What is Social Life in Sweden really like? | Living in Sweden
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@LivingSwedish6 ай бұрын
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@jimmyhansson5354 Жыл бұрын
To befriend Swedes, simply use the power of coffee. "I have half an hour to spare, wanna go for a coffee?" "Are you in a hurry, or do you want to come in for a coffee?" etc.. Much of the everyday rejections in terms of social interaction is actually their way of respecting you. If you dont make it quite clear that you have time to spare and would enjoy their company, most Swedes simply lets you off the hook by telling you (true or not) that they dont have time, but thanks you for the offer because they dony want to put you in a difficult situation that potentially causes you to be late or stressed. We´re a complicated, but very well mannered bunch.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's such a valuable insight. Thanks for sharing! ☕☕☕
@SanityIT
9 ай бұрын
Coffee is nice but people in Sweden would still question what you really want.
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden is the last place on earth to experience the natural phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Located in the Arctic Circle, during the summer months, Sweden's northernmost regions are bathed in 24-hour daylight. This unique occurrence allows visitors to enjoy extended outdoor activities and witness breathtaking landscapes illuminated by the sun even at midnight.
@anderssigfeldt335 Жыл бұрын
In the mid-80s , a polish classmate invited home to mee and my wife. Late in the evening tears flowed from his eyes. He had live in Sweden for 9 years. Thìs was his first swedish home to which he was invited for a party .
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Oh dear! I'm sure many more invitations followed 😅
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
One reason why I dislike Sweden is the high cost of living. The prices for basic necessities, such as housing, groceries, and transportation, are significantly higher compared to many other countries. Additionally, the long and dark winters in Sweden can be quite challenging to cope with, especially for someone who prefers warmer climates.
@anderssigfeldt335
8 ай бұрын
@@PoisonelleMisty4311 I agree with yuo , Sweden that existed in the 60s and 70s was a fantastisk country To grow up in. There were very many old apartsments To rent för 100-500 kr/month. Work för everyone, well paid but colder Winters with snow mostly. The grocery stores hade canned peas and carrots To sell over the Winter. Sweden today is best at being the worst Both with school and in increasing income gaps. I am lucka To have be en born in 1957 Anders
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
@@anderssigfeldt335 It's great to hear that you have fond memories of Sweden in the 60s and 70s. The availability of affordable apartments and job opportunities must have made it a wonderful place to grow up. However, it's unfortunate that you feel Sweden has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of education and income inequality. Nevertheless, being born in 1957, you have witnessed the country's evolution firsthand. Have a good day.
@olsa76 Жыл бұрын
Most Swedes make their friends when they are young, therefore it is very difficult to make new friends in middle age, for example, because many at that age find it difficult to keep up with their family and the friends they already have. But there are people like me who, for example, have moved and have my social circle in another place, who would like to have new friends. It is usually recommended that the best way to make friends is to take a course, join an association for example. Places where people with similar interests gather. But yes, it is difficult even for older Swedes to make new friends. Keep trying!
@rasmuswi
Жыл бұрын
I believe part of this is actually very universal and not specific to Sweden. I once read that when you are 30 years old, you typically have met around 80 percent of the friends you will have for the rest of your life.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Yes, true! I also find it is the easiest to make friends with people who haven't lived in one place all their life. They know what it is like to move to another country.
@olsa76
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish True
@anderssigfeldt335 Жыл бұрын
Social interaction began to decrease significantly already in the late 50's early 60's TV began to become common. The next big change came in conneection with smart phones. The young people suffer from loneliness. Today's people socialize in isolation via social media. This is sad and ominous ! Anders Sweden Göteborg
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I agree that social media doesn't always help. I used it as a tool to meet friends online (in London and in Singapore, I remember) and then I met them in the real world. I met many of my friends like that actually.
@jonasbjork659310 ай бұрын
As a Swede I fell I have to tell you this; I normally don't talk to stranger UNLESS something odd happens. If a bus would break down and we have to walk 500 m you can bet people start chatting. I have always felt that this is weird, but that is how we seem to be wired. And talking to strangers depends a lot on the situation, if you are at a place where people are likely to have similar interest Swedes are way more open, I used to own a sailing boat and when we got to a mooring place there was a lot of talking to strangers. And one more thing, not all Swedes are the same ...
