Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Off Topic Part Trois	QUOTE (Malrothien @ Nov 25 2009, 10:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My MIL was a politician in Canada and there are major issues with chauvinism and ignorance towards women here in BC. There are very few female politicians, too. Thanks for the reply. I thought Canada might be more progressive. I'm happy to at least be married to a man that is very liberal, progressive and sympathetic towards feminists since it always angered him to see how his mother, sister and female friends were treated in Iran. Being with my husband will make it easier but I just don't know how I'm going to cope with the south at this point in my life after having lived in Germany and Norway.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2009-11-25 01:24:00
Canada	Off Topic Part Trois	I'm really curious to know if any of you Canadian ladies notice a greater level of misogyny in the US compared to Canada? Do women politicians or women high up in private industry in Canada have an easier time being taken seriously? Perhaps the northern US isn't so different from Canada but attitudes in the southern US seem radically so. I'm originally from the south and always found the condescending attitudes towards women irritating but took it for granted that things might be different elsewhere. Then I moved to northern Europe where it is more feminist and progressive (especially in Norway) and now looking back at the US, the attitudes in the southern US in particular seem decades behind the times and all the more unbearable. I'm getting kind of depressed about having to stay with my family in the south for a while until we can find work elsewhere further north. So I was just wondering if Canadians feel Americans are more sexist and how you deal with it...	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2009-11-25 01:02:00
Philippines	Filipina filed for divorce	QUOTE (nydvo @ Aug 20 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you!!! Yep..Im Back!! it was a hell of a ride with larry.,but its over... I am thankful im given a second chance, and this time, he's younger *wink*, real love for me is there,..and everything is good.. and yes, its gonna work.!! Thank u!!! lol Congratulations!	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2009-11-19 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	All Iranians or those with Iranian fiance(e)s!	QUOTE (nmj @ Oct 30 2009, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (maz @ Aug 8 2009, 12:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have been waiting for an interview date in Ankara for almost 45 days! I do not suggest Turkey. Hi, You are not alone, My wife she got AP from US embassy in Ankara. As you said Embassy in Ankara is very hard for Iranian. I hope they can finsh AP in 4-6 weeks. Let me know if I can help. Did she get AP before or after the interview? I'm trying not to get my hopes up before the interview because you never know if there will be further AP after the interview or not.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2009-10-31 10:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Visa in hand, yahooooooooo	Congrats!	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2009-11-15 10:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Persian Recipes?	Do Persian men cook or do they just leave it up to the women? The only thing my fiance can make is rice. So when it's his turn to cook we just eat out.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-24 12:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	Persian Recipes?	I'd like to learn how to make some traditional Persian recipes for my fiance. Anyone got some old family recipes they want to share? I'd really like a recipe for Fesenjan. That's my favorite Persian dish that i've tried.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-24 09:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Issues with MENA MEN hair!!!	This is hilarious. Once, my fiance's friend stayed with us. The guy looked like a pirate in his rocker clothes with a long curly beard. But then i'd nearly hurl when i'd go brush my teeth and there were all these curly little beard hairs that looked more like pubic hairs. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 25 August 2008 - 04:14 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 16:14:00
Middle East and North Africa	Frustrating Mena Men	I nearly had a heart attack the first time I drove in Dubai. I know I pissed off a bunch of Arabs with how slow I was driving. People in the ME drive like a bunch of teenage nutters on a rampage. I would shake I was so scared at how recklessly everyone was driving and my fiance would just laugh. After a month however, I was road-raging with the best of them. I'm not sure how he'll drive in the states. That's a ways away though.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 18:52:00
Middle East and North Africa	Best honeymoon destination in MENA	If you're going to go to Dubai I would recommend going in late December and leaving a day or so after New Year's. January is the only month out of the year that Dubai gets any rain. And when it rains it is chaos! It takes forever to drive anywhere since people there aren't used to driving in the rain. [quote name='Nita&Assaad' date='Sep 8 2008, 01:24 PM' post='2196152'] I agree, Dubai is fake!! And TOO HOT Now Dubai for New Year's might be fun! Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 08 September 2008 - 05:16 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-08 17:15:00
