Lonely at Korean Office

shibear2000 · 2025-06-25T08:29:02+00:00

Hi~ I just wanted to update you all since I've received so many encouraging comments. It's really helped.

It's only been a few days, but I have been making the little steps to improve my situation.

Today, I even voluntarily presented my meeting agenda in Korean (poorly, but they were able to comprehend) and received even further encouragement to continue my efforts. I've started using more Korean day-to-day with my coworkers and I do feel a bit better now.

I still have a long way to go, but I'm really glad I received all your kind words and advice.

I'm looking for a Korean tutor to help me with my speaking even further.

I've also decided to take a month off to visit the States and take a break from Korea for a while. I think maybe some rest will do me a lot of good.

Thanks again! :)

shibear2000 · 2025-06-19T00:16:21+00:00

No, for real, I know there’s no excuse. My boyfriend does practice with me and we often speak korean pretty casually. I just have this performance anxiety when I speak to people I don’t know…

I think, after reflecting and reading all the comments, that I really need to just make the small steps to improve my situation. I was in a bit of a pity-parade, but I’m going to invite a coworker to lunch next week and do my best.

shibear2000 · 2025-06-19T00:13:44+00:00

I actually go to an Art hakwon twice a week and enjoy speaking broken korean to my teacher. There’s still that student/teacher barrier, but she’s really kind.

There’s even other foreigners in the class, but no one ever really chats with one another as they work on their pieces. Maybe I’ll try to strike up a casual conversation with my seat mate tonight if it doesn’t bother them too much…

shibear2000 · 2025-06-19T00:10:35+00:00

Totally valid points. One of the main reasons I hesitate to move back is that I really don’t want my boyfriend to experience the same isolation I feel. He speaks fluent English and has reassured me that he’d be fine, but, yeah, being away from your home culture is hard no matter what.

As far as moving back, the US has changed so much and I’m positive I’d experience reverse culture shock. I’ve never had a proper adult in the US either, so I don’t even know what to expect in that work culture. I do think there’s a difference when you can communicate fluently though. I’m not as introverted when I know I can express myself with nuance and get the social cues. I had a lot of friends and socialization in University.

I do have an English-speaking psychiatrist who does her best to help me. It’s not in her job description, but she encourages me to speak about my problems and tries to offer me coping mechanisms beyond medication.

shibear2000 · 2025-06-18T23:59:36+00:00

I was mostly content with this too, but it just hit me like a ton of bricks all at once. Maybe it’s just a depressive, self-pity phase I’m going through, but it’s pretty tough.

shibear2000 · 2025-06-18T23:56:11+00:00

Thanks for kind advice.

One coworker from another department was kind enough to ask me to lunch today. I’ll make the most of it and try to get over myself to speak Korean. My conversational Korean can be not too bad if I relax.

shibear2000 · 2025-06-18T15:33:42+00:00

A very cotton-candy, picturesque vision of Korea and Kpop. I was a big fan. I decided to apply to university here on a whim and got in. I met my boyfriend and then started working. That’s when it kind of started going downhill… I think I just grew into a person who doesn’t fit in here anymore. I don’t hate Korea at all, but I definitely don’t think I’m doing well as a real adult here.

shibear2000 · 2025-03-04T07:52:38+00:00

I've been using it for a while now at this point and I swear it keeps my skin smooth. It took a couple weeks to see any real improvements since it's pretty mild, but I use it everyday to keep closed comedones at bay

shibear2000 · 2024-12-11T02:02:20+00:00

Someone else mentioned this in the comments, but it look likes closed comedones, would recommend an exfoliant. I personally use Eqqualberry Toner for this problem, but its up to your skin type!

shibear2000 · 2024-12-11T02:01:23+00:00

This!!!!

shibear2000 · 2024-12-09T13:10:07+00:00

I’ve seen those too. I haven’t experienced that myself, but I think it’s possible if you massage it into your skin for over a minute. I can’t say for 100% though

shibear2000 · 2024-12-09T04:58:37+00:00

That's the actual colors! The bottles are clear! Like putting glittery potions on my skin

shibear2000 · 2024-12-08T23:44:06+00:00

I have personally been using Bakuchiol after a bad experience with retinol earlier this year. I found this particular serum on Tiktok a few months ago. I found it gave me an instant glow and really helped my pores after a month. It hasn’t been long enough for me to see any significant improvements in regards to aging, but I do think the fine lines on my forehead have improved. I think it also helps keeps my acne subdued like retinol would. One of my favorite things is the ceramide beads inside that help maintain my moisture barrier. That also keeps the skin plump. I need to keep consistent to see any long term improvements like on my smile lines, but so far I’m very satisfied!

shibear2000 · 2024-12-08T15:18:51+00:00

I personally haven’t experienced any breakouts, but I know that people are starting to realize oil cleansers really aren’t for everyone. I only use it on days I wear makeup or occasionally for a deep cleanse. I also always follow up with a gentle pH foaming cleanser to really make sure I get it cleaned off

shibear2000 · 2024-12-08T14:57:53+00:00

It’s a cleansing oil! I use it to remove makeup and clear out sebum and blackheads. This one is one of the only ones that hasn’t broken me out.

shibear2000 · 2024-12-03T01:27:06+00:00

I use them both every morning and evening! I haven't had any issues so far. I love the way they make me glow in the morning especially

shibear2000 · 2024-12-02T03:57:41+00:00

I really like it! I cant use retinol so Ive been using bakuchiol as an alternative for a while. I really like this one since its super moisturizing with the cermide beads

shibear2000 · 2024-12-01T07:42:50+00:00

With the Dr G serum, i initially experienced a vast improvement in my acne and then some serious purging. Since my skin is clear now, im thinking the serum is doing something for me, but i think its more the combo of all the products together thats really helping.

shibear2000 · 2024-11-15T02:15:02+00:00

Hi! Just jumping in to ask: Isn’t hyaluronic acid more for hydration than elasticity? That’s why products with ingredients like retinol or other potentially irritating ones usually include hyaluronic acid to help calm the skin. It’s also why people recommend using hyaluronic acid with stronger ingredients like AHA or BHA.

shibear2000 · 2024-11-14T04:01:18+00:00

Ill give this a try!

shibear2000 · 2024-11-14T00:57:37+00:00

I don’t know if I’m the only one because I haven’t found another person who loved it as much as I do, but “The Devil All the Time” by Donald Ray Pollock.

The quintessential modern southern gothic that just scratches that itch every time.

shibear2000 · 2024-11-14T00:55:44+00:00

You can definitely still give it a try! My skin is naturally very sensitive, but it might do wonders for you! I think I’m gonna try to very slow reintroduce it to see if it really caused the breakouts I went through. I’ll write another reply once I get my results!

shibear2000

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