Why do you use expat forums?
Jul 22nd 2009 | 6:17 am
#61
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,109
From: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
FWIW, speaking as an American, and maybe even one of "those people", 
, 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........
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.
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.
, 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........
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.
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.
The kind of 'support' I have recently needed could only come from those having lived here in different States etc, yes, maybe a Brit that has lived there a while too.
I like that there is a 'mix' of USC, Brits and Natural born natives etc
Can't understand why there has to be only Brit Expats
Why can't we just all get along
Great post Cindy, you go girl!
Last edited by Englishtart; Jul 22nd 2009 at 6:30 am. Reason: Thought I knew how to spell your name! duh! :-)
Jul 22nd 2009 | 6:22 am
#62
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,264
From: Vermont
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Personally (as a Brit/USC) I find that a lot of the advice/help that people need on here is what 'only' an American living that life, can give!
The kind of 'support' I have recently needed could only come from those having lived here in different States etc, yes, maybe a Brit that has lived there a while too.
I like that there is a 'mix' of USC, Brits and Natural born natives etc Can't understand why there has to be only Brit Expats
Why can't we just all get along
Great post Cyndy, you go girl!
The kind of 'support' I have recently needed could only come from those having lived here in different States etc, yes, maybe a Brit that has lived there a while too.
I like that there is a 'mix' of USC, Brits and Natural born natives etc
Can't understand why there has to be only Brit ExpatsWhy can't we just all get along
Great post Cyndy, you go girl!
Jul 22nd 2009 | 6:24 am
#63
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,109
From: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
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Jul 22nd 2009 | 6:26 am
#64
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Personally (as a Brit/USC) I find that a lot of the advice/help that people need on here is what 'only' an American living that life, can give!
The kind of 'support' I have recently needed could only come from those having lived here in different States etc, yes, maybe a Brit that has lived there a while too.
I like that there is a 'mix' of USC, Brits and Natural born natives etc Can't understand why there has to be only Brit Expats
Why can't we just all get along
Great post Cyndy, you go girl!
The kind of 'support' I have recently needed could only come from those having lived here in different States etc, yes, maybe a Brit that has lived there a while too.
I like that there is a 'mix' of USC, Brits and Natural born natives etc
Can't understand why there has to be only Brit ExpatsWhy can't we just all get along
Great post Cyndy, you go girl!
Jul 22nd 2009 | 6:27 am
#66
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,264
From: Vermont
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
It's like walking near a pool though, you have to know you'll get wet. Just as American right wingers who go on the Guardian boards get flak the USCs who come here to a site with the first name "British" have to know what they might have to deal with. It's their ability to roll with the punches which determines how they are accepted by the majority.
Jul 22nd 2009 | 10:17 am
#68
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 12,090
From: Yam Yam land
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
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.....
I wonder what he is doing now?
Jul 22nd 2009 | 10:35 am
#69
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,792
From: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Jul 22nd 2009 | 10:54 am
#71
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 89,088
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
I enjoyed his posts...I liked his sense of humour.
Jul 22nd 2009 | 12:07 pm
#74
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 89,088
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Patrick popped in to say hi a year or so ago. The mod in question is still around.