Middle East and North Africa	Best honeymoon destination in MENA	Yeah, i'm going to try and arrange the trip outside of monsoon season if possible. I'm really looking forward to my Thai friends playing tourist guide and translator. Otherwise, I guess my fiance wins and we go to Istanbul. Not that I would mind. It is on my list of places to visit. I've just always had my heart set on getting married in Thailand or Greece. But of course my man would have visa troubles with Greece which is why i'm rooting for Thailand. Is Turkey much more expensive than Thailand? Would Istanbul be more expensive than Bangkok? [quote name='Nutty' date='Sep 4 2008, 03:15 PM' post='2185128'] I've been to Thailand A LOT! There is no gaurentee that you won't get caught in monsoonal rains depending on when you go. It can put a real cramp in the "laying on the beach" option. Other than that I love Thailand. HOWEVER, Turkey is also beautiful. Instanbul is a beautiful and there are wonderful coastal towns with beachs and historic places. Both a great options.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-04 17:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Best honeymoon destination in MENA	Hey dont hold back! There is no slave labor in thailand? Im not going to dubai to live either! History and culture arent the only reason people go on honeymoons [/quote] Yes there is slave labor in Thailand, the difference is they don't try to hide it. Dubai puts out this false image that doesn't reflect reality. That's the problem I have. And since I know Dubai i'm just giving some friendly advice to people that they would be wasting there money coming here when there are prettier and more interesting places. Some people might want to go to Walt Disney World for their honeymoon and visit the 'countries' at Epcott Center thinking it's romantic. I think it's a tacky, overpriced tourist trap when they could spend the same amount seeing the real thing. But hey, some people like overpriced tourist traps. I'm just trying to warn the one's that don't. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 04 September 2008 - 09:30 AM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-04 09:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Best honeymoon destination in MENA	QUOTE (chaishai @ Sep 3 2008, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> dubai! friendly debate here - dubai is like a playground but thailand is, um... not???? And have you even been to Dubai? I'm living there! If you have the money to stay in an overpriced hotel and don't plan on leaving the hotel then fine. I'm sure the Burj would suit you. But I wouldn't plan an extended stay in Dubai if you plan on leaving the hotel at some point. Half of Dubai is a shithole and the other half is littered with gaudy skyscrapers and villas built by poor Indian and Pakistani slave-laborers under questionable health and safety standards. If you want to cater to slave labor then be my guest. And yes, i'd like to go to Thailand for the beaches and the architecuture of the Buddhist temples. I'm well aware that Thailand has it's problems but i'm not going there to live, just to enjoy the history and culture for a brief stay since I have quite a few Thai friends. History and culture is lacking in Dubai being as it's only around 35yrs old. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 03 September 2008 - 08:06 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-03 20:05:00
Middle East and North Africa	Best honeymoon destination in MENA	QUOTE (melly @ Jan 16 2007, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> However, there is an island that an Iranian friend of mine told me about. For the life of me I can't remember what the name of it is. It might not even be an island but a small country over there somewhere on the sea. It seems like it was developed almost with tourists in mind and the pictures I saw made it look just divine. I wish I could contact my friend and find out what the place is, but he's gone MIA. I'm sure your friend was talking about Kish Island. http://www.kishisland.com/ My fiance wants us to marry and honeymoon in Istanbul. Personally, I'd rather go to Thailand. I'd love to see all the Buddhist temples, relax on the beach and go into the jungle areas. Then, whether we get married in Istanbul or Thailand, i'd like to visit Iran afterwards to meet his family that couldn't make it to the wedding and see some of those beautiful places i've only seen in pictures. And I must say I would not recommend Dubai to anyone thinking of going there. It is too fake, too hot, too expensive, too touristy, completely lacking in history or culture and did I mention too fake? It's basically just a playground for the rich where the desert meets the Persian Gulf. There are far more interesting, affordable and cultured places in the Middle East to visit. I'm sure you could enjoy yourself much more in Lebanon or Egypt. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 03 September 2008 - 05:59 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-03 17:57:00
