Passport rankings reflect the level of diplomatic relations and mutual trust more than personal quality of life or happiness. Ultimately, it depends on where you feel more comfortable living.

We rationally know this is the reality of society, but when the person in question is someone we've known since childhood, it's still hard to remain emotionally detached. Reality doesn't mean forcing ourselves to accept it; knowing this and maintaining distance afterwards is a natural reaction.

Haha, sometimes an HR person's simple "oh dear" is more genuine than a long lecture.

What an adorable little guy! He has such a pitiful expression, like he's really helpless. Did you bully him? Haha.

Unplanned trips are often the most meaningful. They can't solve all problems, but they remind us why we needed to rest in the first place. I'm very familiar with that silent fatigue you described. Breaking the routine, even briefly, can bring an unexpected sense of peace.