@jonasbjork6593
10 ай бұрын
I also want to answer your question about friends from other countries. To me nationality doesn't matter any more than any other way you bunch people together, a good person is a good person. I have always judged people by their personality and guess what? There are good and bad people in Sweden, just as the rest of the world. 😄 So back to the question; I had many friends from other countries when I lived in Sweden, and I never thought anything of it.
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden stole lands from Finland and treated them as inferior subjects, imposing harsh taxes and restrictions on their cultural practices. The Swedish government also implemented policies that aimed to assimilate the Finnish population into Swedish culture, further marginalizing and erasing their unique identity.
@franciscotoro9454 Жыл бұрын
Well, there is a difference between friends and acquaintences. A friend is someone you can call in the middle of the night to come help you out. A acquaintance is someone you call to arrange for a lunch or dinner get together once in a while or meet to socialize. Big difference. Using this (arbitrary) standard, I can say I have had 3-4 friend throughout my life and many good acquaintances. I have also been to Sweden several times and saw many people happily socializing and was able to connect with locals without much difficulty despite the fact I do not speak Swedish. I found the people corteus, kind and warm.
@SwedishWoodlandStories Жыл бұрын
I've heard of it a lot of times but also i have never met so many people to have a quick chat, than in Sweden. In Germany, most people are just staring and don't talk to you but in Sweden we've had many conversations with locals. However, some of these quick chats became long term chats and good friends after years :) It takes time but that's fine
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's amazing to hear :)
@Jonsson474 Жыл бұрын
It’s a big myth that Sweden is different than any other country when it comes to social life. It’s a bigger difference living in a small town and a big city than it is between two cities in two different counties in Europe. And as you said, it’s often up to you yourself. If your being unavailable, people won’t make the effort getting to know you.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Yes! :)
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden is the worst place on earth to live if you dislike cold weather and long, dark winters. The country experiences extremely low temperatures, especially in the northern regions, where temperatures can drop well below freezing for months on end. Additionally, the limited daylight during winter can be challenging for those who thrive in sunlight and warmer climates. However, Sweden offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a strong welfare system that provides extensive social benefits to its residents.
@hansenlima9306 Жыл бұрын
In Scandinavia in general people are more closed (or shy), but it is said that Norwegians are even harder to make friends than Swedes. In South America it is very different, in Brazil it is normal for people who have never seen each other to talk in queues at supermarkets, banks and beaches as if they already know each other, and thus become friends. In South America people are very communicative. 🌎🇧🇷🌻
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! That is super interesting. I haven't been to South America yet but it's on my list. Where should I go first? :)
@akeke1
Жыл бұрын
Kinda cool that some Swedes like me, think that some countries have blabbering people! I.e that americans talk loud and a lot but really doesnt say much.
@hansenlima9306
Жыл бұрын
@@akeke1 I'm Brazilian🇧🇷, and I recognize that in South America in general people talk a lot, in Brazil when you're very closed and don't talk to your neighbors you have few friends, people call you "weird".
@user-ko6zf5nf7f Жыл бұрын
You are so nice to listen! I really like your pronunciation, your vibe and speech content.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the great feedback! 😊
@agata0711 ай бұрын
next year i will go to sweden to spend my 4th year of high school abroad, but i’ve been hearing a lot of bad things about the weather, the people that are not really “chatty” and bad stuff like that. I’ve actually never been there but it has always been my dream to move to sweden even for a little bit. So because of the rumors I’m having doubts, but your video helped a lot ahah ❤️
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I don’t think there will be a problem at school … there is more problem for older people 😂 I believe you will find people that are curious who you are 😊
@lovisalindstrom7920 Жыл бұрын
I saw a documentary on BBC where a university lecturer in Scandinavian culture said that you can roughly put countries into to themes. Sweden is like a coconut, it takes a long time to break through the surface but when finally do, you get every little secret and no topic is to embarrassing.Whilst UK and US are like peaches, on the surface really easy to bite in but you have a hard center, aka a lot of topics that you do not speak so lightly about. This might actually be true. Me, as a student ive had short lived friends that were foreign exchange students. But i am shy but at the same time I see that a lot of swedish folks that are outgoing become shy in the presence of people from other countries. Which I understand, but I want to be polite and if you have met people from other countries before it is easier for you to meet such folks again.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's super interesting! Thanks for sharing! 👏🏻👏🏻
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden always make fun of Finland but they envy them for their high quality education system and their beautiful natural landscapes. Despite the teasing, Sweden secretly admires Finland's strong sense of community and their commitment to environmental sustainability.