Middle East and North Africa	Rosetta Stone	I tried Pimsleur for Norwegian and it was no help to me at all. I had to just take a class. For German, I tried listening to some Berlitz tapes but I had to take a class as well. Now I want to try the Rosetta Stone for Farsi and see if it's any help. If not then I will look into taking a class later on.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-09 15:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Husband had his first job interview today!	Congrats, Nutty, and I hope you find a car solution soon.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-06 11:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	Husband had his first job interview today!	It's funny that my guy is washing clothes now after leaving it for me initially. I had to show him how to use the washer so many times before he got the hang of it. Apparently, before we moved in together he would let the guy he shared with do his laundry. And his friend was even younger by about 6yrs. I'm wondering how to nicely point out that my man will have to take care of his hygeine better in the states. BO and bad teeth are something people will notice more than your well-styled and gelled hair.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-03 12:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	Husband had his first job interview today!	This reminds me of my man. It's so hard to get him to shower, brush his teeth or wear clean clothes. He'll spend an hour fixing his hair and 30 minutes washing his ####### after going to the point i'm banging on the door to see if he fell in. But shower, take care of his teeth and do laundry?...no. I shudder on the days he's out of deoderant and cologne.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-02 22:40:00
Middle East and North Africa	No tarawih prayers for Chinese muslim!	Well that's nothing compared to the dictatorships you see in the ME and the oppression forced upon women and minorities there. China is communist and doesn't allow freedom of religion for anyone regardless of religion. They've never made claims to the contrary.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-06 08:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby Girl Ear Piercing	QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Sep 25 2008, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My daughter Zahra got her ears pierced in Algeria at 2 ( it wasnt done by me, a sister in law took her without asking me and had it done) I promptly took them out as soon as I got home because Zahra was tugging at them and pulling them out. Girls over in this part of mena ALL HAVE IT DONE. My daughter was just too rough and tumble to have them. I really hope you gave your SIL an earful. I can't believe how outrageous some people can be.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-25 13:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby Girl Ear Piercing	It only took seeing one woman with a permanently ripped in half earlobe for me to be against small children getting pierced ears. There is so much potential for a small child to have a playmate accidentally rip the earring out and when they get older there's the potential that a schoolyard bully might intentionally rip it out. I think it's better to let the kids wait and have it be a nice sweet 16 ritual. Here's the Pediatric's view of piercing a baby's ears.: http://pediatrics.ab...y_wk_five_9.htm Quote: the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that you "postpone the piercing until your child is mature enough to take care of the pierced site herself." This can help avoid some of the risks of baby ear piercing, including: infection - younger infants have immature immune systems, so they might not be able to fight off an infection at the site of the piercing very well. choking hazard - if they get the earring off. allergic reactions - to the metals in the earrings (especially nickle and gold) she wears, but which can be hard to notice since infants normally rub their ears a lot. embedded earring - this occurs when one part of the earring goes into the earring hole and gets embedded inside. Although this can happen at any age, it can be harder to remove from infants. If you love your child why would you risk even the smallest chance of hurting it for something so purely selfish and incredibly superficial? The baby doesn't want or need it. It is these crazy parents using their children as props that want it so they can have an accessory. But a child is not an accessory. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 21 September 2008 - 03:30 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-21 15:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby Girl Ear Piercing	I got my ears pierced as a kid and now I regret it. I wish I was Au Naturale in the earlobe dept. There's always clip-ons if I change my mind but there's no changing those holes in your ears. I also regret that tattoo I got in my 20's. I say wait till your kid is 16 to get her ears pierced. It should be her choice when she is old enough to decide. A child that young doesn't understand why mom is hurting them. Nor does a child that young concern itself with such superficial things as looks. Not to mention the potential for periodic infections in the piercing site. Also, it could just be one more thing your kid blames you for in the future. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than being natural. I get so sick of seeing little girls being made up like sexy little vixens and put on parade at Beauty pageants, etc. A 4yr. old shouldn't be wearing a formal evening gown and shoes with 3 layers of make-up, a whole can of hair-spray used to style her hair and dangly ear-rings hanging from her earlobes. A kid should be a kid. Running outside in playclothes getting dirty and swinging from the monkeybars, not learning how to look pretty for the opposite sex. Wait til she's ready. Don't force it. I really wish they would pass a law about that.