Sally Redux

Great 1st post

Cherylbe

Can I hug you

greatscot

Hey there.
I stand by what I say. Brit is best.
America has been found wanting in my eyes.
Salutations,
HS

Patzy

Love your post ....

fulwood

I have lived in US since 1984 and my brother since 1982. We came to see our American father whom we had not seen for over 18 years. We had both been raised in an orphanage and chance to be with someone who actually seemed to want us was appealing. Also at age 22 I lived in Preston and back then was asking myself is this all there is? I loved my dad as did my brother but my stepmum made life hell for us both. She could not accept us and to be honest we never really got to know my dad. In fact when he died in 2002 we found out 3 months later from a family friend who just casually mentioned it. So do I have regrets - kind of yes and no. I love the vastness of this country and its beauty but yet again its vastness can be a detriment. Friendships can be made (difficult to though) but if a friend moves out of state it's pretty much end of friendship. It's not like friend moving from Manchester to London - it's like a friend moving from one country to another..Americans - well I reserve judgement on them. I feel more at ease with Europeans does not mean do not American friends. So to not bore anyone - materially done better than would have in UK - worked hard for it, not rich by any means. Now as I approach 50 I question my reasons for being here - I do not have anything personally that holds me here other than my brother but he would move if I did. So ideally in the next year or two I will move to England for a period and see if I can call it home again. If I do and it is doesn't work then that's that..I will not make one mistake though and that is to go back to my home town of Preston - there are much nicer places in England and Scotland (preference) that I would rather live..Also I would not hesitiate to move back should something happen to my 46 year old brother who may possibly have cancer -we find out more on Monday. Without him I do not care how my life is in England would rather be alone in UK than in the US. Give the US a try that's all you can do - everyone's circumstances and experiences are different..Also do not be fooled by Americans and the image you see on TV - they are very difficult to get to know. I think it might be easier in a city but in state I live in it has been very difficult..Good luck with your decision..

Elvira

He's got a future here!

britvic

In a nut shell.

britvic

I like her or him as well

aes1

Me too

king kong

sounds like australia . except the girls are all called kylie and bruce.

dunroving

Do you have any plans to return to the UK, and if so, how does your wife feel about it (I'm assuming you are still married)?

When you're not where you want to be, it can be easy to drive yourself into a frenzy about how much/why you hate where you are. There's a lot of truth in what you say (and of course on MBTTUK, you have a captive audience for these sentiments), but apart from the quality of tea being better here (naturally) I think much of your post could describe how things are in the UK.

Also, some of what you say could be differently interpreted in defence of the US, and in criticism of the UK. One example: the American Dream is as much about poor families working their butts off to achieve a decent standard of living - it's not about being obsessed with opulent luxury. There's not much wrong with the idea you should work in order to make a living - I'm afraid sections of the British population don't get that at all - the State will take care of their lazy arses (which also could be described as "the obnoxiousness of entitlement").

Not trying to pick a fight - I know how you feel. I've come to learn, though that you can end up torturing yourself by only seeking the negative in where you've ended up. Good luck with whatever plans you have to move - and hang around here, you'll get lots of support if you really want to MBTTUK.

(Oh, and I think I'm not sure which is worse - having your kids in school with Amber and Tiffany, or with Chastity and Tiara)

king kong

Hi dunroving ,good post and although not aimed at me specifically i do agree with what you say . The same outlook on life in general is prevelent amongst nations of the western world so they share exactly the same problems .
It really is just down to wether the place is a boring as watchin grass grow ,wether you feel belonging . It should neve be about money ,if i was to be thinking about money id be staying here in aussie but i just cant do it for all the same reasons the poster above stated about america .
I dont even think you should return to your home country because of friends and family as thats often a mistake after a fortnight ,if it isnt its a bonus .Got to go home because its in your blood .

dunroving

Coincidentally, I was reading the Sunday Times this morning. The British press is very much no-holds-barred in how it covers conditions in other countries (including some quite shocking photographs). There was a series of pictures in the magazine on people living in Zimbabwe who have been mutilated under the Mugabe regime. It puts things in perspective somewhat - regardless of how boring, or bland, or lonely life is in whatever Western country we live, we have it pretty good compared to some countries.

king kong

absolutely ,we who are dual nationals and can live in several countries are very very fortunate indeed .Our problem is we dont embrace what we have , ie a dual passport is a true blessing it gives us choice ,the problem is some of us cant deal with the choice and use what is at our disposal and enjoy the countries we can live in ,instead we focus on too much permanency .
I met some people form zimbabwe [black] in the uk a few years ago ,they were great people and great fun too ,that despot mugabe has a lot to answer for ,he has ruined the garden of africa .

martinw01908

This is the same in Britain. Virtually every company has all the press 1 press 2 crap. Even my local council!



Same in the UK on parking, driving and shopping. I hope this makes you feel better.

Its not all rosy you know anywhere.