A Yorkshire native who relocated to the United States at 22 years old shared a pivotal moment that led her to reassess her life. Kari Wells, known for her work on Bravo, settled in Aspen, Colorado, where she met her husband Duncan and started a family.
Their move to Atlanta, Georgia took a troubling turn in October 2019 when Wells was robbed by two armed individuals, resulting in her being knocked unconscious. Although she survived, the incident left a lasting impact, prompting her to seek treatment for PTSD and eventually write a book titled ‘From Attitude to Gratitude.’
Reflecting on the ordeal, Wells described it as a wake-up call that forced her to pause and reevaluate her priorities. She emphasized feeling trapped in a hectic routine that prevented her from truly experiencing life. The aftermath of the robbery, she noted, was more distressing than the event itself, plunging her into a state of indescribable emotions.
During her recovery, Wells and her husband made security enhancements to their home, such as using cable ties to secure their gate and parking their car strategically. Additionally, they decided to return to Aspen, where they first met, as a way of coping with the trauma and highlighting the prevalence of gun violence in the U.S.
While Kari’s experience is not unique, a recent trend has emerged with more Americans choosing to move to the UK and Europe. Data from the Brookings Institution, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, revealed a negative net migration in the U.S. for the first time in nearly a century in 2025, signaling a shift in population dynamics influenced by various factors beyond political leadership.
Economic changes and the rise of remote work have empowered individuals to work from anywhere, transcending geographical constraints traditionally tied to employment. Gun violence also plays a role, as noted by Chris Ford, a Berlin-based employee, who highlighted the stark difference in safety measures between the U.S. and European countries like Spain and the Netherlands.
Ford emphasized the absence of active shooter drills in European schools, underscoring the higher quality of life and sense of security in Europe compared to the U.S. despite the latter’s economic advantages. This disparity in lifestyle choices has contributed to a growing number of Americans seeking alternatives abroad.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 for assistance.
