Anyone else struggling after returning to the UK?

As for Brexit, it is also particularly relevant here. If OP was in the French system before Jan2021- they were in the Health System, and they were able to swap their British driving licences for French ones. They were allowed to settle there as retirees without work permits or proof of income, etc.

They would find it very difficult to return as they would not longer be entitled to do so, certainly not on the same terms. Notwithstanding of course, the fact Sterling has tanked, so UK pensions are now worth so much less.

This conversation has now become nonsensical.The OP is not discussing whether to return to the UK, or the merits of living in another country nor of Brexit.They are already here and have in fact moved from Dorset to Hertfordshire to be nearer to family.This is not a news and politics thread Fleurpepper.

Only CountessFosco and her DH know their circumstances re their finances so they will have to decide what is best for them, weigh up the pros and cons together.

I'm sorry you feel so unsettled and hope you can sort out what you both want to do.
Is it that your DH is more settled here than you, CountessFosco, or that he just can't face another move?

I think you have made the right choice CountessFosco as being near family as you get old, and in your own country, with as you say elsewhere no language problems if you need medical care, is very important.So many lovely places to visit here, if you are fit and well, go and visit some of them.

As for Brexit, it is also particularly relevant here. If OP was in the French system before Jan2021- they were in the Health System, and they were able to swap their British driving licences for French ones. They were allowed to settle there as retirees without work permits or proof of income, etc
I do not think it appropriate to take such a detailed interest in OP’s personal circumstances . If OP had wanted to share those details with us, I assume she would have done so.
Scraping the bottom of the barrel to bring the thread back to Brexit methinks.
Any excuse.

No personal details given over and above the info in OP. It is a fact that if OP did wish to return, then they may not be allowed to do so or find it extremely difficult, for one main reason: Brexit. Which has put massive restrictions on movement, access to health care, driving licences, having bank accounts, permits, visas, etc. FACT. With added difficulty due to tanking Sterling. FACT.

Countes Fosco says in the opening that she would love to go
back - to Dorset or Europe - not sure, but Fleurpepper is
pointing out that going back into Europe would be alot
more difficult now due to the Brexit, so it is a relevant point.

Hello Countess Fosco. I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way. In some ways I can relate as I am half one of the big European countries through my parents and identify with both nations. Life is different on the continent and so is the way families relate to one another (I am talking about the German diaspora), food etc. I do know a Nordic lady who has just returned to England and she is doing her utmost to find people she can relate to and she also does activities which engage her in crafts and hobbies where she meets people who are like her. She is at least a decade older than you. I hope you find what you are looking for and do really understand that, with the language change and culture change, things can feel very unsettling. Good luck!

It makes more sense to do what the OP’s husband thinks, as any move, whether to France or back to Dorset is indeed a major upheaval, not to mention the large cost it entails all round.I am older, slightly than they are and we completed our last move 10 years ago at 71 at that time, which was hard enough.

FYI my OH has an EU passport and return would be to France not Dorset.

That EU passport would indeed give you much more choice and rights.

If you did move back to France, would the AC and GC visit you? Have they been doing that previously?

'somewhere along the line it makes sense to settle and stop looking for utopia which doesn’t exist'

Thanks for that, Bluebelle. That piece of advice could have been written for me. I shall remember it.

Please don't keep knocking the UK, people. It is the world that is in a mess, not just us. Why do you think these poor refugees risk their lives in small boats to get here? Ok, ok, I know they have their own reasons but, come on, we still have an awful lot going for us in this country so don't knock it.

As for the OP. I do feel for you. Three years is a long time to be unhappy. Could you rent in your preferred country for a few weeks, just to see if you do really want to go back?

Threads on Gransnet at the moment

What arrangements have you made for cooking should the energy be turned off
Volunteering at a food bank.
Petition asking for an immediate general election
Boris Johnson - a warning from history

Not too old, I don't think its those of us not living in Britain who are doing the knocking of it, you are all doing a good job of it

We had another poster who brought Brexit into every anti UK thread. It is so boring. It is what it is.

It is indeed, and very relevant here.

As Brenda from Bristol said “Not another one?”

Oh but we do, we truly do- want another GE right now! Nothing more boring that people who will close their ears and eyes, deny reality, and excuse the inexcusable. Especially those who do in 'cliques' ;)

Callistemon21 Thank you so much for your kind comments.

Your husband probably has a point about not going back but luckily it's working out for us this time.

CountessFosco I do sympathise. Until my husband became ill in 2010 we used to travel to Italy at least twice a year, to a little village that was like a second home. We also had a friend in France whom we could stay with at any time. My husband's illness stopped all that and the next 10 years of our retirement was dealing with his deteriorating health. After he died there came lock down and another two years of no travelling.

I am lucky in that I am close to my children and grandchildren but I do miss our times in Italy and France - the scenery, the people, the food. I could go by myself but it was something we did together, tottering around on my own wouldn't be the same. Life here is terribly grey at the moment and likely to get worse yet.

Sarah74

If you did move back to France, would the AC and GC visit you? Have they been doing that previously?

Yes, once per annum for many years and then we would speak on Skype each Sunday morning

Fleurpepper

Oh but we do, we truly do- want another GE right now! Nothing more boring that people who will close their ears and eyes, deny reality, and excuse the inexcusable. Especially those who do in 'cliques' ;)

Straw man argument
Nobody denies the need for a GE
Nobody is closing their eyes and ears
Nobody is excusing the inexcusable.
We are talking about a lady who feels homesick for her ex-pat homes but has to balance that with the problem of a DH who feels at 79 it would be too much of an upheaval and the “pull” of wanting to be closer to their AC and GC.
Revenons à nos moutons, ma chère

Fleurpepper

Oh but we do, we truly do- want another GE right now! Nothing more boring that people who will close their ears and eyes, deny reality, and excuse the inexcusable. Especially those who do in 'cliques' ;)

Do you live in the UK, Fleurpepper?
I'm confused.

Most posters have stated if they do not but your reply was rather ambivalent.
It would seem so as you refer to we as if you speak for the UK electorate.

Are you a returned ex-pat, Fleurpepper?
If so, from experience, what advice would you give CountessFosco?
it seemed a fair question.

It is true- but it is totally wrong to assume this is the case here! Very unfair.

I don't understand,
It cannot be both true and wrong to assume this is the case

It might give some context.

Who are the cliques
Do you mean in the Parliamentary Tory Party?

I think we're straying off what is helpful to CountessFosco

^CountessFosco*

I hope the pessimistic turn the thread has taken has not made you feel more unsettled.

Britain has a lot to offer; as you have lived overseas for so long, perhaps joining the National Trust, English Heritage etc would encourage you both to explore our history, the beautiful scenery and heritage of this country.
We did this when we retired and have spent many enjoyable hours and days away exploring places we'd never visited previously.