Expat's Emotional Return to India Turns Sour
A Reddit user's heartfelt post has gone viral across social media platforms after he shared his difficult experience returning to India following a seven-year stay in what he describes as one of Europe's happiest countries. The man, approaching 40, made the conscious decision to return primarily to be with his aging parents as their only child, but after six months back in his homeland, both he and his wife are struggling to adapt to their new-old environment.
The Reality Shock: From European Life to Indian Challenges
In his detailed Reddit post, the man expressed deep disappointment with the quality of life aspects he had taken for granted abroad. Simple pleasures like peaceful walks, taking children to nearby public spaces, and spending time in nature without traveling long distances have become nearly impossible in his current situation. He specifically highlighted multiple areas of concern that have made his return challenging.
The expat pointed to severe air pollution, unsatisfactory food quality particularly concerning fruits and milk, chaotic traffic conditions, and poorly maintained roads as daily frustrations. However, his biggest concern revolves around what he perceives as a lack of civic sense among the general population, noting that his child constantly asks questions about behaviors they're witnessing that differ dramatically from their European experience.
"His life was much better there and I feel I did injustice to him," the Redditor wrote emotionally, expressing guilt about uprooting his child from a better quality of life. He also revealed professional concerns, noting that surviving in the Indian professional landscape with his experience level has proven unexpectedly difficult.
Social Media Divided: Support and Criticism Flow In
The viral post sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with users expressing sharply divided opinions about the man's experience and perspective. Some commenters agreed with his assessment, suggesting that India has changed significantly during the seven years he was abroad, and the country he remembered no longer exists in the same form.
"People have that picture of India and all of a sudden that picture is broken once they are back to this new India," one social media user commented, showing understanding of the cultural shock experienced by returning expatriates.
However, other responses were considerably less sympathetic. Some questioned the purpose of his post, with one user writing pointedly: "What is the purpose of your post? If you can move back to your foreign country please do. Otherwise, what are you even asking here." Another comment suggested he was imposing his personal worldview on other Indians.
Several users noted the practical reality that seven years is insufficient time to expect dramatic changes in a country's infrastructure and civic culture, while others went further to recommend that if possible, he should return to his previous European home since conditions in India are likely to worsen rather than improve.
The discussion took another turn when some social media users pointed out that this wasn't an isolated post, but part of a pattern where the individual had been consistently expressing negative views about India across multiple Reddit threads, raising questions about whether he was genuinely seeking advice or simply venting frustrations.
As the conversation continues to evolve online, it highlights the growing phenomenon of reverse culture shock experienced by returning Indian expatriates and the complex emotional journey of balancing family responsibilities with quality of life considerations in an increasingly globalized world.
