Dear Jamie: My Boyfriend Complains about China All the Time

By That's PRD, January 4, 2017

1 0

Dear Jamie is a regular series where our readers seek advice from Jamie, a Guangdong-based life coach.

Dear Jamie,

I’ve never written to you before. I’m facing a serious problem and I don’t know what to do about it. I hope you can give me some sound advice.

My boyfriend complains about China all the time. Every time we meet up he tells me about all the bad things that have happened to him recently and how terrible his life is here and how great his life was back in Canada. Every WeChat conversation, phone call or dinner includes negative comments about this country, yet he has chosen to live in China for five years.

I studied in the United States, so I can understand his point of view sometimes, but I’m always left wondering why he has no plans to leave.

Last week was the last straw. He called me at 4am from a strange number and said that someone had stolen his phone in a club. He added that this would never have happened in Canada and complained for an hour about his life in China.

Before going back to sleep, I went online and bought a one-way ticket for this summer to Toronto.

The next day I brought the printed ticket to his apartment. I really wasn’t sure how he would react, but I know that leaving is for the best – for both of us.

Then I noticed that the ticket was registered under my name and not his. Can I change the name on the ticket or have I just wasted my money?

-Sincerely,

Fed Up in Foshan

Dear Fed Up, 

You haven’t wasted your money, though you will need to spend a little more to enjoy your upcoming vacation to Canada. Buy a return ticket and apply for a visa at the Canadian Consulate in Guangzhou. There can be a bit of paperwork, so it’s good to start early to make sure everything is set for your trip. 

As for your current boyfriend, dump him. If he is unhappy with his decision to stay here, it doesn’t mean you need to be.

-Jamie


Need advice? Contact Jamie at Jamieinchina@outlook.com

Click here for more Dear Jamie.


more news

Date Night China: Exploring Dating, Relationships, and Communities in China

From the raucous ravings of three single people to a diverse platform that dives deep into the international dating and relationship landscape of China.

The Italian Lounge – Where Design Meets Dialogue

Your front row seat to the Italy-China design conversation

Travel Deals: Mountain Yoga Retreats + More!

Amazing trips to take around China

12 Awesome Upcoming Events & Offers in the GBA

Enjoy great events and offers from our editor's picks!

15 Awesome Upcoming Events & Offers in Shenzhen

Your essential guide to what's on this weekend in Shenzhen!

Maldives Meets Dongshankou: A Cocktail Journey Across Oceans

Island-inspired cocktails, now pouring in Guangzhou

22 Amazing Art Shows This September in Shenzhen

Art doesn’t explain—it enchants, drawing us deeper into the unknown.

23 Amazing Art Shows This September in Guangzhou

Art is a line around your thoughts.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsShenzhen for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shenzhen With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's !

Visit the archives