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THOSE STRANGE SWEDES (Part 1)
11. Fear viruses
In Sweden, people are afraid of flu and colds. Incidentally, Swedish medicine does not believe that drafts or cold weather cause illness. Every autumn, there are queues at clinics for vaccination: after all, it's all due to bacteria, viruses, and poorly ventilated rooms.
That's why children and adults sport light jackets in winter, and if someone falls ill, it's because they interacted with a virus carrier. People keep as far away as possible from those who cough and sneeze, even if they are family members. And certainly, no one appreciates a colleague who, despite coughing and a runny nose, comes to work out of a sense of duty.
12. Are obsessed with the environment
Waste sorting and food waste recycling are just the tip of the iceberg. People often go to the supermarket with cloth string bags or backpacks to avoid buying environmentally harmful plastic bags. It's better to buy second-hand furniture: consumerism harms the environment. Every package is scrutinized: are there any environmentally harmful additives?
If news breaks that some factory or poultry farm is polluting the air or water, or, even worse, keeping hens in cramped conditions, its products will immediately be boycotted. No compromises.
13. Watch the same thing at Christmas
Christmas is an event of great importance. It is always celebrated the same way, with the same circle of people, the same set of dishes on the table, and always with the same TV program that has not changed for the last 50 years. This includes Disney cartoons about Donald Duck, whom Swedes call Kalle Anka, clips from "Snow White," "Ferdinand the Bull," and other classic cartoons.
It never occurs to anyone to change the channel – from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the entire country, holding its breath, watches cartoons they know by heart. And adults, perhaps, with even greater interest than children.
14. Bring their own food and drinks to parties
Swedes often come to celebrations with their own food and alcohol. This way, hosts save on entertaining guests, and guests get to enjoy what they themselves wanted to try. Everyone is happy.
To avoid a faux pas, it's worth asking the hosts in advance: "What should we bring?" After all, a party is a shared affair – everyone must contribute.
15. Get up early and go to bed early
A traveler visiting Sweden for the first time will be surprised: the streets empty out by nine in the evening, and bars are deserted after midnight. Swedes rush home to go to bed early. They love a clear daily routine and have not fully parted with peasant traditions.
Sweden is located on the eastern edge of the Central European time zone: it gets light relatively early and dark early. Therefore, by the standards of Southern Europe or Russian megacities, Swedes go to bed early and get up at the crack of dawn. There's no time for nightlife.
16. Avoid conflicts
If a neighbor plays loud music at night or constantly drills, a Swede will prefer to seek justice elsewhere – for example, by calling or writing a complaint to the property manager. If the boss at work won't allow vacation in July, instead of arguing with the boss, a Swede will turn to the trade union. And if problems arise in a relationship with a spouse, a frank conversation will most likely take place not with them, but with a family therapist.
Whatever unpleasantness occurs, there will always be a third party – for example, an ombudsman – to complain to and who will restore justice.
17. Are not shy about natural needs
Despite their natural shyness, Swedes are quite relaxed when it comes to personal needs and comfort. For example, if a Swede feels like stretching at a bus stop – doing squats or stretches – they will start exercising without any embarrassment in front of the public.
If their shoes are tight, there's no need to wait, pale and red-faced, until they get home – it's easier to take off their shoes right on public transport, show off their fancy socks to the whole bus, and relax.
18. Adhere to political correctness
The main thing in communication is not to offend or hurt anyone. The genre of jokes is unpopular. Not to mention making public jokes about representatives of any social group or country. Jokes about Scandinavian neighbors? Only in the closest circle; and it's even better to ask the neighbors for permission to joke about them.
Advertising posters and videos are meticulously scrutinized: are the interests of any ethnic groups or minorities affected? Is there stereotypical representation of women and men? If the slightest political incorrectness is detected, the campaign will be condemned by the whole world.
19. Look to others
Standing out sharply from the crowd, bragging about achievements or wealth is not accepted in Sweden. But being worse than your neighbors or colleagues at work is also unacceptable. That is why advertising on TV or in the subway emphasizes: "Already more than 10,000 users have managed to save/get rich on...", "While you sit, your neighbors are already winning the lottery...".
Upon hearing such a call, a Swede will take notice and buy a lottery ticket. And if your neighbors travel to hot countries every three months and remodel their kitchen every year, you need to push yourself and keep up.
20. Cannot imagine a home without coziness
On weekdays and weekends, Swedes crowd into stores for designer vases, pillows, and lamps of all sorts. You can never have too many of these at home: no expense is spared on coziness. Tables must have elegant tablecloths. On the tablecloths – candles, a separate object of worship in a country that misses sunlight in winter.
Swedes tirelessly repair their homes, remodel kitchens and bedrooms, put up new shelves and hang paintings. They are, of course, not alone in their love for coziness, but in the ability to make a home cozy, they have surpassed many.
Based on materials from Sweden.ru