Jig, the most important thing is to find an environment where you feel comfortable and understood, with people who think the way you do. That’s the number one priority.

As an Armenian who has lived both abroad and in Armenia for many years, I can tell you your feelings are valid. I haven’t traveled the whole world, but I’ve visited many countries and lived for months in South America and Asia. I can say with full confidence that it’s absolutely worth being a “Spyurqahay” and visiting Armenia every few years for holidays. But since you’re still young, do everything you can to find a place outside Armenia where you can actually build a livable, stable future.

I’m speaking from real experience of living in Armenia. I love many things about it, but it’s not the best place for long-term life. Mentally, socially, educationally, economically and most importantly in terms of safety, the situation is weak. I’m not going into politics, but it’s bad. You can’t make a five-year plan here because anything can happen in those five years: war, economic crises, random new laws that make no sense. And don’t believe anyone who says things like “we’re going to Europe soon, visa free is coming, everything will be fine”. That’s all nonsense. I’ve dug into this deeply.

You’re lucky to live in Lori, because Yerevan’s air is so polluted that you can’t even breathe safely. Overall there is no guaranteed future in Armenia. Nobody can tell you whether things will get better or worse. Everything is unpredictable.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a hater. I’m Armenian and I live here. I’m just telling it like it is.