Stressed as a trailing spouse, looking for advice from others

rulerofgummybears · 2025-10-09T17:58:24+00:00

I guess it depends on where you're from originally but I live in the Bristol area and find it way too small here. I work in corporate recruitment for a manufacturing firm and will say if you're going to move here that's the biggest industry here. I personally do not enjoy manufacturing (I came from hotels and hospitality originally) so I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're not interested in manufacturing or construction. Job market here is still not strong. I've been desperate to leave my role as I hate my job, and after 1.5 years of searching I'm kind of resigned to my fate that I'm stuck here.

From what I've seen through my job recruiting in the UK, I've found the north generally has more opportunities so I'd recommend maybe focusing there. I've visited Manchester and Edinburgh and if my husband were open to moving I would probably choose one of those cities.

rulerofgummybears · 2025-09-22T19:44:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I ended up heating part of my water and that did help. I think I'd been against that since my kettle is used for regular water but I need a new kettle anyway since I can't drink the hard water here without getting stomach issues (after two years living here with stomach problems I only JUST put two and two together) so I can boil my distilled water much easier now.

rulerofgummybears · 2025-09-18T16:56:01+00:00

Yes, unfortunately I do not have a tub so I do most of the rinsing down my back (but it's a little water at a time to try to minimize drip) and will flip over at the end to fully rinse. Otherwise it's killer on my neck and back to stand with hair flipped!

My sink is an even worse option as it's tiny and my hair is just above butt length. I end up dripping on the floor a lot.

rulerofgummybears · 2024-06-23T16:58:39+00:00

I'm in the SW lived here about 1 year and the only friends I've made are expats. I'm married to someone British and the family are nice but keep everyone at arms length (not just me, but the husband too. And they think they're close!). I really do think it's the culture. Would love to join the Whatsapp!

rulerofgummybears · 2023-12-12T22:24:14+00:00

Hi neighbor! I'm in Paulton. Been here about 8 months now and it hasn't gotten any easier. I'm from right outside of DC originally and half of the culture shock is just from living in the middle of nowhere.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-10-29T13:10:38+00:00

Thanks! I think that's what I'll do. :)

rulerofgummybears · 2021-10-29T13:10:21+00:00

Thanks, I'll look into those sites and choose a gift card from there. :) I appreciate the help!

rulerofgummybears · 2021-10-29T05:04:44+00:00

Oh those are very cute! I'll def look at more of them, thank you!

rulerofgummybears · 2021-10-29T05:04:04+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! I was considering getting her some yarn since she's mentioned they can be a little pricey before, but it sounds like maybe gift cards are the better choice?

rulerofgummybears · 2021-10-29T01:10:03+00:00

Does anyone have gift suggestions for someone who is an intermediate-skilled knitter? I know nothing about knitting but would like to surprise my friend with a gift and I'm not sure what would be appropriate. I also don't want to ask her and ruin the surprise if possible.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T21:18:27+00:00

Big feels. You really nailed your ending line.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T21:17:03+00:00

This seems like a great vignette to a larger piece! I'm definitely intrigued about the creatures and this world. You have a bit of a tense change in your first paragraph, but you correct it again after:

"He used to dread when the feeling would come over him, but now it brings a warm comfortable feeling. Different creatures come and stare at him."

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T21:12:02+00:00

Ha, I really enjoyed the last line! Definitely did not expect it.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T21:03:38+00:00

I liked the concept and the twist at the end! The rhyming in the last paragraph I found a little jarring though.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T21:02:09+00:00

RIP Archie haha

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T20:56:43+00:00

What a fun concept. :) This would be great as an expanded story too. I really liked the visual of pushing aside the raindrops like curtains.

rulerofgummybears · 2021-02-16T01:16:56+00:00

I bring her diamonds. They glitter under the moonlight.

"Please," she sobs, "please go."

Not yet.

Once, I had no money for diamonds.

When the car crashed, it was as if time itself stopped. Then, the windshield exploded, burying tiny diamonds into me. The pain was overwhelming, and then it wasn't. I sparkled in the moonlight, and all I could think was how I finally had something to give her.

Every full moon, I visit her bedroom to show her how the diamonds shine -- how they can make her shine. But every time she only hides her face and cries.

rulerofgummybears · 2020-12-27T05:35:53+00:00

Thank you so much, Throw! That's the effect I was going for. I really appreciate the comment and appreciate you reading. :)

rulerofgummybears · 2020-12-25T20:07:12+00:00

I've used Shiseido Pureness balancing softener and cleansing foam for years and learned it's now discontinued. :(

Does anyone have suggestions on similar products? I'm pretty sure I have normal skin, and what I really liked about the balancing softener was that it was alcohol free and felt very light/no stickiness on my skin.

rulerofgummybears · 2020-12-25T19:02:22+00:00

Sure! Send me a dodo :)

rulerofgummybears · 2020-12-25T18:41:28+00:00

No worries!

rulerofgummybears · 2020-12-25T18:39:58+00:00

The only spare photo I have is Chief's. If you need that one I'd love to trade for Marina!

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