I'd like to pick your brain...

KasandraRose

Hi, my name is Kasandra, 29 years old, single and I'm from the US. As the title says, this is completely random. Here's the story. I have been toying with the idea of moving to Ireland and have bounced it off people to see what they think. The general consensus of what I'm getting is mostly positive encouragement. However, I have gotten a few negative perspectives, mainly because Americans are not the most well like these days in other parts of the world. With that being said, I wanted to know how the Irish view us over there? Of course I've done research on this topic. Not that I'm basing my final decision on this (because I'm going to ultimately do what I want) but I found some crazy blog posts saying that American women are preceived as being overbearing, demanding, high-maintenence and overly emotional. Oh, let me not forget butch and lesbian-ish. I'd like to be comforted in the idea that I have a chance of making friends and potentially finding love....please tell me what you think?

I'd appreciate genuine and respectful answers please. And lastly, thank you very much!!!

m@cc@

I don't have any pre-conceived notions about American women and I'm sure I'm far from alone there.

I wouldn't agree that there's an anti-American sentiment in Ireland, certainly not as much as you imply in your post. You'll get the typical ignoramus who spout off about the invasion of Iraq without taking time out to consider the positive things that US has brought to the world. I'd say you'll also find people who are genuinely interested in where your from and what your take on the Irish lifestyle is.

Red Hand

If you are going by internet posts, then you'll get all sort of crazy stuff. I don't think that we are anti-American...sure , sometimes you'll get critiscism of the American government, but that's not really anti-American. I mean, we criticise our own basket case government all the time.

In general, I think we like Americans...I mean so many of us have connections to the US.

fungun

id say you will be fine, Irish ppl are typically welcoming.

we do take the piss a lot though so expect some comments on it if you act in a 'stereotyped American' way like you mention above, though will prob be light-hearted.

Nidot

I say go for it. Of the group of lads I hang around with we all love american women. We've all spent time in the states and thought it was a great country. American women are cool though, very open and friendly and tell you how they feel, less beating around the bush sort of thing.

I'd say go for, you won't regret it.

Ickle Magoo

I can give a non-irish perspective....yes, there are some pretty backward, emotionally stunted, old fashioned misogynists here and not just a handful either :eek:

However, the vast majority of Irishmen are lovely guys who have nothing against women of any nationality - tho obviously the "we don't mind americans or any other nationality" websites/type musings are not nearly as newsworthy so it's just the nutters you hear about. :pac:

LegacyUser

We have enough problems in our own county without worrying about judging the rest of the world.

You will find some people who may joke around with you a bit, but that just something you would have to get used to coming to Ireland, regardless of who you are or where you come from.

For the record I know one or two students who have come over here and loved it, easily made friends, and are even returning to do further study.

You will be treated as an individual by the majority of people, and stereotyped by a minority. However I think that happens everywhere.

LegacyUser

You will be judged by your personality, not by the fact you are American. True, people have stereotypes, as they do for most nations, but I wouldn't worry about it.

In fact, speaking from a male perspective, I would find you more interesting at first than Irish girls. You might benefit from being a novelty of sorts!

LegacyUser

Speaking from personal experience (I am 28 year old Canadian living in Ireland for over 4 years now) I've never had any hassle from anyone, quite the opposite, I always have people commenting on my accent/where I'm from. In shops, over the phone, on nights out etc and it is usually very polite. I know people are just curious but it can be very annoying sometimes especially when you feel like you are being singled out, but overall it has been a positive experience. Just a quick piece of advice, be prepared for the huge cultural differences! Generally my boyfriend (who is Irish, we've been together 3 years) and I get along fine, but there are differences in religious/cultural background which has impacted our decisions regarding marriage, children etc and the fact that I am quite career driven has taken some getting used to for him. Overall the hardest adjustment has been the change in lifestyle - what I wouldn't give for banks to be open on Saturdays some days! I def recommend you give it a try, moving abroad is an amazing experience. Good luck!

mood

I would say go for it. Why not. It doesn't have to be a long term move if you don't like it. Do you plan to work or study?

stackerman

fungun wrote: »

id say you will be fine, Irish ppl are typically welcoming.

we do take the piss a lot though so expect some comments on it if you act in a 'stereotyped American' way like you mention above, though will prob be light-hearted.

