Anyone else relieved to be away?

[Grillpaneddy]

Back in the UK, I have a tight knit group of long standing friends, plus lots of family members close by.

I've lived abroad a few times before and we are nearly a year into our current location. So whilst it's very early days, we are very happy here and could see ourselves staying a long time. Or going somewhere else for a bit then returning here. DH and I both currently can't imagine wanting to move back to the UK.

I really thought I'd miss everyone and find it hard to be away, but instead I'm finding it quite liberating There's no pressure to see people, we don't have to get caught up in the small town stuff they are all embroiled in, we can just do what we like! The DC are settled and learning a new language in an international environment, so whilst every now and again I feel a pang of nostalgia that my kids won't grow up with friends' kids or have the same kind of childhood I had, I feel that the pros of living here outweigh the cons. And this somehow makes me feel disconnected to my friends and family back home.

Trips back have been great, we've enjoyed seeing everyone and kind of slip into our old lives again. Which is fine, we were happy there, but we are always really really pleased to get back to our new home and have space again (physically, socially and emotionally).

Anyway, I think I'm rambling a bit now. But I just wondered if anyone else felt like this? Or maybe I'm being a bit cold and ungracious (for want of a better word) about "home"?

I looked at the International Women's club, but haven't plucked up the courage to attend. Have you been to that one?
On the pictures they all look about 90. I don't mind it being older ladies, I am happy to mix with anyone and I used to work with mostly older ladies (my work mums) but I probably need people with younger children and similar interests.
I am not a professional so the other one is not for me.
Am searching on facebook, I never thought of that. Thanks Evelyn you are very kind xx

We moved to the USA 4 years ago. It was the best thing we ever did. We have no intention of ever moving back.

We live remotely so I can easily go months without seeing another person (other than DC and DH

Next year I am going back for a weeks holiday and I am actually dreading it.

Hi MrsDraper - I remember you from the German thread, sorry to hear you're finding things hard at the moment.

Our family moved to Munich (Allach) back in August, we've had a lot of unsettled times but possibly coming out the other side. I'm a SAHM to 3 kids under 8! I also speak very little German and DH is fluent.

I've joined a fb group called LMBB but they all seem to live in Schwabing and have babies and toddlers so I've not met anyone through it but it is a very busy group full of local information.

If you fancy a meet up either in the city evening or daytime let's do it!

Can I just say I'm thankful to hear all your stories. While I may not want to come home permanently, sometimes I feel like I have failed at living overseas because I'm not living the dream everyone told me I would be, or thinks I am.

Good luck with it all everyone!

I feel exactly like you OP.

I felt very depressed at the political situation in the U.K. and particularly at how mean and xenophobic a lot of public discourse had become, with what felt like so little resistance. Now we live in DP’s home country and are so much happier - more liberal political environment, more optimistic in general and the lower cost of living helps too.

There is a lot I miss about the UK, but more that I am relieved to be away from and appreciate about living here. No regrets, not even for a second.