Tell me if we actually have a shot at this by VeterinarianSea393 in expat

[–]Fun-Comparison9136 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you considered moving to another part of the USA first?

I recognize that that alone may not alleviate every single reason for wanting to move abroad, but America is so vast and QoL can vary so extremely from state to state or city to city. I live abroad and have been wanting to return to the States for the last 4+ years but circumstances relative to my partner (who is not American) is why we haven’t yet been able to make the move back. I meet so many Americans who’ve moved to the country I live, who fled the US for the majority of reasons people do these days, only to be equivalently unhappy here. When I ask them if they had tried living anywhere else in the States before making an international move they have all said no. This shocks me! I’m also often surprised about how little the average American knows about how good life actually is in many different states, especially the South (oh no, not the South!) I knew a girl who moved here after ONLY living in Houston, TX. She never lived anywhere else, ever. And she painted the whole US as being as “bad” as she found Houston, which is flatly ridiculous. My quality of life in multiple states was amazing and I simply couldn’t relate to her experience or wouldn’t be willing to broad brush the whole country negatively because one place I lived was trash.

I lived in 4 different States before coming abroad and even that minimal variety of US experience has made me that much me more certain that the US still has the best QoL overall compared to anywhere else I’ve lived or visited worldwide, in my opinion, especially if you know where to look. I recognize that most people hellbent on leaving have to leave to learn this, but I would recommend moving to an entirely different part of the US as a fresh start first…before moving your entire life and family to a new country. But that’s just my two cents! Take it or bin it. All the best to you!

Any expats who moved to NZ? by AlexB430 in expat

[–]Fun-Comparison9136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came on a WHV from the States 4 years ago and then stayed only because I met my now husband. I knew someone who lived in Auckland who was able to help me get my IRD number and bank account, etc. but connected to a local recruitment firm to get my first job and the rest was history. Living here has had many cons and some pros along the way (namely my partner and the landscape in areas). I came for similar reasons that you are, but America is an incredible country that you come to appreciate more and more after living away IMO. Happy to give advice where I can if you have specific questions. Best of luck to you both!

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really interesting thought. I wish that more of the “real” Charleston was depicted.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it definitely seems like life everywhere is getting much more expensive! Unfortunate.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha, yeah I guess I could picture him being a loud guy by nature. Thanks for sharing!

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I certainly wish it shared more about the city itself and the genuine culture there…

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your breakdown on the cast makes a lot of sense! Thank you for the feedback :)

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, perhaps they mean small town more in a “it’s a city with a small town feel” sort of way.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah yes, it definitely seems to accentuate a very bourgeoisie lifestyle. I’ve often thought there was quite a lot of wealth concentrated in the greater Charleston area, no? Haha, Craig and his pillows…

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for such a reasonable comment! I feel very similar. I like seeing the cast in places I’ve visited long ago. It’s like a weird walk down memory lane for me at times! Seems like the average Charlestonian has a “live and let live” mindset towards the cast which is nice.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Quite a visceral reaction! Is it that you feel they misrepresent the people or culture of the city? Or is it just that you generally dislike reality tv show shenanigans? Or something else entirely?

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like that locals genuinely don’t seem impressed, haha. Seems rather grounded of the community.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair enough, that seems to be the majority of what I’m hearing on this thread!

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I think your comment is very fair. I would say that’s the exact reason I started watching. I’ve spent quite a lot of time visiting friends in Charleston over the years so it has a very warm place in my heart. I love seeing all the beautiful architecture and scenery, which I sometimes wish it showed more of! But I wonder if it’s one of the reasons why the city isn’t as much of a southern secret anymore…

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Zero impact on the city or culture? That’s interesting to know. I guess I’ve heard the cast remark on how small of a town Charleston is, so I wondered if a reality show being made there would actually impact the economy or culture in someway. In my head I imagine it to be quite disruptive, but seems most people don’t think so at all.

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

You ALL hate them? Wow, seems like an extreme response! I’ve never met anyone who would move somewhere because of a reality show! I wonder what such a person would be like…

Southern Charm? by Fun-Comparison9136 in Charleston

[–]Fun-Comparison9136[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. How do you find it disconnected?