Nowadays, people often go to another country to study or to work. Many find it difficult to adapt (适应), though. According to the study, up to 70% of adults experience homesickness (想家的) at some point in their daily life.
Almost anything can cause homesickness — a smell, a taste, even a color can make them think of home. Mohammed Barakat sent us a message on Facebook about his longing (渴望) for "the smell of rain and green" during the Sudanese (苏丹的) rainy season, Mari Damian misses "the smell of Christmas cakes". "I feel a little sad today because I'm homesick. I miss the delicious plates of spaghetti with a special sauce my mother used to make. She is a great cook. But I work in another country and I have to deal with occasional (偶尔的) feeling," said a young man.
According to Dr. Susan Matt, who wrote a book about the subject, people used to see it as a dangerous disease. The Greek poem Homer's Odyssey talked about it. But the modern term (术语) came into being in the 17th century to describe the feelings of soldiers, who missed their home while fighting in another country.
Modern technology (技术) can limit this feeling, letting people keep in touch with loved ones easily. Skype is a lifeline because it can let grandparents far away watch their grandchildren grow up. People should not let homesickness stop them living in the present. I follow advice given by Dr. Wood: I write down three new things that I am thankful for every night, as well as three things I'm looking forward to most every morning.
What about you? Have you experienced homesickness? What do you miss when you are away from your home and family?
