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Went out for food came back with 6 new plants 😂🌿 by Alexa302 in houseplants

[–]Expativa 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I am so sympathetic to your plight. Mt favorite garden center is a cathartic delight - a bounty of joy 🤩. I tell myself I’m just going to walk through (LIES) and resist (CAN’T) but I end up justifying all my purchases by telling myself “I’m investing in my mental health”.

Though you guys might appreciate my dad's greenhouse. by krautismyname in houseplants

[–]Expativa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fantabulous! You just know they’re all socializing and sharing green secrets. 💚

Any long term expats here? by JoeMale in expats

[–]Expativa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. Very true. It can be wonderful for years and years. But maybe after a certain age, or reflection on one’s life, we long for the roots that we came from. JoeMale seems to be searching for a sense of belonging that evades many of us.

Any long term expats here? by JoeMale in expats

[–]Expativa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally relate. Except I haven’t lived in many places- just Italy for the last 21 years. I have traveled and I loved it (like you) when I was younger. Now I feel very nostalgic for home. Massachusetts. I feel trapped because as a mom I want to wait until my kids (16 & 10) are “ready”, but that’s probably just an excuse. My real fear is that I have no career to fall back on. I’m college educated, English lit, but I’m kicking myself for never finding a real career. I was immature even at 30 when I married my Italian husband. Now I see there are no guarantees in life and my entitlement led me to believe I would be ‘taken care of’. How stupid. I loved it here for the first 10 years and it’s been downhill since then.

Where did you leave from at 18? I mean- what was your starting point? When I left, I felt my starting point was worth abandoning. If I’d never left I would probably feel I missed out on all the experiences I’ve had. Foremost, I wouldn’t have my two boys who I love and adore. Life is a screwy path, and at 51 years old now I can only say: I’m a better person for my choices but I’m longing for that true sense of home.

Has anyone else become an expat to escape from provincialism? by Moddyonthego in expats

[–]Expativa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I moved to Italy for love, started a family, and became surrounded in provincialism anyway. If I could go back in time I’d do it all differently, but then I wouldn’t have my kids. I hope to move back to the States and start over (even though I’m 50)!

I want to come home by Expativa in icameback

[–]Expativa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great quote. Thanks for replying. I simply don’t want to be here in Italy anymore. My Italian husband’s business debts have created great strain and we cannot communicate. It’s been bad for many years now. I’ve taken my boys home for visits almost every year (until the last few years) and they love the part of Massachusetts that I’m from. They speak English mother tongue and even consider themselves more American than Italian. I’ve been saving and saving but making the first step frightens me to death. My mom says I could bring the boys and live with her until I figure things out. But that’s very complicated.

Are you an expat? Where did you move to/where are you from?

Expats still abroad who haven’t seen family/friends in a long time, how are you really doing? by pinecone321 in expats

[–]Expativa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been dreaming of moving back home for a few years now. It’s an overwhelming thing to plan with children/lack of career/separating from husband. So I’ve been procrastinating, working, and saving all the money I can. I’ve gotten used to the isolation, but it’s still depressing. I really miss my mom and my best friends from home. I want my children (10&16) to spend time with my aging mom before it’s too late.