@alisasnag709710 ай бұрын
I can agree that making local friends does not depend on country that much. I've lived in Spain for 6 years and made only one local friend, although spaniards considered open and "easy" for friendship!
@LivingSwedish
9 ай бұрын
Oh, very interesting! Thanks for sharing! :)
@sofieromanovspector667711 ай бұрын
Hi! I'm Swedish and I'm living in Sweden. I'm not the usual type, I guess, as I small talk to people on the bus stop, in shops etc. My Swedish father and his Swedish mother are the same. My mother was Finnish and she also talked to people outside, but she was more shy. I have always been interested in other cultures, countries and languages so yes, I do have quite a lot of friends who are not Swedish.
@LivingSwedish
11 ай бұрын
That sounds great! Thanks for sharing! 😊🙏🏻
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden always make fun of Finland for their love of saunas and heavy metal music. They often tease them about their quiet and reserved nature, contrasting it with Sweden's more outgoing and social culture.
@earthmamma85 Жыл бұрын
As an American, my experience, Americans are very social… but they aren’t sincere. There’s a lot of backstabbing going around. A lot of people like to collect “friends” but really don’t understand what being a friend means. As with most things, Americans prefer quantity over quality. I personally prefer the quality of the relationship. I think more people should learn how to be reserved from time to time.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! The grass is not always greener on the other side 😅
@pierrolaxmi11 ай бұрын
I've been living in Sweden since 2010(Originally from France). My only Swedish friend is half American and much more of a New Yorker tbh.... He actually wants to move from Sweden but is staying here because of his kids. I had another friend from NYC who just went back to the US after living here for more than 10 years. I haven't made any friends in Sweden that were born and raised here(despite being an extremely social person). I have a ton of acquaintances but I wouldn't count any of them as close friends. A friend is someone you can call anytime of day without thinking twice, someone you can share your feelings and thoughts with regardless ... Someone you can laugh so hard with that your stomach hurts. I haven't found that type of friendship with local people born and raised in Sweden....The drinking culture in Stockholm is clinical(All about the effects..), alcohol is the social lubricant and without it most people are stiff... Not discrediting your experience, just saying I have a completely different one. I don't want to get old in this country. I spend most of my winters in Mexico, I just couldn't live here during the whole winter anymore... I get seasonal depression and my skin gets damaged by the dry cold and the darkness. Spring, summer and fall are ok. A bit of winter is not so bad but not the whole thing! I once asked a Swede why Swedish people were complaining so much about the winter and he replied "We're not polar bears". Definitely doesn't help that the country is pretty much a dark place for almost half the year, not the best environment for socialising... I'll end that rant here. ☮️✌️
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
This is so sad that you feel this way, I lived in Germany in France for a long time but are back in Sweden and would love to have french friends … love french people… we are shy… we should create a forum where people can meet in Sweden because I am sure swedes are intrested 😊❤
@tompettersson3814 Жыл бұрын
I like to talk to people, stockholm is by far the hardest part of sweden to start a conversation in. Haha! That was not mean, it was fair 😅.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
😄
@jonnyberggren4598 Жыл бұрын
Remember even if we as Swedes in general are said to be introvert. So are every person in the world different. Obviously there are many outgoing Swedes too. But what is also true i think is that once you get to know the shy introvert of us. You 9 times of 10 get a genuine friend. What is also true I think is that as someone here said. Swedes are not known for collecting friends. We often tend to have a few real friends. Then we have a lot of contacts and different relations like work pals etc. Thoose we really choose to let in our hearts we treasure and love as friends. And we are genuine. Not like "plastic smiling Americans" Hugs from Segeltorp Stockholm/ J
@moniho6907
Жыл бұрын
Americans are the best!!!
