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I didn't even realize until today. I Have a tough situation, and no this doesn't specifically have to be an eating disorder.

I have a situation in which ALL my family (Except Mother, Father, Sister, and sister) live in Israel and it is SO depressing I hate it. My family moved here 15 years ago from Israel because of buissness situations (Of course) we go and visit every year but still it's SO hard. Im always depressed because I feel as if I don't belong here and that every second im in America im missing time with my family. And just every day is so sad and depressing away from all my family. Plus maybe I should that my dad is most of the time in China and I stay with my mother and sisters. And I hate this already im sick of it ive always reamt of going back to my family in Israel already for 15 years. Yet I have 1 more year to go until I raduate high school and can finally go to the Israeli army. Yetfor now- Im always mad, angry, sad, crying, Because all I think about is my time wasted in America without my family in Israel. Plus did I mention the fact that I really can't connect to anyone or anything in America especially california? The American mentality is 100% different than that Israelis.

Im not saying I have an eating disorder but ever since I came back from Israel (I went to visit in December) ive lost 6 pounds instantly and All i think about is what Im gonna weight tomorrow in an hour and what should I eat that won't make me gain weight. Alll Imsaying i that here I feel Psycho (In America) and in Israel im cured.

Any Suggestions for a girl who isn't American?
Edited Feb 03 2008 04:24 by nycgirl
Reason: Moved from H&S to Lounge
17 Replies (last)
Anyone at all?
#2  
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Ok, there are two different issues here.

1) You moved here when you were TWO YEARS OLD!

You are American.

There is no way in hell you picked up much in the way of Israeli culture by the time you were 2 years old. Have you ever lived anywhere else in America  but California? Maybe moving to a different part might make you feel more at ease.

Your "family" meaning your nuclear family (mother, father, sisters) is with you in America.

My family is more or less confined to my nuclear family. I virtually NEVER see what few distant relatives I have.

2) Your dad travels a lot, and that's probably what's really getting to you. I know what it's like because my dad used to always be away. It's hard to deal with.

Moving to Israel isn't going to make you see your dad more often. You will get to see your extended family more often, and maybe that's good for you. In the meantime there's no point being miserable since the end is in sight.

Iam NOT American. Nope, Not at all.  To make it sound more realistic I don't even have (Or my whole family) doesn't have amercan citizenship.

1. I can't connect to this WHOLE mentality, I feel out of place.  Just because i've lived in America my whole life Does not mean that im an American, Not at all.  It's my Israeli Mentality taken to a diverse location.  A person with a different culture always remains in his culture, It's the truth at least in my case.

  2.  I live as an Israeli, My family is an Israeli family We're simply Israelis living in America.  It's not always "In Rome do as the Romans do". 

3.  Well see that's wha I also mean by an "american Mentality"- Im USED to the idea of being close to ALL family-Even my parents are like this but they have no choice now because of buisness......And thats why It's so weird for me.

4.  You're right about no point being miserble.  I guess I'll just go read "Don Quixote"-Thanks for the advice though.  =)
Oh ya and about "Picking up the Israeli Culture"- I've had that culture forever. I visit so much and everytime I come to Israel-It's just my home I don't know how else to explain it since you're not in my place.

Just because you moved here when you were 2 doesn't mean you aren't Israeli!  I understand what you mean.  I'm not really in your situation at all, but my dad is Guatemalan, so half of my family is living a completely different life.  On the other hand, it's my "nuclear" family that I'm extremely attached to, so I doesn't exactly bother me so much, but I defniately understand what you mean.  I feel similar when I'm at college-- I just suck at not being with my mom/dad/brother, and when I get the chance to visit home, and be with them, and be in my hometown, it's like "oh my gosh, THIS is what my life is supposed to be like!"  ok, so it's still completely different, but.... I really do see what you're saying.   Unfortunately, I don't have any advice really, except to really just try to find ways to occupy your time that take your mind off of being unhappy.  Easier said that done, of course, but just push through it.  And in the long run, what are a few years, right?  You have the rest of your life to live wherever you want, so try not to let it get you down toooo much.

