there is only one person on this forum I would not hug and you are not him so I am up for group hug.

Go on, you know you want to...

Oh go on then (((hug)))

I've been told this by several people I've met through work here - they don't say it nastily at all, they are just proud of their country. Before I came here, an Australian temp where I worked in Liverpool told me that I was emigrating to the best city in the best country in the world. A guy my husband works with who is English - he's been here for over 30 years, tells hubby almost every day that it's the best country in the world. Family members (who don't live here) tell me it's the best country in the world. I've heard loads of people on this forum say that they too have been told by Australian relatives/friends etc. that it's the best country in the world so I know I'm not on my own here.

My post wasn't meant to be negative to anyone who loves it here. It was really meant to be about the pressure that we put ourselves under to like what others like. What I was trying to say is that we shouldn't feel guilty or blame ourselves because we don't settle here just because others say it's wonderful/paradise/fantastic/the best etc., or because we have a nice house and surroundings.

I have to say that people have said it to me before...When we bought our car here the Rep said what do you think of OZ "the best place in the world"..
I just said..early days yet mate,,no comment..he looked horrified.

When you're feeling unsettled, it's probably one of the worst things people can say - it just exacerbates those feelings - you're trying to rationalise where you want to be, trying to make somewhere feel like home and when you realise you aren't having a magical love affair with Australia, it can fill you with self-doubt - you start questionning why you don't see it the same as others, you question if you really are mad to want to go back to the UK, etc.

As Lousie says, coming from most people, it's pride - but it does grate a bit when you realise they've never even been beyond the state border, never mind outside the country! Still, there is a lot to be said for inner contentment, and if they've got it without needing more then, lucky them!

Very well put Hiddenpaw

Whisky

Fair enough. Just not heard it myself. I think the Gold Coast may be slightly different, there are no Gold Coasters as such. Until 20 odd years ago there was no hospital. Everyone who lives here has lived somewhere else and therefore possibly have a less idealised view of the country. People love living here - well the one's I've met anyway but not totally blinkered. Or maybe I have been lucky with the people I have met.

I imagine it would be tough hearing it when you don't get it and you're struggling with emotions. I think the hard bit it working out exactly what the problem is.

I just wish people find what they want and are able to get it.

I have been informed a number of times by way of a speech that "AUSTRALIA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD" in capitals beacause they were talking very loud and with great zeal!! Also and I quote "WE ARE NOT ONLY IN THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, BUT THE BEST PLACE IN WORLD, RIGHT HERE"
Then the whole lot of em started "Yeap, been all around the world, and this really is the lucky country" Blah blah blah blah blah.
And it wasn't even as if I asked them, or started a conversation about their thoughts on Australia at all.
So I just thought I had better let you know this, just in case you didn't know.

Also I have to say this was from my in laws (Father, Mother, Brother etc), in what I suspect to be an attempt to stop me from thinking of going back to the UK. I had suggested, in confidence to my brother in law some time prior this that I would like to go and live back in the UK again at some point. So I assume that my confidence had been broken, and now the whole family know :scared:

Hi,
Just have to point out that IMHO Yorkshire is without a doubt THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD and I tell any Aussie that who states that their country is the best (and yes I have heard it said). Ialso make reference to Emmerdale and Last of the Summer Wine and Hearbeat which I know is naughty because it doesn't fully represent Yorkshire but if they are going to say a vast country is "the best in the world" having never stepped outside their state boundary then I feel justified in doing this.
All I can say is "came for an adventure, yes it's nice, no it's not home, it hasn't been aneasy decision but thankyou and goodbye (soon hopefully)".

Heartfelt good wishes to one and all, coming, staying or going, but especially all those who are having a really rough time of it.

PS. Thinking of changing my username to Yorkshire lass?

[QUOTE=moneypen20]


One thing I would say, just because someone posts how happy they are to be back doesn't necessarily mean that it's true. QUOTE]

And conversley, just because someones says they're happy to be here doesn't make it true either. A lot of people say they're happy because they think they should be. I did that for a couple of years.

At least people here have experience of both countries. If want some absolute blind optimism take a look at Poms in Oz

Maybe optimism is their way of handling having left their home and trying to form a completely new one? I mean, who wants to move to a new country and immediately start on the pessimism? It's not going to help, is it!
I don't have blind optimism, but I am an optimistic person and feel that I generally am the 'type' of person who can do this, and so far, touch wood, so good.
I guess you mean those in denial ... which I've not met up here.. but I am sure they exist.

It's not pessimism it's realism. I've 'done this' for 18yrs and it ain't getting any better. However that's my story, my situation. But when I used to post on PiO I'd put that to one side, however didn't sugar coat anything either. Some things good, some bad etc etc. If a question was asked it got an honest answer, but they don't deal with reality too well over there.

One guy moved over here and within two days claimed it was 'the best place on Earth'

There's no rule optimistic people can't be realists. I certainly am. An optimist says 'This situation is not good, but I am hopeful it will get better' whereas the pesimist will say 'this situation is not good and I can't see it getting any better'... Who knows the future?

I don't think being optimistic is bad, but blind faith is a bit nuts, which is a completely different thing. I'd never say anything as ridiculous as 'Australia is the best country in the world' and if anyone said it to me, I'd have to immediately take them to task over it.
Australia is a good country as countries go, but it's certainly not 'the best'.

HI Yorkshire Lass

I agreee with you. I am from Sheffield and boy do I miss and love yorkshire.

Cant wait to get back there!!!!

Come on Yorkshire