Living in America.?

In 1996 I fell in love with a woman from California who was traveling through Europe. I was born and raised in the beautiful medieval city of Brugge in Belgium. Now we have been married for 10 years and have 2 daughters and we are living in America since our move in 1996 I have been so unhappy for a long time and have never been so stressed out before in my life like I am now. We all know how fast paced the life is in America . My relationship is fading away and I seem to be tired all the time. I miss my friends/family and the Culture in Europe. I sometimes wish I could walk away from this life, but I can't do it because I wouldn't see my daughters again. Is there any one in the same situation who has a hard time to adjust to the American way of life? Best Always

Public Comments

1. I am really sorry to hear. I think you should discuss this with your wife. Tell her how homesick you are. That way she will know that it's not her.....You are just tired of the place and the way of life. maybe you need to go home for about a month and sort out your feelings. If you still feel the same way after the vacation, then you may need to explore other options.
2. Mario, i was born, raised, and living in the united states. i have many friends that live in Europe and i visit frequently. i wish i were European. this country has become disgusting. politics, economics, employers, health care and just the system in general is on the verge of collapse. i often think of emigrating to western Europe. point being. i totally understand and wish you luck.
3. I'm sorry things are not working out for you. I have a friend who is from Sarajevo and she returns home a couple of times a year to visit family and friends. Perhaps you could visit home occasionally to keep in touch and then return home when your kids are old enough to live on their own. Best of luck!
4. dear sir, many of us born and raised in america get stressed with the fast paced life which is why the midwest part of indiana is more laid back. i would say that the fact that california is too stressing for you is a very american point of view. take a few weeks and visit the heart of america. this way you can take time off of the fast paced live and get back in touch with yourself. i recommend you visit places like indiana, kansas, illinois,ohio, kentucky, etc.. avoid the major cities and go to the actual communities. i live in indiana and i must admit that i could not handle california. i took a trip to florida for vacation and was never so happy as when i got back home to indiana so that i could finally relax. if you have questions, want ideas of places to visit,or just need a friend...you can email me from here. my husband or i will answer you.
5. First of all you said,, you fell in love with women and married her. You owe it to her to sit her down and tell her how you are feeling...(communication) is the only way, I totally agree with you America is very fast paced, we live in a throw away society, where everyone wants more and more, only to get it and realize material things don't make you happy. My advice to you and your family is to all get together and discuss what you don't like in America , and find ways to slow down, to reduce the stress, and have a little piece of Europe culture in your home or neighborhood. I have always lived in America and want a slower pace life, where people don't choke their food down while talking on cell, driving down road,, putting lipstick on. (smiles) You need more humor and a vacation to talk. Pamper yourself and think of ways to KEEP your most precious family together at all cost!! FAMILY are disappearing every week,, don't be another statistic. I wish you the very best!!
6. It took ten years to figure it out. A little late now don't you think? That passion you felt ten years ago does fade some and the real world does begin to reveal itself. No I will not try to tell you what to do. I left the USA 15 years ago and have not been back. Yes I do miss a lot there. I have made a life here and will stay. That is my choice for me. No I am not in Europe. I can't take the bigotry there.