A Yorkshire native who relocated to the United States at 22 years old recently shared how a single incident in her new country prompted a significant reassessment of her life. Kari Wells, known for her work on Bravo, established her career in Aspen, Colorado, where she met her current spouse, Duncan, with whom she shares two children. The couple later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where a pivotal event unfolded in October 2019 when Wells fell victim to a robbery by two armed individuals.
During the robbery, Wells sustained a blow to the back of her head, rendering her unconscious. Although she survived the ordeal, it left a profound impact on her, leading to her subsequent treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the creation of her book ‘From Attitude to Gratitude.’
Reflecting on the incident, Wells described it as a catalyst for reevaluating her priorities, stating that she had been so consumed by a hectic lifestyle that she was missing out on meaningful experiences. The aftermath of the trauma left her in a state she found challenging to articulate.
In the aftermath, Wells advocated for safety measures at home, such as parking their car strategically and securing their gate with cable ties. Additionally, the couple decided to return to Aspen, where they initially met. The incident also shed light on the prevalence of gun violence in the USA, further shaping Wells’ perspective.
While Wells is among many UK and European expatriates who have chosen to live in the USA, a recent trend has seen a growing number of Americans relocating to the UK and Europe. Data from the Brookings Institution, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, revealed a negative net migration in the USA for the first time in almost a century in 2025, indicating more departures than arrivals, a shift not seen since the Great Depression of 1935.
This migration trend coincided with Donald Trump’s second presidential term, prompting some to refer to it as ‘The Donald Dash.’ However, experts point out that various factors, including economic changes and the rise of remote work, contribute to this phenomenon, allowing individuals to work from anywhere globally without being tied down by geographical constraints.
The issue of gun violence also plays a role in these migration patterns, as exemplified by a Texas real estate firm employee in Berlin highlighting the contrast between safety drills in the USA and European countries like Spain and the Netherlands. The individual underscored the absence of active shooter drills for young children in Europe, emphasizing a higher quality of life despite lower wages compared to the USA.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available around the clock for assistance, along with other support options provided by the organization.
