[bryony]

I'm a great believer in evolution theory. I've had this idea for some time (especially after working in the US for a few years) that the great migrations to the USA in the 18th and 19th centuries took most of the risk takers and pioneers out of Europe (inc the UK), leaving behind the dour curmudgeons, pessimists (alternatively known as optimists with the facts) and cynics. After that, evolution did what it does!

So for me, the question is rather like those inspirational posters; very understandably American, and hard for cynical Europeans to take seriously. It's nice though! I'm glad there is still a country in the world where a positive attitude is the norm, and I wish I had one!

As for me I'm glad you said to complete it for myself, not here.... the obvious thing for me wouldn't be appropriate! (might be amusing though)

B.

I'm an exception to your idea. I'm an American pessimist (or realist as I like to consider myself). You make it sound like I would feel more at home in Europe than the U.S.

If I remember correctly, I thought Europe consistently has some of the happiest countries in the world. The Netherlands and perhaps Sweden comes to mind, but I could be wrong about this. Maybe I'm thinking of highest GDP per capita and lowest crime rate.

You'd probably find that, like me, you can't be happy anywhere!
(The grass is always greener over the hill, but it turns out to be crabgrass...)

I found simple things irritating and annoying in Connecticut, but now I am back, I miss the weather and the inexpensive shopping.

I transferred over during a prosperous time for the company I worked for, but it overstretched itself and started "restructuring"...
I was very scared over there at the thought of becoming unemployed in my 40s/50s and facing the prospect of bankruptcy the next time someone had to go for medical treatment... that's why we came back.

On the other hand, I'm dismayed at the way our freedoms are gradually being whittled away by unelected bodies in Europe.

If I had my time over again, I think I would have moved to Canada...

Way off topic! Sorry folks!

B.