I often hear westerners living in the Philippines complain about the country. Too much traffic, too hot, they don't like the food, whatever. And my general reaction is, If you don't like it here, why don't you go home?
One person was seriously offended by this response. He said that local people complain about their own country all the time. You don't expect anyone to like a place 100%. So why can't a foreigner complain?
The difference is, Local people were born here. This is THEIR country. I can complain about my wife, but you had better not insult her. You don't have the right.
Or in more practical terms, a local person would often have a hard time leaving. They may not be able to afford a plane ticket. They have a job. They have family. Etc. But an expat doesn't have any of these issues. He could pack his bags and leave tomorrow.
My humble opinion is: There's no shame in saying that you tried something and didn't like it. If I offered you some new food and you tasted it and didn't like it, fine. We all have different tastes. At least you gave it a try.
But if I offered you some new food and you tasted it and didn't like it, it would be foolish for you to keep eating it. Try it. If you don't like it, try something else.
Personally, I like living in the Philippines. There are things I don't like, but overall, I have a good life here. I have a nice house, I like at least some of the foods, my money goes farther than in the US, etc. I tried it and liked it, so I stayed.
But if you don't like it, then go home, Or try some other country.
It's foolish to criticize something without having tried it. Like it would be silly to say that you hate apples if you've never tasted an apple. And it's foolish to commit to something before you know whether you'll like it. Like, if you've never eaten an apple, don't sign a contract to have a dozen apples delivered every day for the rest of your life.
I have the most respect for the person who tries something new, gives it a fair chance, and then decides whether he likes it or not.
© 2026 by Jay Johansen
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