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-09-21 12:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Things rough for me too!	QUOTE (Nutty @ Oct 20 2008, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I definately wouldn't be happier with an Italian ladies man! But my husband has changed. I'll admit he's reserved and a little esoteric and brainy. However, I just don't believe him when he says, "Iranian wives don't need to hear "i love you" or "expressions of affection (physical, like hugs/kisses or verbal, like dear, how are you?) I just can't believe that! Even so, maybe outside in public I could understand the standoffishness, but in the house? Ok, a Spanish flamenco dancer then? Seriously, what he said about Iranian women is bullshite. Maybe, out in a little village where people are religious and had their marriage arranged then their relationship might be cold. I think that's just a line he fed you to justify his being a cold robot. Iranian women expect lots of attention. Mine showers me with too many complements til i'm rolling my eyes because he says that's what Iranian women expect. I just tell him I don't need THAT MUCH attention. A little is nice but too much is overkill. Maybe he genuinely loves you but can't show it. He's probly just a brain that is more comfortable with intellectual issues than emotional one's. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 21 October 2008 - 08:57 AM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-10-21 08:52:00
Middle East and North Africa	Things rough for me too!	Good luck Nutty. I don't think there was anything wrong with you or your husband. You just weren't a good match for each other. He would probly be happier with Harvard's most boring nerd and you'd probly be happier with an Italian ladies man. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 17 October 2008 - 01:02 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-10-17 12:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Need clarification on something, regarding...PORK!	Any meat, not just pork can contain parasites, fat, etc. So can vegetables or anything else for that matter. I think it's kind of silly to follow every little thing in a book written by men 1000yrs ago. My SO and all his Iranian friends like pork. As soon as they get out of Iran the first things they want to do is whatever is forbidden in Iran. So whenever they visit I have to stock up on booze and pork and make sure we go bar hopping and to rock concerts. Me personally, I'm not and never will be muslim but I still don't like the taste of pork. It's ok in sausage but pork chops make me want to gag. I think the look/texture of pork resembles people flesh too much. And I don't think you should have to give up anything just because of your husband. Is he an insecure child? He's choosing to marry an American and move to the states so it is his responsibility to adapt to a new country and culture. If you start giving up one, two or three things you like now, then he will expect you to give up 20 things and before you know it your whole identity/personality is gone. If it's a muslim from his own country he wanted then that's what he should have married. I will never understand these girls that sacrifice their whole identity for a controlling little fraction of a man.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-10-24 03:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	QUOTE (Nutty @ Oct 30 2008, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sexual peaks may be in the numbers...but domestic unhappiness can put a damper on any "peaking" going on.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-10-31 00:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	I hope things are getting better. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 27 August 2008 - 05:26 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-27 17:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	Yeah, Nutty. I must say it sounds like he's an apple and you're an orange. Just different. So how was Iran? That's one place I wanted to travel to even before I met my fiance. I love to travel although I don't get to do it as much as i'd like due to the cost. I have to save my money for the marriage/honeymoon in Bangkok or Istanbul. Then in a year one of my Indian friends will go home to get married and i've been asked to attend so I have to save for that now too in addition to putting some away for our move back stateside.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-26 14:30:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	My fiance just reminded me of how I wanted him to go everywhere with me the first few weeks when I moved to Dubai. It was one thing for me to move to Europe where things aren't so radically different but to move to the ME was quite a scary shocker. Maybe it's the same for him. A bit overwhelming. But it sounds like you just have a smart and serious husband. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just that if you're a more lighthearted person it's not what you might prefer. It's just two different personalities. Or he could just be from a really traditional family and will need even more time to adjust than others would need. But it's possible he could still be in the adjustment phase and feeling really insecure. My fiance says that when Iranians first move to a new country they feel the need to prove the greatness of their culture and explain it's history because people don't respect Iran and the Media portrays it as a 3rd world country. Which in many respects it is but Persia has it's place as the world's first empire and oldest culture and alot of Iranians like to dwell on what was because what is is so pathetic. After a while he should loosen up and realize that it's what a country has today rather than what it had in the past that matters. America is abundant in money and material things but lacking in the culture department. That bugs people that come from countries rich in culture but not in money. They feel that culture should be held in higher esteem than materialism but that's just not the way it is in the states. It will take a while to adjust to that.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-26 06:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	It sounds like you guys need a good dose of Maz Jobrani and the Axis of Evil comedy troupe. They're hilarious and your Iranian should get Maz's jokes. http://ca.youtube.co...h?v=fYlaIxNX01Q	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 19:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	QUOTE (Nutty @ Aug 25 2008, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is so important for all of us to have an anonymous place to share our feelings. It is not good to complain to friends and family too much about the "downs" that happen in a marriage. Because it isn't good to give your spouse a bad reputation with those he has to interact with. So I try not to say much to people close to me. Understood. And that's a great idea. I'd never tell my family if we were having problems no matter how bad they were. Luckily we don't really have any problems. My fiance is quite intelligent. He's also an engineer, but luckily he's goofy and down to earth as well and lavishes attention upon me. I do get frustrated that he doesn't help cook or clean as much as he should. But that's really his only flaw so I can't really complain. The only time I really lose my temper with my fiance is when i'm driving in Dubai and he decides to be a back-seat driver. Driving in Dubai is stressful enough with a road-raging Emirati in a white SUV riding up your ### without your SO critiqueing your road-skills. I can't wait till he gets a license so I can pay him back. Have you let him know you need him to lighten up? Maybe forcing him to watch the Simpsons would teach him some American humor.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 17:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	QUOTE (Nutty @ Aug 25 2008, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> But yes, after that he moved back to Kerman to work closer to home. His mom does stay at home and do all cooking/cleaning. But his father is dead. He is the eldest (at home). It is my understanding Iranians tend to stay home until marriage because rents are so expensive. Yeah, real estate in Tehran is even more expensive than in Dubai and you don't make as much money there either. But I wouldn't be surprised if his mom started babying him again once he moved back to Kerman. My fiance says that Iranians put alot of emphasis on the children so they grow up spoiled.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 15:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	Apparently it is really common for single Iranian guys to live at home even if they are 40. So they're used to mommy and daddy doing everything for them. So it appears that your man will need a bit of weening i'm sorry to say. He will need some time to be able to stand on his own two feet. I'm lucky that mine has been living away from his family for 3 yrs. now. He still can't cook anything but rice though. But he does help with the dishes after I give him the evil eye.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 14:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	QUOTE (Nutty @ Aug 25 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kerman My fiance is a little tipsy at the moment but when he sobers up I will see what advice he can give.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 14:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	Where in Iran is he from?	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-25 13:47:00
Middle East and North Africa	Continuation of "it's not been a bed of roses."	I think you have to realize that life in the ME is very slow-paced unless you are from one of the GCC countries like the UAE where there are more foreigners than locals. Luckily my Iranian fiance has had the experience of living and working in Dubai where you have to work considerably more than in Iran. He's told me that in Iran you might be on the clock for 8-9 hours but you really only work for 2-3 of those hours. So it will be quite an adjustment to get used to the faster pace of life in the states and dealing with the American work culture where people work overtime regularly and then don't even necessarily get 2 weeks, let alone a month of vacation time. And I can sympathize with him getting lost on occasion. It's the same for me. If someone else is driving I don't remember how to get there even if they drive me there 30 times. However, if they let me drive while they tell me where to go I can remember how to get there after a few times. But I can't be counted on not to roadrage. Edited by Hoomsfuturewife, 24 August 2008 - 01:09 PM.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-08-24 13:05:00
