Very good summary! Greetings from someone who has been in Sweden for ten years. Talking about collectivism vs. individualism, somewhat related, what I found quite surprising is how important family is here and how they are sticking to each other and gathering together no matter what, for Christmas for example and how much parents are helping their children. Another thing that generally becomes quickly a non problem for newcomers is the alcohol state monopoly, it’s extremely important to be aware of the opening hours and plan ahead red days. Otherwise one is stuck with 3.5% alcohol beer available at the supermarket.
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective, greetings to you too! 😊 You’ve highlighted some fascinating aspects of Swedish culture. The strong family ties are indeed surprising in such an individualistic society, and those Christmas gatherings are so central, aren’t they? It’s a beautiful tradition that shows how deep-rooted family values are here. And yes, the alcohol monopoly is a quirky yet important part of life in Sweden! Planning ahead becomes second nature, especially around those red days. Did it take you long to adjust to that, or was it a quick adaptation for you? Would love to hear more about your experiences over the years! 🍷🎄
Very good and truthfull desktioption, that is all I can say. If they can choose to talk/co-operate/help a foregner or fellow citizen, they choose choose a swede.
Thank you for your comment! 😊 You’re absolutely right, there’s often a natural preference for Swedes to connect with fellow Swedes first. It can feel tricky as a foreigner, but once that “coconut shell” cracks, the connections are truly rewarding. Have you found any ways to bridge that gap in your own experiences?
@SocietyOfExpats Socialize with other immigrants too, there are lot`s of us! As a christian is is easyer to get into contact with other christians recadsless nationality. There are alwys subgroups wth a great solidaryty, as canser-survivours (me), different lifestyles or orientalition promoters, people who has tacled mental health issues etc. Depeds on actual real situation.
Thanks for sharing, and greetings to you in the beautiful south of France! 😊 It sounds like you found your perfect fit there, what drew you to make the switch after 10 years in Sweden? Would love to hear how life compares between the two places! 🌍☀️
@@cineffectI understood ur first comment, I feel the same. I want to try something new and gain new experiences from living abroad. Most of all I want to meet and make new friends who might have different perspectives! Have a lovely day!
Hi🙂im Swedish😇Happy you found you're paradise 🤔Sweden is not for everybody😐and thank god for that😏I would love if more people living in Sweden to have that mindset😠
Great summary! The old peach/coconut analogy is always useful AND the strange mix of collective but individual is very interesting and can be hard to grasp at first. Once I "got it" I found it to be quite refreshing. You might talk about the flock mentality at some point which is another quite interesting type of behavior and often not very helpful. Another one might be the dynamic of being VERY proud about everything that is Swedish BUT at the same time pretending there is no nationalism. They won't fly a flag but try criticizing Swedish policies/values and see what happens 🙂 One challenge is the flip side of the "everything team" approach at work whereby it can be quite difficult to have people take responsibility for things. There is a saying in Sweden "allas ansvar ingens ansvar". I'm nit picking of course as the majority of life here is definitely a positive "lagom".
Thank you so much for your kind words about the video! 😊 you're absolutely right, the mix of collective but individual in Sweden can take a moment (or several) to truly "get." Your point about "flock/herd mentality" is such an interesting one, I think it ties back to the Swedish emphasis on harmony and collective decision-making, but as you said, it can sometimes veer into less productive territory. And oh, the pride in Swedish culture while avoiding overt nationalism? Spot on! Your example about the flag or critiquing policies is so relatable, it’s like poking a sleeping bear!
We are a proud people and we value our freedoms and rights very high. It comes from our history we used to be a nation that waged war all over Europe since the Viking Age. And then we got our buts kicked hard in the late 1800s that when we realized letting a King decide everything was a very bad idea so basically we nuterd and sacked him. Oh sure he could still call himself King and he could keep living in his castle but his ruling days where over. And ooh also after all of our inbred kings died off we decided that napoleons field Marshall Bernadotte could do for a replacement because he was the guy who was gonna invade us and make Sweden part of the French empire, but he changed his mind so we gave him the crown. But not any power he has to settle to sit quite in a corner and that’s how we been treating our royal family ever since.
