[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Perhaps more people will now consider retiring there (to New Zealand). They are a leading country in literacy too, so those who have always had a nagging feeling that there are many more attractive countries than the United States, will seriously consider not suffering away their best years here ? Years ago when I was really not near retirement, many near retirement at the university where I was on faculty were making plans to retire in Mexico. I believe if people made more decisions based on their own personal desires, political leanings, comfort zone, and socioeconomic preferences, we'd be a much more peaceful, homogeneous (regardless of our cultural roots, colors, or religions), and just plain happy country. But people continue to live in great stress and unhappiness, spending their lives preferring to complain and/or just living in envy of what they "could" have if only they were in --------- (fill in the blank). It's the old old "grass is greener" saying, and perhaps it IS GREENER, so why not take the initiative to go where there is the best fit for you ! I am NOT saying the old "if you don't like it get OUT", not at all, just that people should put more thought into their own life and happiness than they do when choosing a location, city or country to live in.

I agree. A very well done and thought-provoking post.