We’re in May now, so it’s been about 5 months since I moved back to England, back into my parent’s house. It’s almost been a culture adjustment moving back into my own culture, so I want to go over some of the trials and tribulations of the transition.
Long Distance Relationship
One of the biggest initial conflicts with moving back to England was leaving Alana behind and how our relationship would last with the distance. Definitely not for everyone, the prospect of seeing your girlfriend twice a year can kill it for most, however, 5 months in plus a long shift of solo travel on top of that, we’ve stayed strong. I think it comes down to a few things:
1. We both have our own goals that don’t crossover each other’s. While this may seem backwards, it’s actually kind of a plus because we don’t get in the way of achieving those professional goals. Especially for Alana who’s training to be a vet and has a very busy schedule.
2. We have a roundabout plan of when the long distance thing is going to be over. Obviously, life happens and you never know, but it definitely makes it easier knowing that it’s not forever and can sort of plan it.
3. We’ve been together a while, we’ve been through some shit together. We know each other and we trust each other so it makes it easier to get through rough times when we are apart.
Becoming English again
Over the last 5 years, I spent a total of 9 months outside the US, with the last 2 years spent solidly in America. Plus, never really being around English people, your social norms are adjusted without even realizing. America: a country of optimism, good weather (in the south), and niceness can create an interesting perspective when first moving back. England: a country I feel lives firmly in reality , never going too high or low with a sprinkle of sarcasm chucked on top means any such new found niceties can be met with a polite “What yow yabbering on about” Something that is weirdly nice to hear. England’s a country where the closer you are, the more room you have to take the piss out of each other. Whereas America I feel is kind of the opposite. All in all, I love both cultures, both having their own pro’s and con’s, with America probably helping my optimism and England checking my reality.
Living at home
It is what it is. It’s not your own space, you don’t get to do what you want to do all the time, but you save tons and you’ve only lived there for 18 years before so it’s not that bad.
It’s your hometown man
Still pretty early days back home, and wanderlust aside. Nottingham’s my hometown, I know my surroundings, I know my people, so I can just get on with enjoying life at its most basic level. While likely not forever for me, I think it’s been super important that I moved back. Firstly, to readjust my perspectives and secondly, when you live away (especially abroad) you almost romanticise your hometown and country and if you never return, it’s something that could likely burden you throughout your life.
So yeah, that’s the 5 month recap, maybe I’ll update you in a year and tell you everything’s shit and I’m leaving again. Thanks for reading.
- Ryan