Importance of an expat community

OK, back on topic... 

I usually just come on here out of boredom, admittedly, and because it's kind of nice to hear from other Americans in the same situation I am in, more or less. Also, if you ever have a visa question, there are always people who can offer good advice. Now maybe it's because I'm in Scotland and most are in England, but I haven't really felt the same sense of community that many feel on here. I've been on this forum since early 2004 and I still don't feel like I really "fit in". There seem to be alot of inside jokes and threads going off on a tangent. So I'm just curious, have those of you who seem to know each other really well gone to meet ups and actually met in person? Is that a requirement to truly "fit in" in this forum?

So I'm just curious, have those of you who seem to know each other really well gone to meet ups and actually met in person? Is that a requirement to truly "fit in" in this forum?

nope , I haven't some others have though...it's the amount of time you spend using this forum ...you start becoming part of the framework.  People go and some stay ...over time you'll get to know who's who...

Now maybe it's because I'm in Scotland and most are in England, but I haven't really felt the same sense of community that many feel on here. I've been on this forum since early 2004 and I still don't feel like I really "fit in".

I'm not sure it's because of your geographic location, Honeybee -- it's probably just that, as Alicia said, you haven't been here long enough or spent enough time posting to feel that "fitting in" thing. I'm in Wales and, seriously, there's NOBODY anywhere near me! I feel jealous sometimes reading about get-togethers in London, but then I remember where I live and I'm happy again! In spite of my location, I have made really great friends here, some "virtual" and some real life (although it involves a bit of traveling). I'm sure you'll feel the same before too long!

So I'm just curious, have those of you who seem to know each other really well gone to meet ups and actually met in person? Is that a requirement to truly "fit in" in this forum?

I've never been to any of the get-togethers (mostly because they're always too far away!) and while I feel pretty "assimiliated" here, I still feel that there are lots of people who know each other better than I know them.  But then, they've been here much longer than I have and have met in person, so there you go!   

I've never been to any of the get-togethers (mostly because they're always too far away!) and while I feel pretty "assimiliated" here, I still feel that there are lots of people who know each other better than I know them. But then, they've been here much longer than I have and have met in person, so there you go!

Lola - you are tops on my list - you know that, don't you?  (I am SO hoping for a trip to Newcastle this summer...)

Lola - you are tops on my list - you know that, don't you?  (I am SO hoping for a trip to Newcastle this summer...)

Aw, shucks.     Come on up!  If I can ever get a freaking day off, we'll go SHOPPING!  (and to lunch, and out for drinks, and shopping again, and out for more drinks, and dinner, and shopping, and out for more drinks)   

Well i've been to a few meetups....had a member stay with us for a few nights.  

It's been nice, and i feel i know a few people better meeting them-but really i don't think it's necessary.

I would like to hang out with others more though-I feel i've lost quite a bit of my independance moving here and getting married-but that's a whole other ball of wax.  

Now maybe it's because I'm in Scotland and most are in England, but I haven't really felt the same sense of community that many feel on here. I've been on this forum since early 2004 and I still don't feel like I really "fit in". There seem to be alot of inside jokes and threads going off on a tangent. So I'm just curious, have those of you who seem to know each other really well gone to meet ups and actually met in person? Is that a requirement to truly "fit in" in this forum?

I think it's more a function of finding people who share common interests and experiences in life.  Yes, I've met a few members of the forum in real-life, and look forward to meeting many more, both here and in Scotland.  I'm also in my mid-30s, and most of my friends are around that age or older.  It so happens that many of the members I've come to know here also fit that demographic, as well as sharing other common interests.  As living here isn't a transitory thing for me, I find it easier to reach out and forge what I hope are lasting friendships with others across the UK.  Being settled here, having a fixed place to live, a car, steady job, kids, etc. enables me at this stage in life to want to do things like travel to other parts of the UK to visit other expats/friends.

I definitely don't think it's a requirement to fit in that you meet people, and I definitely agree with Alicia and Helen that the longer you're here, the more you post, the more you'll come to figure out who shares your interests, your sense of humour, etc. and you'll start feeling quite at home....

I've met a handful of people and had a lovely time with them. There are others who I'd love to meet and know I'd become good friends with. I actually met a group on another expat board that I no longer frequent about a year ago and they've become some of my closest friends - but that was the luck of the draw that they lived in my area.... But otherwise I feel as though I "know" people from PMs and phone calls.....

I did meet Twisted which was fun!!! although I've not been to any "Official" UKY meet ups/girls night out thingies but I kinda like just keeping things forum level ..you know how women are when they get together they'll just talk about kittens

..you know how women are when they get together they'll just talk about kittens

Oh no you didn't!

I did meet Twisted which was fun!!! although I've not been to any "Official" UKY meet ups/girls night out thingies but I kinda like just keeping things forum level ..you know how women are when they get together they'll just talk about kittens

But what about vagina dentata?   

But what about vagina dentata?   

that's only for dinner parties

that's only for dinner parties

Hopefully you mean as meaningless banter . . . . ? 

Hopefully you mean as meaningless banter . . . . ? 

  if it makes you at ease ...I'll say yes.....anyone recomend a good wine