Since living in a positive minded country, I’ve realised how toxic it is to downplay anything good or make an excuse about how every achievement you have isn’t really that special. In the UK, you almost have to do that to be polite and it’s a habit I’m still trying to shake.

Go do it despite their disapproval. You/they are going to have so many more excuses and reasons to not do it when you’re older and more established. Do it now before you have a good job you don’t want to leave, a house, a partner who doesn’t want to uproot their life, children etc.

Another option is move to Spain for 2 years and then she’d be eligible for Spanish citizenship. Then you and her could legally live in the EU, which is a nice bonus to have.

I’m British too and it sure beats the British need to be quiet and grumbly all the time regardless of how you actually feel lol

Obviously not but they’ll adapt and get through it

If you’re in an international city, easier. Other expats are in the same boat as you and you immediately have something in common, you’re interesting to the locals based on your nationality alone and many of the locals probably migrated to the major city from the countryside for work/school so are not in their childhood cliques.

I don’t know about if you move to a smaller city or town though.