:)

Thanks rmgarcia (I feel weird calling you by your nickname but I don't know your name  =)  )  That seriously made me feel a lot better that someone is somewhat in the same place  (Almost).  See thats the problem I guess in an Israeli culture the family is connected to ALL the family not only the nucleur family.  Yeah well what can I say?  401 days until I get to continue my life (In Israel).  All I can and should do is wait, read, and excercise  yay!  =)
Hey you like Physics?!  I love it so far.  Although this is my first year only in high school of taking it. 
I can relate to what you say and don't really have any suggestions, except to go to Israel as often as you can on vacation! Culture between countries is very different, people don't always realise that. And Southern California is kind of a weird place in itself! I guess you must have this year to finish and then next year to go. Hang in there, you can do it! And then you can follow your heart :)

I'll be leaving this country too eventually. But I'm lucky, time goes much quicker for me since I'm old!

haha, my name is Rosanne, by the way... I know, I realized a little too late that my normal "rmgarcia" is sort of... not... specific.  lol.

Anyway, yeah... Just try to have a positive outlook on the present; it's not like this has to be the rest of your life, you know?  Keeping yourself busy is the best idea, and remember, it'll all work out fine.  ;)  I know it's harder sometimes, but really all you can do is ride it out.  Try to get connected and involved around in your area too, maybe, I don't know.  But good luck!

And yeah, I'm a physics major in college.  In 9th grade, I took my first physics class, and I had such a great teacher and it was such a great class that I fell in love with the subject.  Since that class, I've had it in my head that I wanted to be a physics major, and here I am, 5 years later... a certified physics major!  :-D  I'm glad you're liking it so far; I know so many people who had BAD experiences with high school physics, and were really turned off from it, because of that.  So that's awesome that you're enjoying it.  :)

By all means if you don't identify with Amercia, dont like it and don't want to be here please leave ASAP because we sure don't need people that don't want to be here in the country. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
That was uncalled for.
I'm not living in my native country either.  I'm an American living in Canada.  The differences aren't severe but it's odd at times.  My husband's family are from Portugal and most do not speak English well, and I don't speak their language.  I don't really fit in with the Portuguese culture so I feel...I don't know...left out I guess.  I have to constantly ask what's going on because every speaks a different language.  They also do everything different from what I am used to.  It's pretty hard sometimes.  I sorta know what you're going through with feeling like you don't fit in.  It's pretty sucky =(

Just hang in there.  You only have one year left.  It will fly by.
Ive moved quite a bit. I agree that home just feels like home. No matter what age you left it. A lot of my friends that grew up outside of the U.S. or even left at a very young age dont like the american way. I do think thats why in areas there are undeclared districts. (like a chinatown, hasidic jewish areas etc)

My transplant friends surround themselves with things of home like food, decor,friends and pictures. And they always go back for visits as much as they can.
"TrainWreck"-  You're right I don't fit here.  But at the moment i have No choice If I did have a choice I wouldn't be hee right now.  It just feels as if im missing out on my actual life here im

 America.  It's just not my culture, Im Israeli there's nothing I an do.  And im sure if you were to belong to a completely different culture you would feel as if you're in a similar situation.  One can't change their life culture overnight.
thebledx3, I understand that, I know despite what the others may say or think of what I posted that you don't belong in the USA at this point in your life.

Ok here's the deal you stuck here at least for another year. If you like any of my Jewish friends, you should have a strong personality and understand you can:

a) Make the best of out it

b) Wallow in misery

You sound like a strong, smart but unhappy person right now at this point in your life so I hope you'll pick a.

The only way you'll miss out of life is if you fail to step up and take what's in front of you RIGHT NOW by the horns, live and enjoy what you can of it. See you talking about waiting to live that being some where else etc will make you happy.

The truth is we are as happy as we allow ourselves to be.

You need to make the best out of this next year. When you go back home your friend there will be wanting to know what you did. You should have some fun stories to share with them. When you go back to Israel and say in so many words, "My time in the USA sucked and I hated every minute of it." It may reflect badly on you.

Reason being, most people know deep down we as adults or young adults are responsible for our own happiness.

So to make the best out of your long awaited return home you really want to make the best out of the here and now in the US.

Being Israeli in the US is a boon if you allow it to be. Most Americans admire Israel. Trust me on this if you were in the southern states in America you'd be popular and liked just because you are from Israel. So I'm not willing to buy into that there isn't anything you can do to enjoy your time here.

I don't think you have to really change maybe adapt a little. What's the core issue that's on your mind?
"TrainWreck"- You say to make the best out of it correct?  I Don't think that is a possible achievement.  THIS is making the best out of  it, Clearly My purpose in life is not to be found in America. 

One can't be "Optimistic" about a matter when nothing good is present.
If you see the glass as half empty, then that is what it is.  Adversity and adaptability makes you stronger.  Consider this.
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