britex01

And in what way, if at all, has your move abroad changed you and why? Do you feel you have lost or impaired your root feelings of origin for good or worse, or not at all?


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Octang Frye

13 years, give or take a few days.

I have become more confident, and look down my nose at people less cosmopolitan that me.

I leave tips on tables.

Poppy girl

Lived here 5 years October, I don't think I have changed much maybe a bit more aggresive in my nature lol and won't take crap like I used to.

I don't have root feelings this is my home I feel nothing for my home country the UK.

I like to go back for a few days but my roots are here now

Manc

I have lived here 8 years.

living here makes me appreciate European pornography a lot more.

Dan725

Been here 3 years and 9 months as a permanent resident (...and that is now no more - as of last week, became a citizen ) Spent 9 months here previously in 2002-2003; and spent a lot more time all over the world previous to that - Been out of the UK for a good 12 of my 35 years, I'd say.

I think all that makes me able to live anywhere; and be happy if the going is good, no matter where it is.

But because I had a very stable upbringing, there is no doubt about it; I know where I'm from - and that'd be somewhere near Lincoln, same as yourself! On the flipside, I don't have any burning desire to rush back there - not actually sure I could get a half decent job in Lincolnshire anyway - but I love going visiting my village, very easy to fit right back in - takes me seconds, no awkwardness at all - and it is there I truly feel at home.

MsElui

only 9 months!

I think it has made me more conciously more outgoing at social events as I am activly trying to go and say hello to new people at events and chat to people so I can widen my base of friends. Back in the uk I would wait for conversation to come to me a lot more as I felt I didnt have to work at it - whereas here I am the foreigner and if i dont make an effort its only me that will miss out on potentially meeting a great new friend.

When we went back in March (after only 6 months) it felt very strange. It 'was' home but it 'wasnt' at the same time. That night have been because we stayed as guests at my mums house and not our own, didnt have a car, and coulndt just bob off and see our old mates/haunts. Culturally it felt like a comfy shoe and it was great being to sit and watch tv of an evening - something we just dont do here, or understand every cultural reference, or recognise the brands in every shop etc.

Lorna at Vicenza

18 years

I am competently fluent in another language.

I appreciate my then excellent grammar school education

I hate the italian bullshit red tape and that will probably never change - not even after 80 years !

I feel more well rounded and lived than most of the people here my age - could have something to do with mamma's boy culture - still very much alive.

I feel lucky to have best of both worlds ...... all family still in UK willing to have us for holidays and christmas etc. Can buy cheaper stuff when I do go back and can fill up on missed goodies. Have family and friends coming over here in summer for weather and cheap lodging free holidays. Still get a bit crazed sometimes though and feel a bit in limbo and where now is "home". To sum up - love living here (but with good UK connections) - but for some reason I do not want to ever be buried here as it is not home !

Makes not much sense maybe but that's it .

Paul S

Long enough to be taxed as a permanent resident, but actually be seen in the eyes of TPTB a permanent resident, translates to just short of 3 years


It's always been far superior IMHO

peteandvanessa

Lived in Texas for 5 years, moved back to UK (big mistake), then moved back to California (currently been here for a little over 3 years).

Don't miss the UK at all, all roots are now firmly rooted here

TruBrit

too long

Poppy girl

Lmao You love it

TruBrit

my son lived in Tx for 2 yrs but like you he is much happier in Ca... mind you, i think that's coz of his gf he found there

TruBrit

now how can you tell and there's me trying to cover it up

another bloody yank

Gotta spread, but it was gonna be good...

Texas Mom

Been in TX just over two years.
Just got back yesterday from eight weeks in the UK. I am surprised to say that I was home sick for TX and am very happy to be back. Maybe it had something to do with living with my parents again after ten years of standing on my own two feet