This is definitely the elephant in the room. No country is ideal but I think your friend makes a great point
Our culture, here in the US puts no weight on friendship. I believe that it is intentional. The Elites want the prols to produce at ever higher outputs in our productivity. Friends are seen as a hindrance. This reminds me of the Beatles song. Oh the lonely people where did they all come from
So true. After 20 years in Spain, it's something I feel every day here in the US. Shifting baseline makes people think that what is pathological is normal, then they don't understand why they're sick. Same with food, exercise, stress, and yes, community. That's why I left LA to live in a tiny town in the mountains. Come join us Daniele!
Pretty happy. Of course, it's always a mixed bag, and I do miss Spain, but I like the very small scale vibe here. I like the neighbors-helping-neighbors energy. I like the dark skies and bright stars. The clear water coming down from the mountains. The animals wandering around like they own the place. The distance from the nearest Walmart or traffic light (1 hour). There are downsides, but it all comes down to what you value. At this point in my life, silence, clean air/water, low stress, nature.... These things matter more than they used to. Hot women (other than the one I live with), parties, live music, restaurants.... Those things matter less.
Very interesting essay. My initial thoughts are that, everyone is different; we find ways to interact with those we love and care about differently, depending on circumstances. I joined the Navy at 17 and have pretty much been on the move then (I'll be 65 in a couple months). It runs in our family to be a bit insular. My daughters live in the US, while I've been living overseas the past 25 years. We talk online a few times a month and post things to our group chat most days. They, and I, have busy lives, and with the time difference, it's tough to connect. I was the same way with my dad. I'd drop him a letter, and he'd do the same.
But, living here in the middle east, where people come and go, what I find these days is that I maintain a small group of folks that I'm as close as family, and we meet most weeks, and communicate frequently. I also have my "extended family", i.e. those with whom I shared that type relationship, but have now moved away. We keep in touch and most of us meet up once a year for a long weekend of catching up. They also keep in touch through our group chats/calls, etc.
I had it brought home how close we are when I had a stent put in my artery and was in the hospital overnight. Several of the guys came to the room and I had many offers for a lift home. One couple stayed in my house while I was in hospital and looked after my dogs, and after me for a few days after I got home.
Mostly, though, I love traveling and history, both past, and as it occurs. I make acquaintances everywhere. Being a student of history and geography, it's fascinating to connect the dots between past events and what's happening in the world today. Here in the middle-east, I've watched the culture in Saudi Arabia, blossom with progress and enthusiasm. They youth of today, are like plants in the desert when the rains finally come; they grow and bloom rapidly, with full heart.
I look forward to meeting new friends here as well. :)
This is definitely the elephant in the room. No country is ideal but I think your friend makes a great point
Our culture, here in the US puts no weight on friendship. I believe that it is intentional. The Elites want the prols to produce at ever higher outputs in our productivity. Friends are seen as a hindrance. This reminds me of the Beatles song. Oh the lonely people where did they all come from
Thanks, as always, John Connor
,
Very insightful, as always.
So true. After 20 years in Spain, it's something I feel every day here in the US. Shifting baseline makes people think that what is pathological is normal, then they don't understand why they're sick. Same with food, exercise, stress, and yes, community. That's why I left LA to live in a tiny town in the mountains. Come join us Daniele!
Are you happy there or you think other countries may offer better options?
Pretty happy. Of course, it's always a mixed bag, and I do miss Spain, but I like the very small scale vibe here. I like the neighbors-helping-neighbors energy. I like the dark skies and bright stars. The clear water coming down from the mountains. The animals wandering around like they own the place. The distance from the nearest Walmart or traffic light (1 hour). There are downsides, but it all comes down to what you value. At this point in my life, silence, clean air/water, low stress, nature.... These things matter more than they used to. Hot women (other than the one I live with), parties, live music, restaurants.... Those things matter less.
makes sense
Very interesting essay. My initial thoughts are that, everyone is different; we find ways to interact with those we love and care about differently, depending on circumstances. I joined the Navy at 17 and have pretty much been on the move then (I'll be 65 in a couple months). It runs in our family to be a bit insular. My daughters live in the US, while I've been living overseas the past 25 years. We talk online a few times a month and post things to our group chat most days. They, and I, have busy lives, and with the time difference, it's tough to connect. I was the same way with my dad. I'd drop him a letter, and he'd do the same.
But, living here in the middle east, where people come and go, what I find these days is that I maintain a small group of folks that I'm as close as family, and we meet most weeks, and communicate frequently. I also have my "extended family", i.e. those with whom I shared that type relationship, but have now moved away. We keep in touch and most of us meet up once a year for a long weekend of catching up. They also keep in touch through our group chats/calls, etc.
I had it brought home how close we are when I had a stent put in my artery and was in the hospital overnight. Several of the guys came to the room and I had many offers for a lift home. One couple stayed in my house while I was in hospital and looked after my dogs, and after me for a few days after I got home.
Mostly, though, I love traveling and history, both past, and as it occurs. I make acquaintances everywhere. Being a student of history and geography, it's fascinating to connect the dots between past events and what's happening in the world today. Here in the middle-east, I've watched the culture in Saudi Arabia, blossom with progress and enthusiasm. They youth of today, are like plants in the desert when the rains finally come; they grow and bloom rapidly, with full heart.
I look forward to meeting new friends here as well. :)
Cheers
NavyDave