Thank you for the fascinating history lesson! 😊 Sweden’s journey from a warring nation to a proud and balanced democracy is truly remarkable. The story of Bernadotte taking the crown but not the power is such a unique twist! It’s amazing how history shapes cultural values like freedom and equality. Do you think this historical shift still influences how Swedes view leadership and authority today? 👑
That’s an interesting observation! 😊 It does seem like people in the south feel the lack of snow and extra gloom more, while up north they embrace winter activities. Do you think the darker winters are easier to handle when there’s snow around? ❄️☃️
Yet another youtuber going on about the darkness etc. It is all just so exagerated. The dark period is short and passes quickly during the Christmas season. It is not like southern locations have ethernal light in winter eiither.
Thanks for your perspective! 😊 You’re right, the dark period can feel exaggerated at times, especially with the festive vibe around Christmas to brighten things up. It’s all about finding ways to enjoy the coziness, right? Do you have any favorite traditions or tips for making the most of the winter season?
😊 I’m really glad the video resonated with you. Sweden is such a unique place, and it’s always great to hear that others relate to these observations. Have you lived in Sweden yourself or had experiences with Swedish culture? I’d love to hear your perspective!
Very positive & kind video but pherhaps a little too pc? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it doesnt sound like a whole lotta fun living in sweden, does it? If no one wants to know you? None of my work colleagues want to hang out. Yay! 😅
Thanks for your comment! 😊 You’re not alone in feeling that, it can be tough to break into social circles here, especially at work. But once you do, Swedes can be great friends. Have you found any ways to connect outside of work?
It can be hard even for Swedes moving from one place to another too. A lot of people already have their circle since an early age and there's "no room" for more. One time to get new friends is when you have kids, you get to know other parents during parental leave, in preschool, school or activities.
@SocietyOfExpats oh sure i have, i was born here so it helps with language & knowing what to not do. But frankly i regrer having been born here and want to leave. I will always admire sweden & incorporate some things into my life, habits, values etc. But i need the social factor, americans seem like the starch opposite thankfully.
Very good summary! Greetings from someone who has been in Sweden for ten years.
Talking about collectivism vs. individualism, somewhat related, what I found quite surprising is how important family is here and how they are sticking to each other and gathering together no matter what, for Christmas for example and how much parents are helping their children.
Another thing that generally becomes quickly a non problem for newcomers is the alcohol state monopoly, it’s extremely important to be aware of the opening hours and plan ahead red days. Otherwise one is stuck with 3.5% alcohol beer available at the supermarket.
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective, greetings to you too! 😊 You’ve highlighted some fascinating aspects of Swedish culture. The strong family ties are indeed surprising in such an individualistic society, and those Christmas gatherings are so central, aren’t they? It’s a beautiful tradition that shows how deep-rooted family values are here.
And yes, the alcohol monopoly is a quirky yet important part of life in Sweden! Planning ahead becomes second nature, especially around those red days. Did it take you long to adjust to that, or was it a quick adaptation for you? Would love to hear more about your experiences over the years! 🍷🎄
Very good and truthfull desktioption, that is all I can say. If they can choose to talk/co-operate/help a foregner or fellow citizen, they choose choose a swede.
Thank you for your comment! 😊 You’re absolutely right, there’s often a natural preference for Swedes to connect with fellow Swedes first. It can feel tricky as a foreigner, but once that “coconut shell” cracks, the connections are truly rewarding. Have you found any ways to bridge that gap in your own experiences?
@SocietyOfExpats Socialize with other immigrants too, there are lot`s of us! As a christian is is easyer to get into contact with other christians recadsless nationality. There are alwys subgroups wth a great solidaryty, as canser-survivours (me), different lifestyles or orientalition promoters, people who has tacled mental health issues etc. Depeds on actual real situation.
Tried Sweden for 10 years, then found my paradise in south of France, greetings from a Canadian.
Nice! I've tried Sweden for 20 years, think I might also move to France, greetings from a Swede
@filiphammerstrom7788 Great! By the way I did not mean to imply I did not like Sweden, I still admire the country!
Thanks for sharing, and greetings to you in the beautiful south of France! 😊 It sounds like you found your perfect fit there, what drew you to make the switch after 10 years in Sweden? Would love to hear how life compares between the two places! 🌍☀️
@@cineffectI understood ur first comment, I feel the same. I want to try something new and gain new experiences from living abroad. Most of all I want to meet and make new friends who might have different perspectives! Have a lovely day!