@kennethsteelhammer Жыл бұрын
Funny twin story Uli 😉 I sometimes find it hard to see if my neighbours are pregnant or not 🤷🏻😆 You could invite Swedes for a fika or bbq and see what happens. If they are interested in becoming friends they will come 💯
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Great idea! We're actually inviting our direct neighbours for a BBQ. They're a bit younger than us and have no kids but seem super nice. Let's see if they want to have kids after hanging out with ours hahaha
@kennethsteelhammer
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish - haha! I watched a neighbour trying to teach his daughter ride a bike. Hilarious for me but not for him 😃
@blackbeardsdaughter2613 Жыл бұрын
As an Introvert Californian American, I find making "friends" not an easy enterprise. I am drawn to German, Nordic, Japanese and UK culture because there are many intorverts who have so much to offer but are sensitive like I am and do not open easily. I lived and worked many years in Japan with few issues as my personality met so well with the Kansai (western Japan KYOTO-OSAKA) culture. I have a dear male friend of many years in Sweden and still he does not open up as much as I wish. I need still to be patient as I feel he is an absolute diamond and darling of a man. Sweet lady, that woman who said you looked like you were going to have twins was completely lack of manners. My parents and grandparents taught my sister and me well. By the way, many Germans in my family so I kind of get it. I am very fond of Austria but as you say, it is very different from Germany. You have to live or work there to understand that. Thank you for this lovely presentation. You are elegant and honest. BRAVO. Warmest wishes from Northern California 💗
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
You made a good point there about introverts. And how lovely that you're patient with your friends. What an amazing trait! :)
@RobertClaeson
Жыл бұрын
Being sent to work and live in the US for a while effectively forced me to become an extrovert while there, or else I wouldn't have coped. It was very uncomfortable.
@blackbeardsdaughter2613
Жыл бұрын
@@RobertClaeson I'm so sorry you were uncomfortable in the US. It is true you typically need to show an extrovert's attitude in the workplace and at university. I could do that as an "actor" whilst at work but did not like social events and got out of them as much as possible. I hope you had some good experiences in the US. :)
@akeke1 Жыл бұрын
I agree with Jonsson there are bigger difference small town/ countryside people compared with big city people than difference with random people from different countries. I think it's the same in many countries; I think that English country people opinions about Londoners are similare to Skellefteå (up north in Sverige) people opinions about Stockholm people. In parts of Sverige "Stockholmare" is a swear word. Another thing , Swedish people generally dont think it's a bad thing living by yourself. It's not loneliness, it's privacy. That also means its OK not to have friends.There is not a social pressure to have many friends. But that said; you may have experienced during Midsommar, that people are very friendly and often there are big parties with many friends and relatives
@LarsErikRobinson19716 ай бұрын
This is great, when I was younger growing up in Sweden, it was between 1978-88 and I lived in Gothenburg since I was 8-18, and because I was involved in early hip-hop soo I did not have a hard time making friends. But now flash forward 35 years I am finally going back because my mother in not doing well, and I am coming for about two weeks. I know when people get older it is harder to make friends.
@Fistfury4211 ай бұрын
I only have a couple of Swedish friends, and my main friends are from Russia, Italy/Chile and Ireland, Portugal, Spain. Got to know them all in Sweden. I'm not that typically Swedish (so i've heard) wo i do see some traits Swedes have that i dislike -even as a Swede myself. 🙏🇸🇪
@RobertClaeson Жыл бұрын
A German colleague, who had just got off the phone with his girlfriend in Austria, once almost rolled his eyes and paraphrased John Cleese: "two countries separate by a common language". I've since heard similar things about Germany v Switzerland.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Sounds about right hahaha I'm not sure about Switzerland. I remember meeting someone from Switzerland ages ago and we got along just fine hahaha
@tangfors Жыл бұрын
Swedes talk a lot in certain contexts, what you should do is join an association that does a sport, hobby or something socially related, there are around 150-200 thousand ideal associations in Sweden, probably more per capita in the whole world, even the pub is good, or to take a course in something. Another thing is dating, it leads more often to friendship than marriage, now apps for friendship dating have also started to appear.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Oh yes, I met some people through an app actually. Thanks for the tips! 😊🙏🏻
@astral7080 Жыл бұрын
In Stockholm, no problems especially Södermalm pubs and bars, everyone is there for friendship, new nice people old ones all social mingling. And very much so around Mariatorget, lots of locals..... lilke myself havin friends from lots of countries
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
👍🏻
@aldikaizen29 Жыл бұрын
