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Bezuidenhout Social Club gathering (photo: Hans Overduin) This article was originally published in Dutch in Bezuidenhout Nieuws, December 2025. From her own experience, Zeyda Erol knows how important it is to have a personal social support network in order to truly feel at home in a new country and a new environment. To support internationally oriented neighbours in building such a network, she launched the Bezuidenhout Social Club this autumn. The interest has been significa

Most of us understand that community is important. But very few of us know exactly why it matters so deeply, or what’s happening beneath the surface when friendships shift, fade, or flourish. How many relationships should we maintain, and what kinds of friendships do we need anyway?  Recently, I listened to a powerful podcast episode from the TED Audio Collective called “Am I Normal? — How many friends do I need?” by data journalist Mona Chalabi, where she explores friends

The longest ongoing study on human happiness from Harvard (87 years and counting) found something simple yet profound: When we have a strong community and good relationships, everything gets better. We’re healthier. We’re happier.   We live longer. And yet, many of us no longer feel that sense of belonging.  We can be busy, surrounded by people at work or school, and still feel that something is missing. If you’re anything like me, you know how life in a new country—or even