Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I like the nice people on this forum, they are all friendly and make me feel at home here so....... wait, cables back on :) gotta go

Charles

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I was thinking that myself, but last time I changed mine, I got 'told off'!! :lol:
So if anyone wants it, they are welcome too it;)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

first started using this forum to research the passport delays in dc. but lots of other interesting fun stuff and people here too.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Firstly it was looking for advice re the move over...alo been great for advice on every other step of the way through citizenship.

Secondly, I'm now in a position to give some advice and try to do so where i can.

Lastly, to make meaningless comparisions between US and UK, and bitch about certain things here in good old British fashion, to people who at least understand where you are coming from, even if they don't agreee! :D And that is indeed sometimes a rare commodity....for example, trying to explain euro style stinking socialist health care to a lot of people in real life here is like pulling teeth.....;)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Reading all of your replies is pretty interesting! Thank you. :D

Overall it seems that most of you originally joined for info on the complicated world of immigration, but stayed for the "fellowship" (in a non-religious way). Fabulous! :eek:

What also comes through from the responses is something of a frustration level with life in the US and Americans. Am I reading things right? :confused:

From a personal standpoint, my reason for asking was that I have recently done my citizenship and somehow have a feeling of anti-climax.... I'm sure some of you can relate. Its been 7 years of working on the immigration process - get the EAD, get the conditional GC, get the 10 year GC, apply for citizenship......

...and now I'm kind of "now what". Just having some reflection time on the whole thing and thinking about what a hassle its been, how expensive its been and the ongoing challenges of living here.

Again - thanks all for sharing. :cool:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I mainly use it as a place to come and express how I'm feeling as a Brit living in the US to people who understand. It's sometimes easier to be able to use cultural references and certain words without having to go into a whole long explanation as to what they mean.

Somedays though it seems like there are more Americans using this forum than Brits and I find it a little frustrating when they get defensive and take it personally when someone is critical of America or Americans.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

....... especially for a country of nationals who are *very* quick to have an opinion about everywhere else, right? :blink:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

FWIW, speaking as an American, and maybe even one of "those people", :D, am I proud of being an American, yes? Do I always agree with the actions of my country, no of course not, I'm pretty sure I'm not a jingoist.I'm not about to defend something that needs fixing, if I think it needs fixing. I am a pirate not a parrot!!

I DO get tired of hearing the same crap complaints however AND I have lived overseas outside my comfort zone, so I am familiar with having to adjust. I have gotten to the point where most of the time, I just mutter, "yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever, get over it and move on willya........:sneaky: Somehow I think if the shoe were on the other foot, the Brits in here would do the same if it were Yanks fussfacing. Certainly I have seen some defensiveness or a bit of flag waving....... Before anyone gets their panties in a wad or knickers in a twist etc, by that comment, I wouldn't be surprised if you reacted that way- if that is your homeland in your heart and soul then so be it. Just don't get defensive with me if I don't say British is best. Me, I won't say American is either though, :)

One last thing, I can be and am certainly, sympathetic to those who are in unbearable situations through no fault of their own, lost job, ill parent miles and miles away or even a spouse that's ill and needs afforable treatment, that is the kind of thing that makes fussing about unfamiliar and unacceptable food items pretty small potatos in the large scale of things. It is certainly not a condition that is only suffered by Ex Pats though. :unsure: :(

So why am I here? I morphed off the Marriage and Visa forum and ended up here. I've stayed because the great majority of the time, the interesting posts and discussions outweigh the teeth grinding ones and after almost 7 years here I've come to know some of you ( or as best I can) fairly well. I've felt good about the good things and sad about the bad things that have happened, because at that point you see, I don't see your nationality, etc, etc, I see you.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I understand all that, and I get pretty defensive when someone is unjustifiably critical (IMO) of the Uk, but when my USC husband was living in the UK I wasn't a member of UK/Yankee forum or any other forum for USC living abroad :huh:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

That's fine if you didn't wish to be a member of that forum, because that's you. Me, is me. Sadly when I was living abroad, both times, there were no forums because while Al Gore might have invented the internet, word hadn't gotten out yet.

One thing though, my Anglophilism (or whatever you wish to call it) dates back to a good 35 years before I met my UK husband, :)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

There probably is an element of that...however, the longer I'm here, the more critical I am becoming of the UK too....it most definitely is not a one way street. It's just fun to have a bit of banter and compare the two in a meaningless kinda way, and to really be able to empathize, you need to be in the company of others who have experienced the same....so here we all are!! :D

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Hi Cindy.
Right on Baby. Got that off your chest. :thumbup:
Reg. Frank R.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

You are definitely one of the good guys, sorry gals. ;)

Reg. Frank R.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

:thumbsup: I remember wandering into the USA forum (only one at the time) and reading some of the hilarious posts by Patrick (not Hasler) and laughing till I cried. I tried to get my husband to join the forum, thinking it would ease his homesickness - but he wouldn't do it and he's never got homesick.....

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I found American Expats less then a year before we moved from the UK, although I don't recommend this forum because the owner charges for access. Anyway, initially she didn't and found there was a few British members on the forum. Including Mrs. London - Ray knows who this is.....;):D