Reverse culture shock. Are you familiar with it? It's what happens when you leave your own culture and begin to assimilate into another. You will probably never fully assimilate, but you will do your best because it's an issue of survival(and no, I'm not exaggerating). Your mental and emotional health depend on your assimilation into your adopted culture. You may never fully understand your adopted culture but you work to blend in, in as many ways as are possible.
And then you return to your own home culture. And you think, "Do I really belong here?" Because you've changed. And unless people have gone through that change themselves, they just don't get it.
Please understand: I don't expect you to get it. I guess what I'd like to ask for is some patience as I make a reverse assimilation. If I seem quiet or withdrawn, it's probably because everyone and everything seems very loud....and I'm a bit overwhelmed. There are a lot of thoughts going through my head right now. Just as I have plenty of negative thoughts towards Ukraine and Ukrainians, I also have some towards America and Americans. So, though I don't expect you to understand what I am beginning to work through, I will ask for your patience as I attempt to wade my way through a mess of emotions of: leaving Ukraine, leaving people I care for, culture shock, and the uncertainty of my home base. I so appreciate your love, care and support!
1 comment:
Love you, Mom
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