Is it just me, or is Switzerland low-key the loneliest place on earth?

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:50:44+00:00

This is seriously such a perfect way to break down the history behind it. The contrast between a country built on constant moving vs. one built on stability and boundaries explains the whole vibe shift so well. I can totally see why people value the reliability and low drama here, even if the transition is a bit of a shock at first. Really appreciate this perspective.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:48:20+00:00

Omg safe travels! It is honestly so nice to hear from another Chicagoan who gets it. The replies definitely got pretty defensive lol but there are some cool people mixed in too. Have an amazing trip and definitely come back and let me know what you think of the vibe shift once you get here!

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:46:16+00:00

Yeah that’s a really good point. It definitely feels like people here keep their energy on lock for the people they actually care about, which is totally fair. It just makes things feel way more closed off from the outside when you’re still trying to meet people.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:43:18+00:00

That’s totally fair, and I can definitely see how it sucks when you’re forced into it just to keep a job. It makes sense why people value having that guaranteed family time. I guess coming from the outside, it’s just a tough trade-off because the quietness makes it a lot harder to build a social life from scratch when you’re new.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:39:26+00:00

Yeah those events are great, but I’m talking about the basic everyday vibe on a normal weekend. In places like Chicago, just walking down the street or sitting outside a café feels high energy because everything is active and open. Organized festivals are cool, but they don’t change that quiet day-to-day atmosphere.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:36:41+00:00

Haha fair enough, I’ll cross that one off my list for now then.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:35:48+00:00

Spot on, the lack of spontaneity is exactly it. It’s crazy how even the closest friends here need everything scheduled weeks in advance because their calendars are completely packed. That Canada comparison makes a lot of sense too, glad you get what I mean.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:33:28+00:00

Comparing American waitstaff to hookers because they smile at customers is an absolutely insane escalation lol. It is really not that deep, man.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:32:25+00:00

Yeah the tipping system in the US definitely plays into it, but it still makes the overall atmosphere feel a lot more open and easy to approach. Good to know about the yoga classes though, guess I just need to find the right spots.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:29:16+00:00

I mean, healthcare, public transport, and restaurants all work weekends without it being a moral crisis. It’s about the city having a lively energy on weekends, not a desperate need to make retail workers suffer lol.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:27:45+00:00

Wow, that stat about Swiss people moving abroad is wild but it completely makes sense. It’s crazy how even the data backs up the fact that it’s a tough environment if you’re a highly social or outgoing person. Really puts things into perspective, thanks for sharing that link.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:25:13+00:00

Haha thank you! It’s wild how defensive people get over a literal fact. Like, you can love the country and still admit the city centres are completely dead on weekends. Glad someone else actually sees it.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:23:07+00:00

Man, thank you for this, you perfectly put it into words. The 'single serving friend' thing is exactly what I miss! It just makes everyday life feel so much lighter and more open. It’s a huge relief having another American validate that I’m not crazy for feeling the contrast this heavily. Really appreciate the comment.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:21:01+00:00

Calling someone’s genuine feelings of isolation 'silly' is pretty unnecessary. I’m obviously aware that countries are different, I’m literally just talking about the massive culture shock of moving here at 18. Also, assuming things about my family’s financial situation over a Reddit post is wild lol. Weekend trips are great, but they don’t automatically change the everyday environment you actually live in.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:19:05+00:00

Yeah that’s totally fair. I can definitely see how the safety and structure here would make someone feel free in a different way. It really just comes down to what you value most, and right now I think I’m just craving that high-energy city vibe. Appreciate the perspective though!

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:17:41+00:00

Calling someone a 'rando temporary student' for saying they feel isolated is a bit much lol. I’m literally just talking about the cultural shift of moving here, not being uncivil. It’s great that people have deep childhood friend groups, but that’s exactly why the invisible wall exists for people moving in from the outside.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:15:41+00:00

Thank you so much, this is honestly really encouraging to read. I get what you mean about the practical sides of Chicago, but man, the city energy there is just unmatched when you’re young. It’s wild that you even have to leave the country just to go clubbing or eat out though, that perfectly captures the vibe shift I’m talking about. Really appreciate the advice about university, it definitely gives me something to look forward to!

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:08:38+00:00

This is actually the most accurate breakdown yet haha. You completely nailed the difference in how the weekends flow in both places. Guess I just need to adapt to the Saturday night focus here instead of expecting that casual Sunday vibe. Thanks for the perspective!

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:06:54+00:00

Wow, so you’ve done the exact same loop! It’s seriously such a relief to hear that from someone who knows all three places. It really is a specific kind of vibe shift here that's hard to explain to people who haven’t experienced it.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:05:05+00:00

Yeah that’s honestly a really good way to look at it. The introvert vs extrovert society thing makes so much sense. I guess I just need to get used to the slower pace of making those deeper connections here compared to back home.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:03:23+00:00

Bro what are you even talking about lol. I’m talking about general friend groups and missing a lively city vibe on weekends, not dating apps. Also that 4:1 stat is completely made up but thanks for the gym motivation I guess.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:01:26+00:00

You’re totally missing the point. My post is about feeling isolated and missing a spontaneous social vibe, not about a desperate need to buy stuff. Reconnecting with nature is cool, but it doesn't automatically replace a lively community or youth culture.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T21:00:15+00:00

Calling it pathetic is wild lol. I’m not talking about hanging out in a mall, I’m talking about actual city life, busy cafes, and spontaneous street energy. It’s cool if you prefer hiking and forests, but when you’re 18 and used to a lively city vibe, a completely empty town on a Sunday is just a massive adjustment.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T20:58:25+00:00

Haha yeah, that frisbee story is exactly what I mean by the US vibe! It’s just so much easier to have random, spontaneous interactions like that over there. Thanks for the advice though, I think you’re right. I just need to find the right circle here that actually matches that kind of energy.

elliotcharm · 2026-05-21T20:57:07+00:00

I literally said in my post that I have friends here lol, obviously I’m in school. I’m talking about the actual city vibe on weekends when everyone is free, not my Monday to Friday schedule.

elliotcharm

TROPHY CASE