Hi there, I’m American living in French Switzerland.
Because of my nationality and my family here, we’re trying to fit-in to our local area and being a family there is a lot of adjustment for what we have to do and it’s a process. I’ve noticed that Swiss-Germany, the Nordics, Germany and the Netherlands people are a lot more serious when you meet them and just kind of live a normal, steady and stable life without a lot of flexibility. And they hope that us foreigners that will kind of ‘fit-in’ to this lifestyle…which I think is more or less fair as I’m a guest in their country and trying to fit-in. But…at the end of the day…are they happier in this normal, steady and stable life? No criticism, genuine question.
I mean I get it, with a crazy, chaotic life we left in America, which has its fair share of problems…which is not the point I’m trying to make…we all know them. But there is more flexibility, more openness and acceptance of other social norms but it leads to these problems if unchecked…in my opinion…what do you think?
Thoughts? Experiences? What do you think?
What kind of flexibility are you looking for exactly? And what do you mean with they are too serious?
I come from a country that I’d describe as unpredictable and chaotic, I know some people think that is exciting, but I found it stressful. You need to be resilient and flexible to thrive.
When I first came to live here 4 years ago, I really appreciated the relative predictability and stability of things (relative to where I came from). Despite many things following a schedule, I don’t feel rushed.
As for openness and acceptance of other cultures, I’d say they’re fairly open here, and you can freely practice your culture as long as you don’t force it on others and you don’t insist that the government make laws based on your beliefs, especially if they go against the values of the society you moved to.
I like that same sex unions, abortion and euthanasia are legal in the country where I’m now residing. I like that I can go to the beach topless and nobody will make a fuss about it. I like that I can speak in whatever language in I want in public and not be yelled at to “Speak Dutch” or “Go back where you’re from.”
I appreciate the stability and the predictability because it allows for more free time to spend with family and friends, to engage in hobbies, to travel.