No problem
But the piss taking can be hard to get used to, once you do, its a great laugh. Come on over and enjoy. There are muppets everywhere, incl the US. Just remem, if you meet them, they are not a reflection of the whole.
Good luck

BumbleB

KasandraRose wrote: »

Hi, my name is Kasandra, 29 years old, single and I'm from the US. As the title says, this is completely random. Here's the story. I have been toying with the idea of moving to Ireland and have bounced it off people to see what they think. The general consensus of what I'm getting is mostly positive encouragement. However, I have gotten a few negative perspectives, mainly because Americans are not the most well like these days in other parts of the world. With that being said, I wanted to know how the Irish view us over there? Of course I've done research on this topic. Not that I'm basing my final decision on this (because I'm going to ultimately do what I want) but I found some crazy blog posts saying that American women are preceived as being overbearing, demanding, high-maintenence and overly emotional. Oh, let me not forget butch and lesbian-ish. I'd like to be comforted in the idea that I have a chance of making friends and potentially finding love....please tell me what you think?

I'd appreciate genuine and respectful answers please. And lastly, thank you very much!!!

I'm originally from NY ,came over here as a kid .When I came home there was animosity towards Americans but it doesn't exist anymore. Mainly because Ireland has become a multicultural society.You'll also find an awful lot of Americans here .Particularly in the summer Time and in Temple bar. Its a non issue.One thing you will have to get used to is the sarcasm (taking the piss ).I love Ireland .I think its a great country.

KasandraRose

mood wrote: »

I would say go for it. Why not. It doesn't have to be a long term move if you don't like it. Do you plan to work or study?

I'd love to come to study but initially it will be for work.

G-Money

KasandraRose wrote: »

I'd love to come to study but initially it will be for work.

Can we swap places? I'd love to work in the US. I lived there for 3 months in 99 and left my heart there I think!

Canluum

KasandraRose wrote: »

I found some crazy blog posts saying that American women are preceived as being overbearing, demanding, high-maintenence and overly emotional. Oh, let me not forget butch and lesbian-ish. I'd like to be comforted in the idea that I have a chance of making friends and potentially finding love....please tell me what you think?

Was this blog post by another american? We love to give out about our own. Many Irish men will have quiet misgivings about Irish women too. I'd count myself among them unfortunately. I've gone out with two american girls. Culturally there's an openness and lack of BS there that tends not to be possessed by Irish women (or most of them, I've met a couple that are exceptions) that I find attractive and very amenable to romantic relationships.

Anyway you most likely will not experience a prejudice of the traits you outlined. You'll be taken as an individual, but with an air of exotic-familiarity.

KasandraRose

Canluum wrote: »

Was this blog post by another american? We love to give out about our own.

Surprisingly, this was from a non-American male. And of course in the blog responses they have people who agreed and those who strongly disagreed. I was just shocked to hear the generalization about American women and wanted to know if there was any validity to it.

KasandraRose

grandmaster wrote: »

Can we swap places? I'd love to work in the US. I lived there for 3 months in 99 and left my heart there I think!

Haha! Where did you live when you were in the States? Our economy is not so hot right now. You might want to consider it after it picks up a bit...whenever that will be!

G-Money

KasandraRose wrote: »

Haha! Where did you live when you were in the States? Our economy is not so hot right now. You might want to consider it after it picks up a bit...whenever that will be!

Seattle. I loved it.

KasandraRose

Well you have beat me then. I haven't had a chance to make it out to Seattle yet. It's on my list of places to visit!

Denimgirl

Good Luck trying to find a job when coming here!it's not a good time for jobs at the moment!I've never heard of Irish slagging off Americans tbh, I know a lot of irish people who have come back from a America with an American accent though and they were only over there a few months!?!( which i just think is weird) saying that, I don't know which blogs your reading, Ireland has adapted over the years to a lot of cultural changes from a big mix of many different nationalities I think the narow mindedness of yester year is gone to be honest at this stage I think the Irish nation don't even blink an eye anymore with non nationals from anywhere.the novelty is gone!