Can expats really be friends? In this modern, social-media driven world it can be almost impossible to define what a friend is. On Facebook I have 2,400-plus friends, probably 50 of whom I have ever met in the flesh. On Twitter I have 42,000 or so, and have met even less of them. In their own way they fulfill part of the role of a friend: they listen to what I have to say (at times) for example, and keep me entertained, but do they know me? Have we been through formative experiences together? Have we laughed, cried, despaired, rejoiced and drowned our sorrows together? Would they be there for me if I really needed them? How would we act together in times of adversity? For years now I have sat in the corner of my favourite bars, red wine in hand, watching the latest intake of expats get gobbled up by the established old timers. You have to hand it to them as they are masters of procuring fresh meat for themselves, wringing an evening's free booze in return for "showing the ropes." Within hours, a drunken swearing of lifelong friendship and the sharing of all financial, emotional and personal details has taken place. More often than not, my cynical view that such friendships won't last has been proven right, as the new best pals realise that they don't actually have much in common. Almost overnight, expat friendships become sullen acquaintances with little chance of avoiding each other in the small village-like world that so many expats live in. It all leads me to the question - is it actually possible for expats to be friends? Do expats live in one place long enough to get to know people well? Does the growth of social media sites and the likes of Skype and the resultant ability to stay in touch with established old friends (an option not readily available to expats in previous generations) remove the need for genuine friends? Of course I may be wrong. But amidst this exodus of expats from Spain, as more and more Britons choose to flee the country's financial crisis, there don't appear to be many people waving them off at the airport. And, from asking after people that have returned, it is rare to find anyone that keeps in touch. So where does that leave us? Facing a sad and lonely existence as friendless expats or free to embrace the period of our life where we can do what we want, with who we want, when we want? I'd love to know your thoughts. This column is sponsored by: TorFX, a leading foreign exchange broker, offering excellent exchange rates for all your international money transfer requirements