I moved away from my home state of California a few years ago. I moved to an un-named state that is VERY different from L.A. This was for personal, family reasons and obligations. In the long run, I made the right decision (for now). But I cannot say I am enchanted with my new location. It’s OK, it’s not terrible, but it’s not “home”. Fortunately, I am able to return to CA fairly frequently for visits. This helps A LOT.
The bottom line is that I’m homesick. I don’t blame people who were born here for loving it. It is their home. A lot of them probably wouldn’t enjoy living anywhere else. I envy them for being able to live in the place they love.
Now, I admit, at first I bitched bitterly about my new home. I ruffled feathers. But I’ve learned, I’ve toned it down. Now I try to conceal my dislike of this place. I really try to be careful to not say anything too negative. (But I guess it’s obvious that I am chomping at the bit to visit Calif. again - that seems to irritate some people.)
When I first moved here, I annoyed some people even though I wasn’t bitching about anything at the time. (I can understand that my bitching would be irritating.) Sometimes, when some people would talk about some experience they had, I’d want to join in the conversation by relating any simular experience. But this invariably involved mentioning home. If they were talking about amusement parks, I’d mention Disneyland - my main amusement park experience. This irritated them. But what the hell else did they expect? I’d lived all my life in one place, and needless to say, most of my experiences will be set there. It’s not my fault that most of the people I met hadn’t been to Disneyland!
WHY does anyone care if I love it here or not? I made a decision to move here, for personal reasons. These reasons were NOT for the weather, the culture, or the scenery. So why do I need to somehow flatter the people who were born here, by telling them that everything here is wonderful, and better than where I grew up? I don’t think it is. It’s just my opinion, others certainly would disagree. A lot of people who are born in my new location think California is a dump. I don’t care if they think that. Fine. Stay away! Calif. doesn’t need any more lost tourists on the freeways anyway. It doesn’t offend me in the least.
So, why do some people need to be told that their little corner of the world is BETTER than anywhere else? And, why do I HAVE to love it here? Am I the only person in the world who is living in a place that they are unenthusiastic about, but still need to live there for personal reasons? I certainly doubt it. I think, as long as I don’t complain too much in front of others who live here, that’s enough. Enthusiastic praise should not be expected, or required.