Life Abroad
Region: US
Thursday 02 July 2026 03:07:39 GMT
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Julie Wolf :
Invisible expectations. Perfect choice of words
2026-07-02 17:20:39
3663
some_one :
in Scandinavia it's also important to be on time. If we say 10:00, arriving at 10:05 is considered late. We're also very aware of giving people space and speaking quietly in public spaces
2026-07-05 11:29:01
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Natalie Kangwa718 :
so well articulated
2026-07-06 08:29:28
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NøttiFruttiPatootie :
Im an American living in Norway, and one thing that took me some time to get used to is this kind of "collective action" behavior, especially in the workplace. Everyone eats together, everyone has coffee together, everyone vacations together, etc etc. It took me some time to get used to
2026-07-03 18:31:51
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🐌 :
I'm Swedish. Couldn't have explained it better myself. Bravo!
2026-07-05 04:53:28
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jess_in_sweden :
As an introverted American living in Sweden, it’s so nice to not have to perform
2026-07-05 06:31:17
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Torgeir :
"trust often builds through an absence of disruption" is beautifully put.
2026-07-04 22:53:09
1124
magzarkteg :
This analysis is both rigorous and insightful. I congratulate you on your ability to identify and articulate the underlying cultural dynamics that help explain Norwegian behaviour.
2026-07-05 00:15:07
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karinb123 :
as a Swede, can confirm this is all accurate. I struggled with all of this in reverse when I first moved to the US! the emotional performance piece is SO HARD when you have not learned it from childhood. I am still calibrating after a decade 😂
2026-07-03 00:18:08
639
Incatpacitated :
Regarding your first point, there is actually a Swedish saying referrering to this: "tomma tunnor skramlar mest", or "empty barrels makes the most noice". If you need to be loud and vocal about your own excellence, it might very well be perceived as a sign of incompetence. You're mainly supposed to show, not tell.
2026-07-05 17:36:07
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Elite👑 :
That’s why in Sweden we say “ lagom är bäst ” which translates to moderation is the best.
2026-07-05 02:42:48
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K :
It’s so interesting to hear one’s own culture explained back to you like this. I haven’t reflected on it like this before. It’s a great read of how our societies function here in the north!
2026-07-05 12:20:08
259
Parcerito :
these all apply to Finland too which is nordic but not scandic. you are responsible of your own emotions, they are not a cause of actions of others is spot on analysis. (and rest too 5/5 reflective thinking)
2026-07-05 10:28:57
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Cliomerced :
This is very wise and nuanced. I am an American who has spent time in Sweden and Scandinavia for fifty years, speak Swedish and am married to a Swede. And you are spot on.
2026-07-03 01:30:28
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Bøffert :
Hey 👏 norwegian social scientist here. This is a great analysis. Well done!
2026-07-04 23:39:27
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Elle C 🇵🇸 :
Jantelagen isn’t “don’t think you’re better than anyone else”, it’s “you are as valuable as everyone else, even the king, even the president”.
2026-07-05 20:34:45
30
Åse Kari Kobbersletten 🇧🇻 :
I think you nailed it pretty much. Cultural sensitivity is very helpful. 🇧🇻
2026-07-04 22:33:41
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@DestinationRoamer ✈️ :
Spot on! I am Swedish 🇸🇪 and this is accurate.
2026-07-06 10:23:27
0
Elizabeth :
I’m Minnesotan. There are so many unspoken rules I was raised with here.
2026-07-02 21:14:52
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Explorer on earth 🇫🇮 :
As a Finn I think these rules might apply to all the Nordic countries. Maybe even to the Baltics? I have lived for a while in the States, so both cultures are familiar to me.
2026-07-05 09:34:28
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Kri$tina :
This is very great analysis. Those are the most often misunderstood norms
2026-07-05 07:18:21
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user5823520767816 :
Deeply impressed by your ability to observe and describe this with such precision. Kudos.
2026-07-05 12:29:29
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karryyanne :
The best analysis I've heard. You are correct about us😀
2026-07-05 08:16:13
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karodear :
#2 can be poisonous though, I was definitely raised this way and I went through most of my life apologising for taking up space, physically, mentally, emotionally, to the people closest to me. Later in life I found that asking people to share the burden of my life can be a sign of great trust and compassion for all parties involved.
2026-07-04 21:59:10
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Ningupingu 🇳🇴 :
This is so spot on and you explain it so eloquently!
2026-07-05 01:45:34
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