Hey, i just watch your yt channel, its very nice to seen.. I'm from Indonesia, i want to move to sweden and get Phd in sweden. I still try to apply Phd job in some university and preparing the document needs. So I still learning about sweden from every interesting yt channel include yours. many thanks.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
How exciting! Best of luck! :)
@ingvartorma9789 Жыл бұрын
If you intend to move to Sweden and you want to have local friends, then you should NOT move to Stockholm. As I said, I am from the city of Kiruna at the top of Sweden, we are social and talkative people. Everyone in my city knows that if you want to move south, you shouldn't move to Stockholm. If you want to live in a bigger city, you should move to Gothenburg, because that is the city Kiruna residents move to or other cities but not Stockholm. I had an old classmate who moved to Stockholm but he never made friends there, thought he is like the rest of us Kiruna residents friendly, so he moved to Gothenburg and he immediately made friends. When it comes to English, most Swedes can speak English, because here in Sweden it has been a long time that you have to learn English when you are in grade 3 and then you are 9 years old. Now you start a little with English from grade 1. So I had to start learning English in 1974 and my older sisters had to start before this year. But many of us Swedes are afraid to lose ourselves when we have to speak English. I got to know a man from Scotland who moved to Kiruna for his wife and he said that in Kiruna everyone wants to talk to him, so he had gotten to know a lot of people. I used to work in something called FRitidsbanken, which is found all over Sweden, where you can go to borrow things, either outdoor things or something in sports. so I met many tourists there and I talked to all of them and not for a short while but they could stay over an hour just to talk. PS! Tip for you, never say you are from Germany in the first place, because because of your countrymen's behavior as tourists, Germans are not popular at all anywhere in the world. Have friends who were born and raised in Kiruna with Swedish parents but thanks to their dark hair, so when they have been abroad and they have visited a bar or restaurant, they have been asked by the bartender or waiter what country they are from and they have replied that they are from Sweden and have sometimes had to show passports. When the friends asked why they wondered, they said that they don't like Germans and they charge double. Germans are hated in Thailand because there it has happened that Germans have come and sat at a restaurant with outdoor seating BUT the Germans have brought their own food and drinks to the outdoor seating and that should never be done. My older sister saw this happen several times during the years they went to Thailand before the pandemic. So don't say you're German at heart.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Aww, it's a shame I can't say I am German. So far, I only made good experiences when I said I'm German 😅 I agree that there are some annoying Germans out there but I still think we're not that bad. I haven't heard that Germans are disliked all over the world. I guess now I need to say I'm German so people can meet a nice German person so they change their mind hahaha
@ingvartorma9789
Жыл бұрын
Sure you can say you're German but don't do it in restaurants or bars if you go abroad. I think it's employees in hotels, restaurants and bars, who don't like Germans. Because as I said, it is the staff/bartenders and waiters who say this. Others notice how Germans behave but say nothing. This is nothing new, as I said, my friends who are brothers and often went on trips abroad heard it back in the 80s. My sister saw and heard about this now in the 21st century in Thailand. It is true that a few Germans behave badly and so it is assumed that all Germans are like that. It's just like the violence that is happening now in Sweden between the different criminal gangs, the USA started to warn its citizens not to go to Sweden because they could be hit by shootings, then several other countries come with the claim that it is dangerous to go to Sweden. But none of those who come up with these claims mention that these shootings happen mostly only in 3 cities and between criminal gangs and in the rest of Sweden there are no shootings, but they claim that this is the case in all of Sweden.
@zainulabdin1720
9 ай бұрын
@@LivingSwedishGermans are not hated all over the world 😊
@f.goossens8118 Жыл бұрын
I'm Scots, husband's Flemish and we've lived here for over a year now. We have no friends here but the locals in our small village do say Hej when they see us and they're not unfriendly exactly. But nobody really chats though. I made a huge faux pas by inviting a local woman for coffee, which was common where we,ve lived before. She stammered thanks and couldn't get away quick enough, and I had no idea why she blushed bright red! We do like the Swedes very much, but perhaps it's our age (we're both retired) as we do find it difficult to make friends. There also seems to be unwritten rules about what to chat about...as in, it's ok to talk about the weather or the price of food, but beyond that it's tricky. Having said that, we're lucky to be natural introverts so I guess we kinda fit in here ok. :)
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Ah, it's not easy! But keep trying. Maybe she was a weird person but it should not hold you back in trying to make friends. I can imagine though it's harder the older you get.
