Shakyuk

That wasn't nice to read and so I can't imagine what it was like to live it, I feel for you and hope you get some good in the future.

Dorothy

Thank you. Things will get better in time.

dgagitw

I think that would put you off just about anywhere.

JamesM

Gun ownership laws.

You'd never have gotten away with pulling a shot gun on potential suiters back in Camden.

cheeky_monkey

Im doing it for the second time around and finding it much harder this time..i settled in pretty quick first time..but this time its really hard work esp since i had lived in Canada for 5 years previously you would think i would know what to expect...im desperate for spring to arrive so i can get out and about more and get myself a bike..otherwise i will die from boredom.

TrishP

You've had a really rough time over the past few years, so sorry for your loss.

MillieF

I have noticed, very markedly, that when the end of winter starts to arrive very many more - depressive/desperate - posts appear.

I am currently scratching where I don't itch...I am longing to run, just go out and DO it! We are all bloody snow/rain bound...my Cairn Terrier longs to go free and I can't even let him out in the garden as he could walk over the fence...

Struggling is always there...we all feel it, but it gives pain so much worse at the end of winter hang tight, relief is in sight

miss_mp

Sorry to hear you're feeling this way Statham2016. I think it's not easy moving to a new country, and I think the winter season doesn't help sometimes. But hang on in there - I agree too, that 9 months is a short time. I think the GTA is a busy place, and life is fast paced and people do spend a lot of time commuting. Maybe a different location in Canada might help if you're free to move. I find the west coast to be friendlier than the east, and a bit more chilled. Although I'm finding Toronto very fascinating and interesting and very diverse (I've only been here 6 months), life here is busy and fast, and I do spend quite a lot of time on public transit. But still when I look back at the effort to get here, it makes me feel determined to make life work in Canada. I do miss family and life in the UK, but it's also not far to fly back and visit them.

Oink

Can't you get all its shots and take it down to south Florida for three weeks or so? You can wander up and down the beach with dog all day long.

Paul_Shepherd

This is the age old dillema....to emigrate from one country to another, you need strong reasons...ok some people just try it for the hell of it, some "do it for the kids" some "for a change of life" some for a new job....some because their spouse wants to. The problem with all these reasons....is they are not strong enough reasons, (with the exception of maybe doing it for the spouse - but even then that can turn resentful)

Ive said this a few times before, but in my mind the key to a successful emigration and enjoying your new life are based on these strong reasons.... ie you need a strong push to make you want to leave the UK, but also a strong pull as to why you want to live a life in Canada.

These reasons could be varied, but they need to be strong and determined or "the dream" will collapse at the first hurdle. Time wont change this.....its all about personal attitude....it sounds to me as if nothing was pushing you from the UK - you were happy, and nothing was really pulling you to Canada, there lies your problem, and time wont change that.

I see your biggest obstacle will be convincing your other half to abandon "the dream" and return to the UK, does she still see it as "the dream"?

Tangram

I see lots of people jogging around here and the winter hasn't stopped us walking our GS or at a minimum letting him romp around in the snow in the yard.

Really no need to be housebound in winter unless you're in the middle of a storm.

caretaker

Emotional roller-coaster.

Statham2016

Excellent insight mate. True on many counts. At one point in time I strived for this move also, but the dynamics shifted when the kids grew a bit and started school, and I took stock and focussed on the positives of what we had, and my mindset changed. Yes I was content as Id ever been. Dare I say it almost 'happy'. But it was 'too late'. We had our visas, invested an insane amount time, money(still do), effort and stress into this country (CA) and my wife maintained it was her dream and she 'had to do it'. We gave up everything. But I gave up more. (In terms of employment security). Im afraid to say resentment has in fact developed a little. Its all down to individual preference and experiences ( and Im not knocking Canada as a whole or intending to disrespect the people etc, as it is a nice enough place with the odd little advantage over the uk) some disadvantages also so its swings and roundabouts. But, as a warning to others out there who feel the thought emigrating is exciting, if you are fed up with your lot and think a dazzling new life of 'happiness' awaits you because the sun shines a few more months of the year or whichever materialistic or superficial reason you have, please have a word with yourself. This place is like any other in the world. Its just a place. Suppose you wont ever really get it until you live and breathe it upclose for yourself.

Stinkypup

The trouble is you didn't think that, you seem to have gone with the flow of things and sadly are living to regret it-if going as a couple/family, the adults have to both want to do it- if it fails or you hate it then fair enough you gave it a try. It is so easy with the benefit of hindsight but that full and frank discussion should have occurred, just maybe a bit earlier ,before shelling out the cash, getting the visas.

I hope that she is now currently taking on board how you are feeling- it cant all be one way traffic- a really difficult situation, I hope it works out for you both in the end. Resentment is never good for anyone, it has the potential to seeth and boil up.

cxx

Whilst I personally hate living here in NB, I can't see why people have such a problem getting out and about. Everywhere I look parks are having events to encourage people to get out and about so trails are cleared, snowshoes and the like are offered, and there's even free hot chocolate. The pavements / sidewalks are also cleared so I see loads of people walking, running and cycling.

ETA: managed to lose the quote in case the OP (or others) is confused! I was supposed to be replying to MillieF's quote.