of actual mindfulness, it felt pretty great. Baby steps, right?

Cooking Therapy: A Date with Pasta
Speaking of lunch, I made my favorite pasta today. Cooking for one might sound lonely, but for me, it’s an art form. Plus, the good thing about eating alone? You don’t have to share the last bite.

Cafe Hopping and Coffee Tasting
Post-lunch, I ventured out to a café I’d never been to. There’s something therapeutic about sitting alone, sipping coffee, and people-watching. I ordered a cappuccino that came with a foam heart. Was it cheesy? Yes. Did I Instagram it? Also yes.

Walking by the Beach: Strolling into Serenity
As the sun dipped, I walked along the beach. There’s something magical about the sound of waves that makes you forget your worries—or at least drown them out for a while. It was just me, the sea, and the occasional seagull, who I suspect was judging my life choices.

Butter’s Tips for Avoiding Loneliness When Alone
Discover a Hobby: Try something new—be it painting, drumming, or even knitting tiny hats for your plants. Who’s judging?
Adopt a Plant or Pet: Start small. If you’re scared of commitment, stick with something you can’t accidentally let loose in your apartment.
Meditate (or Try to): Even if you’re just sitting quietly, it counts. Call it meditation; no one will question you.
Cook Like You’re on MasterChef: Experiment in the kitchen. Worst-case scenario, you end up with instant noodles, which are delicious anyway.
Explore Your City: Cafés, parks, and beaches are your new best friends. And hey, coffee never lets you down.
Walk, Dance, or Do Yoga: Move your body, even if it’s just to shake off the crumbs from your last snack.
Write It Out: Start a journal or blog—because if you can’t find someone to talk to, you can always talk to the internet.

Final Thoughts:
Loneliness isn’t a life sentence; it’s an invitation to rediscover yourself. Sure, moving to a new place without friends can feel daunting, but it’s also a chance to learn how fabulous your own company can be. Who knows? While you’re busy finding joy in solitude, you might just stumble upon a new hobby, a new friend, or maybe even the best version of yourself.

Here’s to thriving in your cocoon,
Butter 🦋