Middle East and North Africa	Are Americans safe in Morocco?	QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Oct 30 2008, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> eta: I made 4 trips and never once felt a moment of fear. Statements like this from Americans that have never lived abroad for an extended time make me laugh. You'd probably be on a plane for home after 4 months. Seriously, you don't learn anything in a 2 week vacation or even a summer abroad. It takes a BARE Minimum of at least 6 months to BEGIN to learn anything about another country, it's culture, the pitfalls of living there, etc. Life anywhere in the ME is cutthroat and difficult for someone from the west to adjust to. It's difficult enough for men coming to the US from the ME to adjust to a new culture but at least they are gaining more than they lose. When you are a western woman from the 1st world moving to the ME where it's second world at best you are giving up a lot more, not just in terms of standard of living but in rights/equality and opportunities as well.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-10-31 00:14:00
Middle East and North Africa	How is your spouse adjusting to live here now?	QUOTE (Nutty @ Nov 13 2008, 11:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (sereia @ Nov 12 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How about wanting to smell nice for his wife? I am not important anymore It's sad that things have worked out for you that way. I thought he might make more effort if you told him you wanted to end it if he didn't pay you more attention. Will he have to go back to Iran if you decide to file for divorce and go back to India? I hope things get better for you with or without him.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-11-13 14:38:00
Middle East and North Africa	How is your spouse adjusting to live here now?	QUOTE (Pattu Rani @ Nov 11 2008, 02:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> unlike us they genuinely help others who are from their own country. I disagree with that statement. Americans help each other out a helluva lot more than they do. They might share apartments in the US but that is because they do that back home anyway as rent is more expensive in the ME than it is in the west! You have to be wealthy to afford to live on your own in the ME so they get by by sharing a studio with 3-7 other people. QUOTE Here where a dump studio in Queens or brooklyn goes for a minimum of $1000-1200 People seem to mistakenly think that the ME is cheap because it is still developing. In reality it costs the same or MORE than the US when you factor in the cost of rent, paying more individually for things that taxes paid for back home and what you don't get in the way of social services, etc. What you quoted for a studio in NY is LESS than what you would pay in the ME. I'm paying $1600 for a studio flat with bad plumbing, substandard Indian appliances and it's situated next to a sewage treatment plant which lets off a lovely smell! And this is actually the affordable housing in the UAE! QUOTE immigrants pay $300/month to share apartments or even rooms with others from their own country until they can get out on their own, usually to marry. They also help each other with job leads(there is at least one agency strictly for Nepalis in Queens) and other aspects of living in America. Perhaps they even help each other learn how to work the system, divorce USC spouses, etc. - They might band together in the states but I can guarantee you that they DO NOT help each other out back home. When living over here you encounter a whole new level of lying, cheating, backstabbing, clawing over others to get ahead, unfettered capitalist mafiosi greed like you will never encounter in northern Europe or North America. Working for and doing business over here is like dealing with the Mafia on a daily basis. I can't wait to get back to the states and pay my taxes and deal with more honest people than you will ever encounter here. You might have to live to work in the states but at least you get some payoff and benefits and can afford to live on your own. I'll never complain about life being hard over there after having to deal with this. No one helps each other out of the kindness of their heart over here. They expect cash payment for the smallest favor!	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-11-11 23:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Anyone here in UAE? (Dubai)	I haven't even begun to get my paperwork together. I had to go visit my family in the states for 4 months since one grandmother broke her hip and the other broke her neck. I just got back a month ago and all my time has been consumed looking for work and going on job interviews. I've had a few offers but I want to secure something that will pay well enough for us to pay our expenses and save on the side for the big move in a year or so. A few months after I find work we will go to Turkey, Cyprus or Thailand to marry in a civil ceremony (hopefully on the beach) and then do DCF in Abu Dhabi. We can't get married here in Dubai due to the religious requirements. I guess we'll only be able to do the medical in Dubai. That's so damned inconvenient.	Der Bücherwurm	Female	Iran	2008-11-17 08:09:00