@suntiger745
Жыл бұрын
Generally, avoid politics. Aside from that, if it’s a smaller village of town, ask people about the nature in the local area. What kind of plants and animals there are and if they know of a pretty spot to go to. Also, if they have a local sports club or riding club might be worth going to some matches, or even the practices and ask the trainers and/or parents about how things are going and how they do things. Also, you could ask about history, and if someone has old pictures or items from WW2, the shift to right hand driving, when the train station was build and/or expanded, and if they have any local fabric pattern or garments that are specific to that area.
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I was thinking a bit about this, I mean swedes are more for deep connections and not superficial … I am an introvert even for a swed and if somebody would tell me honestly… ”I really think you seem to be a nice person and we would really like to make swedish friends but we have no success … would there be a possibility to get to know you?” I really believe if you are so honest, a swed would not reject you because it is not superficial
@f.goossens8118
8 ай бұрын
@@jjp8996 Not sure I'd have the courage to do that! I'm pretty shy for a Scotswoman. But it's good to hear a Swede say such a thing, and gives us a little hope for friendship here. Thank you! :)
@drzeworyj2 ай бұрын
have you ever thought about how the fact that you are German might affect your relationships with the Swedes? (like, Swedes being more likely to approach you because they hear a language that sounds familiar?) it might be a completely different experience for someone who comes from Southern Europe, not least because they might be discriminated against before they even manage to open their mouth. I don't think it's other people's fault that they find it difficult to make friends in Sweden, and anecdotal evidence wouldn't be sufficient to make this point. commenting on someone's pregnant belly is faux pa, no doubt about it, but that person didn't necessarily mean you were fat in what they said.
@realleftover Жыл бұрын
Tbh I think for us Germans, we hear these type of stories from Americans who are used to being suuuper social (which is cool!), but we Germans have a very low standard because we are used to literally not make social connections when we're outside lolll Imo Swedes are friendlier than Germans. So I 100% agree with 7:46
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Totally! 😅
@realleftover
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish Liebe Grüße aus Bayern und danke für die Videos, die san echt cool 🖤
@carltwidle9046 Жыл бұрын
I don't think it matters where you are. As long as people can understand each other its easy to meet someone. Just be open.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I totally agree with you! 😄
@k1master174
Жыл бұрын
it matters alot, i made friends instantly and in every country i been, except for sweden, my only friends in sweden were foreigners like me.
@carltwidle9046
Жыл бұрын
@@k1master174 Whats up with the Swedes?. Are they too uptight ?.
@thomaseriksson5251 Жыл бұрын
Yes i do have a friend who is originally from Guatemala and another friend from South Africa
@FlavioRodrigo8 ай бұрын
I just arrived from Europe and this time, I also went to Stockholm. People were really friendly and polite. Can't wait to be back.
@LivingSwedish
8 ай бұрын
So great to hear you had a wonderful experience here :)
@andersgranstrom7128 Жыл бұрын
What you give, is what you receive - it goes both ways. I think swedes are truly interested in other people, although look for quality relationships, not having as many as possible. The more we speak about this, the more of a myth it becomes. We are friendly, but we also respect our fellow swedes privacy (knowing that not all swedes have the need for talking all that much). Me, on the other hand, I am from the north of Sweden - and I should be one of the most quiet persons alive. Invite me over, and let´s see!🤣😂🤣
@heinmolenaar6750
10 ай бұрын
I 'm from the Netherlands. I saw some videos about Sweden in wintertime. It's not the cold and the snow, but no sunshine is the problem. The sky is mostly grey and there's no living soul in the streets.
@kelleciagordon9401
8 ай бұрын
@@heinmolenaar6750 you are soooo right😂😂😂
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I agree, I am very introverte also for being a swed but if you invite me, I probably would come 😃
@Marcusianery Жыл бұрын
As a Swede-Dane I find Danes and Scanians (Ex-Danish province Swedes) much more social. You see these men in their 40's to 60's talking loudly in the streets with our distinct accents with no shame in their bodies.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
😅
@Marcusianery
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish That might from a Nordic perspective! xD so who knows? Maybe we are not as social compared to continental Europeans! :)
@Theresebonath60777 ай бұрын
Even as a swede myself its almost impossible to get friends here
@ResonatingSweden Жыл бұрын
As an expat living in the north in a very small village (less than 1k people) I have 4 "friends" and they are all expats. I feel like it was a coincidence but non the less, I guess they are a bit more open to the public and interested in other people's live, so you start chatting and make friends with the others like you. I should make a video about that too, from my experience in the north. I feel like it's a bit more different than yours in Stockholm and around. 😊🌲
@rasmuswi
Жыл бұрын
If you are an expat you are in a very similar situation to other expats, regardless of where they come from. So it's not surprising at all that you make friends with other expats.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I'm sure it's harder to make friends when there's only a population of 1K. I assume you probably don't live next to each other either.
