I do not have children but I went to school overseas and I think it was the best experience of my life. I think the effect on children is extremely positive.

My family is just three people now, but my wife has a large extended family and she loves to see them, especially the children. Different members come and stay with us several times a year because we live close to the beach.

Making the argument that she could fly home to see them didn’t work. Her telling me she wanted to stay where we were came as a surprise to me as we had discussed throughout our courtship and marriage, living in Europe. Once we both retired (early) I figured we had the green light. I mean just health care alone is reason enough to move there. And we have enough money for trips home when we get the urge.

I hope this doesn’t turn into a I-didn’t-escape-the-country-in-time situation. I often wonder what it was like for people fleeing fascism just a little too late.

And what exactly do you use the phone for?

It sounds like you’re saying all you need to do to prevent abuse of your device is to not use the device. It can’t spy on you if you leave it on the store shelf either.

I’ve seen articles talking about how Android will continue to perform functions you specifically tell it not to. How do you fix that by changing your habits?

Why won’t you mention where?

I would love to do this, but my wife won’t leave.

Define kids.

Well if doesn’t mean anything because this platform is full of Linux fanboys. I want to love it for all that it is, but unfortunately every time I try it, I have the same kind of experience OP has. I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit in your world view.

Oddly, I’m trying it yet again. My laptop is old and Microsoft is trying to make it obsolete. Since I only use it in a limited fashion, I’m hoping to get away with it. Time will tell.

I got it from every experience I’ve ever had with Linux. That said not an expert, but that’s kind of the point.

This is I believe, very typical. If you just want to get in the car and go from point A to B, your only choice is Microsoft. The car will spy on you, force you to do things like visit the dealership to get the light to go off, break and require you to go to the dealership and of course buy a new one when you don’t want to.

To avoid this, you can buy a Linux car and do anything you want to…as long as you are a mechanic or are willing to become one.

I’ve always had issues with it too. You’re not alone. Thanks to Windows 11,I plan to convert my laptop to Linux and I’m hoping since I only use it lightly for a few simple tasks it will be ok. But my desktop daily driver will have to be Windows. Rock and a hard place.

Happiness.