Expat Advice: Relationships in Chicago, Illinois

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Chicago

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

Divorced

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

It is very difficult for me, I moved from South Africa and my husband at the time could not adjust. In the end the constant blame and arguments drove us apart, we got divorced and he moved back to South Africa. Meeting other people is very difficult for me.

If you have children, what advice would you give to others making a similar transition to your country of residence?

Both my kids adjusted at different stages, the eldest one much more difficult than the younger one. Ensure the children are aware that the "excitement" of an international move does not last.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

I spend most of my time with my children and little with another expat couple.

If you are married or in a relationship with a person of another nationality, how has this experience enriched you as a person. What kind of challenges do you face?

Not applicable

If you are a single parent, what advice would you give to others considering moving abroad?

Be aware of the challenges dealing with the emotion of your children, they have to find an outlet for a lot of emotion and you as the single parent will be at the front end of these outbursts.

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

Make sure you keep busy.