For those who've relocated away from family & friends, are you happy about it?  If you've returned, why?
100145
17 years ago I moved 2300 miles away from family and friends.  \n\nThere are times when I miss being able to see them on a whim.  At those times I remind myself that their soap operas are their own.  Their own personal dramas have no effect on my life, and I breathe a sigh of relief. \n\nOf course, moving so far from family has had a direct effect on life choices that we've made.  For example, having children and two working adults is much easier if you have grandparents who are willing to watch the kids.  If Gram's is watching the kids, you're not worrying about child care scandals, and the safety of your kids.\n\nYou'll have to decide how often you'll visit home and make sure to save enough money for visits.  I have missed special occassions that I would not have missed had I been closer.  \n\nAnd, yes relationships will suffer.\n\nAs we get older, my spouse and I have discussed moving back to the East Coast, but are both adamant that neither of us wants to move back to our home town.  We wouldn't want any less than at least one or two states between us and family.  We both value being able to walk away from the dramas, and back to our own, peaceful world. \n\nGood luck with your decision.
193305
Sometimes it takes more than 3 years you know. It depends on where you end up, your state of mind and your circumstances.\nI am glad to read that you like it a lot...at least it is better than reading : I hate it here and I wish I were home.\nI have been in both positions. Some places : I could Never, Never get used to.......I missed home like hell. Others and very different from my "known" environment just took about 6 months and I never wanted to leave.\nI think the longer you have lived in your home country, the longer - generally - it takes for people to get used to another way of living, thinking etc...\nBut to get to your question : are there any groups, communities of your own nationality you could join ? Get connected with people with whom you share the same values, language, points of view, behavioural ways etc. It is very refreshing and helps you cope. A bit like a home away from home.\nI am not sure if there are any absolute answer to that since each is an individual.\nSome people adapt very very well.......some never will and will be pining for their home country until they die.\nThink and reassess the reasons why you left your country and think of the benefits you have now. Try to picture your life if you were still back at home.: what would you choose ?\nSometimes putting things in perspective makes one feels better too.\nI was assuming - for some reason - that you were a foreigner.......After reading the other answers, I realise that it might just be a change of city, state...(so stay connected, like the previous answers advised you)\nI wish you the best.
195957
No, at first I did but now that I live in the suburbs I realize that this life is much better than the urban jungle.  Some people move to the rural area for peace and safety. Peace and land is the bigger reason everyone that I know who moved out of the suburbs to the rural had plenty of money but no peace and no land.
725284
ive been living in depression for the past year...i moved from calfornia and i really liked it there to colorado...and i dont like it here. i left all my friends too....sucks
1132095
WELL SINCE 2004 I WAS LOOKING FOR JOB \nITS DIFFCULT BECAUSE I MOVED IN NEW STATE LIKE U\nBUT THEN I LOOKED TO THE POSTIVE SIDE AND I KNOW DO MY OWN BUSSIENS, WHILE U ARE IN HOME DO SOMETHING U LOVE AND U ARE GOOD IN AND DONT FEEL USELESS BECAUSE U ARE BETTER THEN?\nSO GOOD LUCK SISTER AND KEEP LOOKING
1026386
It feels like home, but I still can't speak that way.  Family from there, but I grew up elsewhere.  Bummer.
545937
Yes, move to a new Location.  I made that decision and it was the best thing I've ever done.  Sometimes if you live in the same state for a long time you won't experience how it feels like somewhere else.  You'll meet new people, a different work atmosphere and a sense of contentment that you made a difference in your life.  Be confident in yourself and go for it!
735655
Yes.  I was deployed to Iraq for 12 months.  I got home back in Jan. of this year.  Being that I was the one who was there; I don't really notice any changes in myself.  But other people have told me that I'm a lot more laid back than I used to be.  Before I went over seas I used to get pissed over anything and everything, and now apparently; I don't sweat the small shit.\nYes, I would absolutely do it again.  Being over there was a wonderful experience.  Don't get me wrong; I had my fair share of "bad days", but looking back I wouldn't change any of the choices that I've made.  And that includes enlisting.
338121
Money. People pack up and relocate for the promise of making more money. In the wake of their relocation they leave behind the friends and family that have formed their support networks. After a while of being away from their families the bonds are no longer as strong. Children growing up away from relatives and grandparents have no true sense of what family can be. Yes they know what the immediate family is, but not what having a large buffering, supportive, caring family is like. Some may disagree with me, but I know the difference.
909802
All you had to say was exotic island for 3 weeks. And away from family. Yes, I'd go. I love my family but time away would be nice.
826119
Good for you.  Did you stay there very long?
1145890
Did I ever....had a friend that I wanted as more than a friend.  My friend moved out of state,  and we kept in touch my telephone for about two years.  Through a couple more moves on his part and some on mine,  we lost touch, for three yrs.  I connected with a  friend of his and found out he'd be in town,  so we made plans to see one another,  only to have a blizzard cancel plans,  he flew out of town the next morning.  When he got home,  he told me on the phone that he'd been in love with me for the last five years or more.  Time goes by,  we lose connection again,  but for FIVE years this time.  We've now been reconnected by phone and internet for about four or five years.  He begs me to move accross the country with him (even with my five kids, lol, he must have it bad, huh??lol).  I told him he should've said something while he lived here,  but he thinks I should've been the one to say it.  Just one of those things that makes ya wonder????What if????  The bad thing about missing the chance,  is that I know we would've been perfect for eachother.  The good thing is that I am in a happy marriage with five wonderful children.  Regretfully,  there's just no way to ever know,  leaving me with more "wonder" than I really care to have sometimes.
894642
i was just thinking about that    i just moved so im trying to find new friends    and its kinda hard to find real true people anymore...  real true friends are hard to comebye  but the ones i left behind i say yeah ive had a few really good friends
534882
It depends a lot on the people.  I have 2 friends who live very far away.  The first got married, had a kid, & has changed a lot since moving.  So, naturally, our friendship has changed & we aren't as close, even though we have nothing against each other & would still be there for each other in a crunch.\nAs for the other one, he & I are actually closer since he moved away.  We stay in touch, talking at least once a week, & plan to take a cross country road trip next year.  He & I are both unmarried, have no kids, & are career-oriented, so our continued similarities probably help maintain our friendship.\nHe has noticed this as well, because he isn't as close to some people he used to be really close to in the past.  As some of his friends have gotten married & had kids, they don't seem to have time for him anymore, & have less in common.  With their focus on their families, they have less to talk about with guys who are still hanging out & chasing girls on the weekends.
1103153
Freedom from here....... Closer to home
1055168
Well, I am kinda in the same situation you are.\nI am the one that moved away from my 2 boys.\nIt was about 6 years ago. I am Disabeld and even though it was hard for me to leave them behind, I thought it was the best thing for them at the time. Anyway, I drive about 75 miles while the boys Dad drives about 45. He always seems to complain even though I drive further. Ido this because I am the one that moved away \nI remarried a man that just happened to have lived 115 miles away. Because I am the one that made this move choice, I feel that I am the one that should drive further. It was my decision and the ex was never consulted and to be honest, he is doing me the favor to even meet me at all. I would keep it the way it is. Good luck!
797549
Oh YAAAAAA, I had a friend for a long time and I dumped her yesterday. It was decision that took a lot of thought, but she finally pushed the envelope and I did it. \nWOW..... does it ever feel good! A big weight off my shoulders.\nGet rid of the negative people in your life, even if it means having a lot less so called "Friends"