Years Abroad Rewired My Brain—Now the US Feels Foreign

Comments · 2.7K

• JW

  @JWilderUnfiltered · 11 months ago · pinned

  If you’d like more context on what led me to move back to the U.S over a decade ago., you can watch that story here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3I9gDRelBU">https://youtu.be/s3I9gDRelBU</a> &nbsp;What’s been the hardest part of coming home for you after living abroad?

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• TH

  @thespoon1981 · 1 year ago

  Point #7. After working in an ice cream factory and learning about the monstrous amounts of corn syrup the companies used for their products, I decided to stop eating any processed product. The US food industry is killing its society.

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• EA

  @EASYTIGER10 · 1 year ago

  Here in the UK, people complain about the National Health Service, and it certainly isn&apos;t perfect. &nbsp;But when I hear Americans talking about Healthcare in America, I thank my lucky stars we have the NHS. &nbsp;My elderly father recently had serious breathing and digestion issues. &nbsp;Following (free) advice from our doctor, I called for a (free) ambulance, which took him to a (free) emergency dept from where he was admitted to a (free) ward and is currently receiving (free) treatment. &nbsp;Not having to think about money at any stage has taken a huge burden off my shoulders at a difficult time.

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• CA

  @CapnAndMe · 1 year ago

  Retired to a small farm. I sleep 8-9 hrs a nite. Eat from the garden. Stopped blood pressure medicine. Stress levels low. &nbsp;I look forward to coffee every morning. The US system is designed to use workers up like a product or commodity.

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• SO

  @SophisticatedBob · 1 year ago

  I hope I never have to go back. &nbsp;Once you&apos;ve lived abroad, you cannot unsee the sheer lunacy of the American lifestyle. &nbsp;Just going back to visit my Dad is a stressful experience.

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• KR

  @kristab6862 · 1 year ago

  I’m German and have been living in the US for 20 years. <br><br>There are many things I love and enjoy about this beautiful country and I’ve developed wonderful and deep friendships here. <br>At the same time I appreciate and agree with most of the points you’re making. Some of which I have strong feelings about:) <br><br>As far as oversharing by strangers goes, I have a very different perspective, though. Not only do I not mind, I welcome it, as I perceive it as a way to seek human connection, even if only for a moment and I’m glad to listen and possibly share or offer a thought or two. <br>Loneliness, is a real issue.<br><br>I can imagine, though, that it may require good personal boundaries to be comfortable with such situations.

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• MU

  @murep · 1 year ago

  You know it’s refreshing to see someone real on YT. You speak nicely, normally and truthfully. It’s like talking to your mom at the kitchen table. Thank you for your common sense insights and calmness.

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• KA

  @Karhald · 1 year ago

  Moved away 20 years ago, never going back.<br>Especially now

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• AM

  @amycollins8832 · 1 year ago

  I recently heard about an American visiting in Ireland that was having breathing trouble and the locals said the called an ambulance and he went into a panic with him begging to call it off thinking this would cost in the $1000 to $1500 range and they calmed him by pointing out it was free as part of the health care system.

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• JZ

  @jz94117 · 1 year ago

  “Life is what happens when you&apos;re busy making other plans.”<br><br>—John Lennon from his song about his child &quot;Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)&quot;

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• RE

  @revelaiswatching · 1 year ago

  Left USA decades ago. I will never return, not even for a visit, and I am so thankful of that. &nbsp;It&apos;s lovely to be in a place where people are much happier.

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• TH

  @thadtuiol1717 · 1 year ago

  I&apos;m not American and I have never even visited there, but you come across as a beautiful and intelligent person. If there are others like you in America then all hope is not lost.

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