not sure what happened between me and Los Angeles (fit in, transplants)

[Sedana]

This is by no means a bash on LA - but I'm wondering if anyone else has felt this way and if so, what you did or where you went. I moved here years ago, and have had a lot of really amazing experiences, met some interesting people and feel like there are many things I'd miss about this city once I left. There's no place quite like this city anywhere - I think maybe LA and me have simply outgrown each other! I don't know why it's bothering me more now than it has for the entire time I've been here, but I just keep feeling this persistent pull toward going to a simpler place, where people are more connected to each other. Maybe it's just my perception? Maybe it's me? I don't know. I keep trying to ignore it, because my life is by no means terrible here in the least, but that feeling won't go away.

I guess part of it is that I feel like I want to be in a place where people don't care or ask what season my shoes are from, who does my hair, what kind of car I drive, who I know or what kind of impressive title I have or had. I feel like there can be such a huge disconnect from each other here, and I don't intend to change anyone, but it kind of bums me out. I still have friends here, but I seriously feel like between the majority of the women I work with (there are many) or new women I meet for the most part (not all) - that there's such a hyper focus on looks, materialism and accolades, to the point of insanity. It's LA- I know...and we have natives, transplants and all styles and types here, and of course I don't mean everyone. There are quite a few cool women/men I've met here that aren't this way, but overall I'm looking into some other places to live. I would still encourage people to move here - this city has a lot to offer (except maybe smooth flowing traffic and currently, high employment!) but I guess it's just that time for me. I don't mean for this to sound like I hate it here, because I don't - I'm just kind of confused about this, and I am being honest because it's a very isolating feeling. This has been my home for a long time. Does this make sense to anyone?

[CALGUY]

I have lived in California since 1971, and it use to bother me that every one was so dammed materialistic, and felt they were a step above every one else.
You had to have the right kind of job, the right friends, had to have the latest fashions,and the car had to be a chick magnet, or one didn't fit in.
I grew tired of that crapolla fast, and just decided I would not cave into that craziness.
I live to keep me happy, and no one else.
I am not out to impress any one, and shy away from those who pretend to be something they are not.
I couldn't care less what someone drives.
I drive what makes ME happy, wear the clothes that make ME happy, and associate with people who share my same interest.
Sounds like you need a big dose of reality.
Don't try to climb to the top of that ivory tower, you wouldn't like the view any way.
Bob.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Sedana

but I just keep feeling this persistent pull toward going to a simpler place, where people are more connected to each other.

Go for it! I did it for similar reasons, got it out of my system, then came back (to the GLAMA, not the city). I returned with a new appreciation for what the area offers.

[Ceece]

I want to be in a place where people don't care or ask what season my shoes are from, who does my hair, what kind of car I drive, who I know or what kind of impressive title I have or had.

You get that in other affluent areas too. Your best bet is to laugh that stuff off and leave people like that feeling foolish. It works for me.

[BRinSM]

are you from a small town? it sounds like you are being pulled back to your roots. being from the LA area, i can't imagine living anywhere else. i've traveled quite extensively and i'm sure i could be happy in any number of places, but there's just something about being 'home', no matter where you're from.

[berniechien]

I grew up in LA all my life and understand how you feel! I just got married and am moving to Connecticut and am really excited about it. There's nothing like the feeling of a small town where everyone is friendly and just cares about "you" and how your doing instead of the latest fashions and what you do for a living. That gets old after awhile!

[DelaneyRudd]

Move to Salt Lake City or Portland. Its a nice inbetween.

[saybanana]

It sounds like you are the problem and not L.A. You are like that Princess chick in the movie, "The Devil goes to Prada". She is a simple plain girl in a hyper materialistic world where looks, what you wear, and who you know is what matters. She tries hard not to be changed and it frustrates her. She has that AHa! moment she realizes she already one of those girls, and then changes things around.

I don't think there is a place you can avoid the materialism and sizing up. You can't change those people or avoid them. Focus on those that share your values. I imagine that even in farm country, people want to know how powerful is your truck, what tractor you drive, how many acres you own and know your business, but not in a caring way. OK I made that up. But yes, I think if you need to go to a simpler place and change things up, do it! L.A. will always be here, but with more transportation options.

[DelaneyRudd]

LA is really just like ecery American city. Just more if it. Only NYC and SF are really unique.

[yowps3]

It's L.A.. You don't come here expecting it to be a meek lot.. People who come to L.A expect what they want..

If New yorkers don't care about what car you drive, where you get your hair done or where you live.. Then what do they talk about?