Hi🙂im Swedish😇Happy you found you're paradise 🤔Sweden is not for everybody😐and thank god for that😏I would love if more people living in Sweden to have that mindset😠
Great summary! The old peach/coconut analogy is always useful AND the strange mix of collective but individual is very interesting and can be hard to grasp at first. Once I "got it" I found it to be quite refreshing. You might talk about the flock mentality at some point which is another quite interesting type of behavior and often not very helpful. Another one might be the dynamic of being VERY proud about everything that is Swedish BUT at the same time pretending there is no nationalism. They won't fly a flag but try criticizing Swedish policies/values and see what happens 🙂 One challenge is the flip side of the "everything team" approach at work whereby it can be quite difficult to have people take responsibility for things. There is a saying in Sweden "allas ansvar ingens ansvar". I'm nit picking of course as the majority of life here is definitely a positive "lagom".
Thank you so much for your kind words about the video! 😊 you're absolutely right, the mix of collective but individual in Sweden can take a moment (or several) to truly "get."
Your point about "flock/herd mentality" is such an interesting one, I think it ties back to the Swedish emphasis on harmony and collective decision-making, but as you said, it can sometimes veer into less productive territory.
And oh, the pride in Swedish culture while avoiding overt nationalism? Spot on! Your example about the flag or critiquing policies is so relatable, it’s like poking a sleeping bear!
We are a proud people and we value our freedoms and rights very high. It comes from our history we used to be a nation that waged war all over Europe since the Viking Age. And then we got our buts kicked hard in the late 1800s that when we realized letting a King decide everything was a very bad idea so basically we nuterd and sacked him. Oh sure he could still call himself King and he could keep living in his castle but his ruling days where over. And ooh also after all of our inbred kings died off we decided that napoleons field Marshall Bernadotte could do for a replacement because he was the guy who was gonna invade us and make Sweden part of the French empire, but he changed his mind so we gave him the crown. But not any power he has to settle to sit quite in a corner and that’s how we been treating our royal family ever since.
Thank you for the fascinating history lesson! 😊 Sweden’s journey from a warring nation to a proud and balanced democracy is truly remarkable. The story of Bernadotte taking the crown but not the power is such a unique twist! It’s amazing how history shapes cultural values like freedom and equality. Do you think this historical shift still influences how Swedes view leadership and authority today? 👑
I believe the more south in Sweden you live, the more you complain about the weather during the winter.
That’s an interesting observation! 😊 It does seem like people in the south feel the lack of snow and extra gloom more, while up north they embrace winter activities. Do you think the darker winters are easier to handle when there’s snow around? ❄️☃️
Yet another youtuber going on about the darkness etc. It is all just so exagerated. The dark period is short and passes quickly during the Christmas season. It is not like southern locations have ethernal light in winter eiither.
Thanks for your perspective! 😊 You’re right, the dark period can feel exaggerated at times, especially with the festive vibe around Christmas to brighten things up. It’s all about finding ways to enjoy the coziness, right? Do you have any favorite traditions or tips for making the most of the winter season?
Best explanasion of the behaviour of swedes and life in Sweden. Very balanced and spot on true.
😊 I’m really glad the video resonated with you. Sweden is such a unique place, and it’s always great to hear that others relate to these observations. Have you lived in Sweden yourself or had experiences with Swedish culture? I’d love to hear your perspective!
Very positive & kind video but pherhaps a little too pc? Maybe, maybe not.
Either way, it doesnt sound like a whole lotta fun living in sweden, does it? If no one wants to know you? None of my work colleagues want to hang out. Yay! 😅
Thanks for your comment! 😊 You’re not alone in feeling that, it can be tough to break into social circles here, especially at work. But once you do, Swedes can be great friends. Have you found any ways to connect outside of work?
It can be hard even for Swedes moving from one place to another too. A lot of people already have their circle since an early age and there's "no room" for more. One time to get new friends is when you have kids, you get to know other parents during parental leave, in preschool, school or activities.
@SocietyOfExpats oh sure i have, i was born here so it helps with language & knowing what to not do. But frankly i regrer having been born here and want to leave. I will always admire sweden & incorporate some things into my life, habits, values etc.
But i need the social factor, americans seem like the starch opposite thankfully.