There are plenty of cons, but mostly what it boils down to is that culture shock just makes things hard — no matter where you are going from and to.

You feel confused and stressed and you can’t tell why. People do things that you don’t expect. Things happen and you don’t understand why. Part of this is because you miss a portion of what is communicated around you mostly because you don’t know all the little “inside” references nor do you know how things are usually done. The usual is unusual to you.

It can get very tiring being the “weird” one all the time. You say things and people give you confused looks or your spouse tells you later that what you said was rude. It can be a little embarrassing and it can make you defensive. It’s important not to get defensive because it is useful when people do tell you so you can properly adjust your behavior.

For what it’s worth, I agree with your mom that you are sugar coating everything, but that’s a good thing. It’s good to be excited to be moving to Mexico. When you do find you are stressed you’ll know that it’s normal. Just “lay low” for a while. Read a book in English. Listen to your favorite tunes on your ipod. In no time you’ll be ready for another “dose” of your new culture.

Kindest Regards, Julia C Taylor