Guest Post - The types of expats you meet abroad

Now that we've been here for about a year, I've started to notice a trend in the type of expats you come across while abroad.  While not exhaustive, and some might fit into more than one category, I think these are the basic stereotypes.

Debbie Downers

This sucks, here sucks, the food sucks, the sunglasses sold on the side of the road suck, and I'm going to look at you like you're crazy if you find any enjoyment, whatsoever, in this hell hole.

Most people are in this phase at some point when they are abroad and away from home, but most people come out of it.  The Debbie Downers see only doom and gloom and find most enjoyment about complaining about their situation.  I suppose misery does love company. I generally agree that a lot of items purchased on the roadside are not those that would score highly in Consumer Reports, but if I find myself in conversations with a Debbie Downer my strategy is to finish my drink ASAP and excuse myself to get a refill.

Do-you-know-what-the-problem-is'ers

You know what the problem is? XYZ country needs to implement ABC.

They have the answer for all of the country's problems.  In all likelihood, he or she read an article online and couldn't wait to regurgitate facts about fiscal stability and the politics involved.  These folk are openly sharing their knowledge of all things wrong with a country and the solution to fix it.  Their favorite platform is anyone who has spent less time in the country than them.

Holier-than-thou 'ers

Maybe they've been in the country longer, or maybe they've lived in more countries, regardless, you're going to get a faceful of culture as they constantly one-up your stories with their own adventures.  The sense of pride and arrogance will be immediately apparent.  The best way to turn off Holier-than-thou 'ers, who might actually be pretty nice people otherwise, is to get a better traveled expat involved in the conversation, or include a local.  

Look, ma! I'm a local!

A glance will give you a suspicion, a single question will give you the answer.  This person might be spending a week in Ghana, but you can bet that they'll tell everyone back home they lived in Africa.  Said person will be wearing only clothing and jewelry made in Ghana.  Goofy pants and a smelly shirt.  Guess what - the locals are trying to dress like Americans/Europeans.  Even they don't wear the crap you have on.

How do you know for sure that you're dealing with someone like this versus someone who actually spent about 3 years in the bush (because they can look similar)  "How long have you been in Ghana?"  

And that ends this edition of "Name that expat"...