@moniho6907 Жыл бұрын
Lived almost 4yrs in germany had nooooo german friends, moved to the us and within a years i had tonns of friends
@Gert-DK5 ай бұрын
I once commented to a woman (I knew her), ohh you are pregnant again! She wasn't!!!!! That was the last time I touched that subject, never again.
@LivingSwedish
5 ай бұрын
Oh, I can totally understand it. It happened to me several times when I wasn't pregnant hahaha And a girl who was also pregnant once said to me she thought I'm having twins after I already told her it's just one baby. Needless to say we've never became friends 🤦🏻♀️ 😅 😂
@adrianr7819 Жыл бұрын
First comment to you. Too much small talk and interference in England I prefer the more distant respectful approach of some Swedes. You would interact through events and ask for a fika meeting perhaps. Just been to Midsommar event in England Swedes would be friendly at that. Thanks for good clear video. 😊
@user-wt6tq3rx7u11 ай бұрын
Don't worry you can be my friend in Sweden
@Ulf-qg1vd5 ай бұрын
Stockholm is the worst example of swedish mentality. If you want social people that like small talk then Rimbo, Hallstavik in Norrtälje have just that. It is in the stockholm region and people love to talk there. If you want a more social stockholm mentality then Solna or Sundbyberg is better than many other parts of the city. The north of Sweden is also better. Small talk no problem there either.
@Debriyekonjitdebrwa-gc2by2 ай бұрын
i think your sooo gorgeous, i love german people , they are cool people .
@LivingSwedish
Ай бұрын
;)
@chicagochicago3404 Жыл бұрын
Just to correct your information I was in USA more than three times they are very unsocial unwilling to talk and chat 💬. More than decade I can’t even have one friend . Indoor lifestyle homesick work and work till you die that is the United States of America 🇺🇸
@larsbusk899610 ай бұрын
If you love darkness, rain and generally shitty weather then Sweden is perfect for you.
@LivingSwedish
10 ай бұрын
Where would you like to live? :)
@larsbusk8996
10 ай бұрын
I live in the Philippines. Moved from Sweden as soon as I could.
@martinlomsater9660 Жыл бұрын
Of course they did alcohol were involved 😁😎 that’s a must in this situations ha ha try whit out 🤣 and try a small town
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I should try for sure 😅
@Kevin-zz9nc7 ай бұрын
Buy a dog....he's always glad to see you.
@LivingSwedish
7 ай бұрын
I already have kids, that's enough at the moment 😂
@togorahmed7200 Жыл бұрын
really I like you ❤
@jazz_hat Жыл бұрын
Tipsy guys want to talk to a pretty girl in a bar😁😁 Shocker.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha you're right! But I know of girls who complain that Swedes never make the first step in talking to them 😅
@magnuslindfors94459 ай бұрын
Jag är 54 hittar inte nya vänner
@LivingSwedish
9 ай бұрын
Jag är ledsen att höra det. Varför tror du att det är så svårt att få nya vänner?
@Ukiyo-e-sama3 ай бұрын
Du bist hübsch!
@annicaesplund6613 Жыл бұрын
Not "expats", immigrants please. Knowing the language is important. At a certain age, the friendship reserve is full and it becomes more difficult to be admitted, even for Swedes, for example if you move to another city. When you are pregnant, have just had a baby and are in a mother's group or have children in preschool, it is easier. Then you go and push a pram together, meet at the playground, etc. The older the children, the harder it is.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Why not expat? Expat = an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship, often temporarily and for work reasons ('often' but not always the case).
@annicaesplund6613
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish in that case everyone from another country is an expat and shouldn't be called an immigrant. That is not the case though, sadly. I've never heard any other person but a British call themselves expat and certainly not calling people from other countries expats. Have you? An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person who resides outside their native country. My ex-husband is British and calls himself expat and people from other countries immigrants.
