Feeling at home isn’t just about the physical space you inhabit, but the sense of comfort and belonging you experience.
However, some people never really feel ‘at home’, no matter where they are.
There’s a curious and fascinating group of people that I like to call ‘eternal wanderers’.
These are individuals who, despite changing locations, relationships or circumstances, always seem to carry a sense of restlessness within them.
In my quest to understand this nomadic tendency, I’ve identified seven telltale traits that these eternal wanderers often share.
These traits provide us with a glimpse into their world and helps us understand why they never truly feel at home.
Join me as we explore these traits and what they reveal about people who never feel fully at home, no matter where they are.
1) Constant desire for change
Eternal wanderers have a unique characteristic—they are never fully satisfied with their current situation.
This restlessness often translates into a constant desire for change.
Whether it’s a new city, a new job, or even a new relationship, these individuals are always on the lookout for the next big thing.
They view change not as a disruption, but as an opportunity for growth and excitement.
This constant yearning for something different can make it difficult for them to feel fully settled or at home in any one place or situation.
They’re always wondering what’s around the corner, and this curiosity keeps them from ever truly feeling like they’ve arrived ‘home’.
However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily a negative trait.
Their desire for change often leads them to experience a variety of life-changing adventures and opportunities that others may not.
2) The allure of the unfamiliar
I’ve always been captivated by the unknown, and it’s a trait I’ve noticed in many eternal wanderers.
For instance, I remember a time when I had just moved into a new apartment.
It was comfortable, cozy, and exactly what I had been searching for—but within a few months, I found myself browsing real estate listings and dreaming of living somewhere else.
It wasn’t that I was unhappy where I was, but the allure of the unfamiliar was too strong to resist.
The idea of a different neighborhood to explore, new neighbors to meet, and a fresh environment to adapt to was exciting.
This fascination with the unfamiliar is another key trait of those who never feel entirely at home.
The idea of settling into one place, one routine, or one lifestyle often feels too mundane for them.
They crave novelty and new experiences, which can make it hard for them to feel fully at home anywhere.
3) High adaptability
Eternal wanderers often possess a high level of adaptability.
They have the ability to acclimate quickly to new environments and situations.
People with high adaptability are better at dealing with life changes, stress, and uncertainty.
This trait is particularly useful for those who frequently switch locations or circumstances, as they can easily adjust and find their footing.
However, this adaptability can also contribute to their restlessness.
Because they can adjust so quickly, they may not feel tied to any one place or situation and may lack the sense of permanence that comes with feeling ‘at home’.
4) Independent spirit
Most eternal wanderers have an independent spirit that pushes them to chart their own course in life.
They value their freedom and autonomy above all else, and they aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone to maintain it.
This independence can make them resistant to settling down in one place, as they fear it may limit their freedom or opportunities for personal growth.
They thrive on being self-reliant and having the ability to make decisions independently, without being constrained by a specific location or lifestyle.
However, this fierce independence can sometimes leave them feeling disconnected or isolated, which can contribute to their inability to feel entirely at home.
5) Struggle with attachment
Attachment has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and it’s something I’ve seen in many eternal wanderers.
We tend to hold people, places, and things lightly, always aware that we could be moving on at any moment.
I remember when I adopted my first pet, a little kitten named Luna: I was over the moon about her, but at the same time, there was this fear in the back of my mind—I kept wondering how long I could keep her if I decided to move again.
Would she adjust to a new place as quickly as I could?
This struggle with attachment isn’t about not caring or not loving deeply.
It’s about the internal conflict between wanting to form connections and fearing the potential heartbreak that could come with another change or move.
This constant tension can often prevent us from feeling fully at home, no matter where we are.
6) Desire for novelty
Eternal wanderers have an inherent desire for novelty.
They crave new experiences, sights, and sounds.
This drive pushes them to constantly seek out new environments and situations.
It’s not just about the physical act of moving, but the thrill of experiencing something new and different.
The excitement of meeting new people, learning about different cultures, or adapting to a new job or lifestyle is what keeps them going.
However, this continuous search for novelty can sometimes prevent them from feeling content or settled in one place, contributing to their perpetual sense of feeling out of place or not fully ‘at home’.
7) Embrace of the journey
At the heart of every eternal wanderer is a deep-seated belief that life is a journey, not a destination.
They cherish the process of self-discovery and personal growth that comes with each new adventure or challenge; they understand that feeling ‘at home’ is not just about a physical location but also about finding peace within themselves, wherever they may be.
This ability to embrace the journey, to find joy in the unknown, and to continually evolve is perhaps their most defining trait.
Though they might not feel fully at home wherever they are, they have found a unique way of finding home within themselves and their experiences.
This perspective allows them to navigate life with an open mind and heart, making the most of every moment along their path.
Final thought: It’s about embracing who we are
The essence of understanding people who never feel fully at home, no matter where they are, lies in appreciating the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.
These eternal wanderers, with their constant desire for change, adaptability, and independent spirits, embody a unique way of experiencing life.
Their journey is not about searching for a physical place to call home but rather about finding home within themselves.
A quote by Maya Angelou beautifully encapsulates this sentiment: “You can never go home again, but the truth is you can never leave home, so it’s all right.”
This is a reminder that ‘home’ transcends beyond the physical realm—it’s a state of being, a sense of self-fulfillment and contentment that we carry within us.
For those who never feel fully at home, their journey might be filled with constant shifts and changes.
At the core of their experience is an exploration of self, an embrace of the unfamiliar, and a pursuit of personal growth—that is a journey worth acknowledging and respecting.
