You're Going To What?

[i am bob]

When you first told your family and closest friends that you were going to move to the Philippines, what was their reaction and how did you cope with it?

Were they happy for you? Sad? Looked at you like you were nuts? Cut you out of their will? What did you do? And are you still close to them or has distance come between you?

And for Bonus Marks... For those who have been living in the Philippines for over a year (give or take), have things changed between those you left behind?

[Bruce]

I remember it like it was yesterday!

I was 5. My mother asked if I needed help packing. My father, put down his paper and asked when the flight was and if I needed a ride to the airport......

[Jack Peterson]

Were they happy for you

Nice timing on this one bob. Only this weekend did something come up, that gave me something to answer it with.

it was always going to be a 5 year project, although we had been together a lot longer, My close friends and family were in the main happy for me, I had been on my own a fairly long time.

have things changed between those you left behind?

Now it seems, they all think I am crazy, i can't give you a reasonable answer to this. I have always lived by a little motto, ' don't knock it, if you can't /wont try it.

It is only just recently that my family in particular, have really spoken to me about it. Having had the Stroke this year, it put a different meaning on life, I had made my bed, now i will lay on it.

I have a very close friend in Spain who seems to think it is the ends of the world. I keep telling him and my Family, it is a days flying time. come and see for yourself. Stop making up stories because you don't understand my mind./motives

His last words on Facebook this weekend were, There is a bed for you here should you need it. Very nice to know but i wondered why, he should say this? when in fact, HE was my biggest ally on my decision to make the move.

I guess people will change their views and thoughts, the longer we are apart, we have technology. that keeps us in touch daily if we want to. Not just after a typhoon or suchlike

If Families/Friendships, are strong enough, there should be no reason to doubt, our commitment to our future, After all, this to me is, what they are doing.

Sorry, just how I feel today.

:tiphat:

[earthdome]

My next older sister had no problems at all. My next older brother couldn't understand why I would move. I think part of the problem is that he does not like anything asian after his experiences while serving in the US Army in 1968 in Vietnam. I think it reminds him of things he would rather forget.

Many of my coworkers at my former job were all excited about it. Maybe even envious that I was starting a great adventure after retirement. Some insisted that I start a blog to share my experience with pictures.

[i am bob]

My next older sister had no problems at all. My next older brother couldn't understand why I would move. I think part of the problem is that he does not like anything asian after his experiences while serving in the US Army in 1968 in Vietnam. I think it reminds him of things he would rather forget.

Many of my coworkers at my former job were all excited about it. Maybe even envious that I was starting a great adventure after retirement. Some insisted that I start a blog to share my experience with pictures.

You should introduce them to our forum...

Who knows? Next they will become members... And then neighbours!

:thumbsup:

[Jack Peterson]

You should introduce them to our forum...

You know bob, that is something I have been saying to a lot of people, They don't join of course, mainly I think because they may learn, we are all in the main, very happy and don't see any problems. ( well no more than in our own Countries.) In fact, i wonder how many, would want to go back, once they had experienced life here, ( a few yes, I have to readily admit, the PI is NOT to every ones liking at all) At least if they experience it a little, then they would be qualified, to make their superstitions, based on something. other than here say

:tiphat: .

[nor cal mike]

Jack, It's people like you who constantly validate my decision. Thank you for all your positive reinforcement.

[Jake]

Jack, It's people like you who constantly validate my decision. Thank you for all your positive reinforcement.

Keep it going guys. I love this thread! Thanks Bob!!

[Dave Hounddriver]

When you first told your family and closest friends that you were going to move to the Philippines, what was their reaction and how did you cope with it?

Were they happy for you? Sad? Looked at you like you were nuts? Cut you out of their will? What did you do? And are you still close to them or has distance come between you?

And for Bonus Marks... For those who have been living in the Philippines for over a year (give or take), have things changed between those you left behind?

Almost all family members and workmates looked at me like I was nuts and were sure to voice that opinion loudly. Many did not want to talk to me again and refuse to accept email from me. Some tossed me a quarter and said: Here, have a young one on me (as they gave the customary sneer). Only a very small group were open minded enough to appreciate the life adventure I was departing on and the truth is, I did not expect more from any of them. The only one to have changed her opinion is my mother, mainly because there is now a baby involved and mothers love babies.

You should introduce them to our forum...

I am very opinionated on that subject so will delete this part of my comment.

Edited January 14, 2013 by Dave Hounddriver

[nor cal mike]

Dave had deleted his comments out of respect for this member's opinion

With all due respect, way out of context and of no good to the forum.

Edited January 14, 2013 by Dave Hounddriver
Your comment is noted with respect. I have adjusted my post