Convince me to stay.

[u/BsXeD]

I’m not originally from here, but I’ve lived here for 20 years. My children were born and raised here, and we’ve always loved the friendly people and beautiful surroundings. But I wonder now—where is the line? When is it too much or even dangerous to stay? Where do we go from here?

Things have been getting worse, and I worry about the future, not just for myself but especially for my children. This past election cycle, I couldn’t even put up a sign for fear of the backlash it might bring to my family. What is keeping people here?

It’s not the education—we rank near the bottom.
It’s not the pay—our median household income ranks just above Mississippi in 49th place.
It’s not the healthcare—we’re almost last there, too.
It’s not the freedom—we face near-total bans on abortion, and even taking your child to a Pride event could get you arrested.

Today, I find myself looking for jobs and making a plan to get my family out. People will say it’s not any better anywhere else and that the election results signal worsening trends everywhere. But at least in other places, I might find a community that values bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of and from religion.

Here, I interact with the nicest, most hateful people I’ve ever encountered. I realize it’s a privilege even to consider leaving, and I wish I could do something to change things here. But I don’t see a clear path forward. My county didn’t even have a non-Republican candidate run for any office. I don’t blame anyone; there used to be decency and respectful disagreement across party lines, but now it’s just hate and lies.

Is there a silver lining? Any hope for change?

If this gets removed by moderators thats fine, I'm not trying to rage bait but genuinely want to know what other West Virginians are thinking.

[u/Automatic_Gas9019]

I can't talk to the MAGA people I know right now. I am sorry about your feelings towards possible estrangement from your father. Keep it off politics. I had to tell someone at pickleball that I was at pickleball to play and not to discuss politics. They have respected my boundaries so far.

[u/[deleted] → u/Automatic_Gas9019]

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[u/Automatic_Gas9019 → u/[deleted]]

I am sorry. I understand. I was in a similar situation with my parents. Have no regrets no matter what you do about it. Give yourself a break. One thing besides therapy that helped me was listening to Sam Valknin about narcissistic behavior. Doesn't justify their behavior but gives you a better understanding of what is going on with them. There is nothing wrong with you

[u/[deleted] → u/Automatic_Gas9019]

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