@TheIndianTechie007
Жыл бұрын
@@annicaesplund6613 This is a lame logic. I live in The Netherlands and expat is called to any foreigner who is living here mainly for working purpose, not only British. Or you think Brits have some sort of copyright on the word "expat"?
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To befriend Swedes, simply use the power of coffee. "I have half an hour to spare, wanna go for a coffee?" "Are you in a hurry, or do you want to come in for a coffee?" etc.. Much of the everyday rejections in terms of social interaction is actually their way of respecting you. If you dont make it quite clear that you have time to spare and would enjoy their company, most Swedes simply lets you off the hook by telling you (true or not) that they dont have time, but thanks you for the offer because they dony want to put you in a difficult situation that potentially causes you to be late or stressed. We´re a complicated, but very well mannered bunch.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's such a valuable insight. Thanks for sharing! ☕☕☕
@SanityIT
9 ай бұрын
Coffee is nice but people in Sweden would still question what you really want.
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden is the last place on earth to experience the natural phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Located in the Arctic Circle, during the summer months, Sweden's northernmost regions are bathed in 24-hour daylight. This unique occurrence allows visitors to enjoy extended outdoor activities and witness breathtaking landscapes illuminated by the sun even at midnight.
In the mid-80s , a polish classmate invited home to mee and my wife. Late in the evening tears flowed from his eyes. He had live in Sweden for 9 years. Thìs was his first swedish home to which he was invited for a party .
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Oh dear! I'm sure many more invitations followed 😅
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
One reason why I dislike Sweden is the high cost of living. The prices for basic necessities, such as housing, groceries, and transportation, are significantly higher compared to many other countries. Additionally, the long and dark winters in Sweden can be quite challenging to cope with, especially for someone who prefers warmer climates.
@anderssigfeldt335
8 ай бұрын
@@PoisonelleMisty4311 I agree with yuo , Sweden that existed in the 60s and 70s was a fantastisk country To grow up in. There were very many old apartsments To rent för 100-500 kr/month. Work för everyone, well paid but colder Winters with snow mostly. The grocery stores hade canned peas and carrots To sell over the Winter. Sweden today is best at being the worst Both with school and in increasing income gaps. I am lucka To have be en born in 1957 Anders
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
@@anderssigfeldt335 It's great to hear that you have fond memories of Sweden in the 60s and 70s. The availability of affordable apartments and job opportunities must have made it a wonderful place to grow up. However, it's unfortunate that you feel Sweden has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of education and income inequality. Nevertheless, being born in 1957, you have witnessed the country's evolution firsthand. Have a good day.
Most Swedes make their friends when they are young, therefore it is very difficult to make new friends in middle age, for example, because many at that age find it difficult to keep up with their family and the friends they already have. But there are people like me who, for example, have moved and have my social circle in another place, who would like to have new friends. It is usually recommended that the best way to make friends is to take a course, join an association for example. Places where people with similar interests gather. But yes, it is difficult even for older Swedes to make new friends. Keep trying!
@rasmuswi
Жыл бұрын
I believe part of this is actually very universal and not specific to Sweden. I once read that when you are 30 years old, you typically have met around 80 percent of the friends you will have for the rest of your life.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Yes, true! I also find it is the easiest to make friends with people who haven't lived in one place all their life. They know what it is like to move to another country.
@olsa76
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish True
Social interaction began to decrease significantly already in the late 50's early 60's TV began to become common. The next big change came in conneection with smart phones. The young people suffer from loneliness. Today's people socialize in isolation via social media. This is sad and ominous ! Anders Sweden Göteborg
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I agree that social media doesn't always help. I used it as a tool to meet friends online (in London and in Singapore, I remember) and then I met them in the real world. I met many of my friends like that actually.
As a Swede I fell I have to tell you this; I normally don't talk to stranger UNLESS something odd happens. If a bus would break down and we have to walk 500 m you can bet people start chatting. I have always felt that this is weird, but that is how we seem to be wired. And talking to strangers depends a lot on the situation, if you are at a place where people are likely to have similar interest Swedes are way more open, I used to own a sailing boat and when we got to a mooring place there was a lot of talking to strangers. And one more thing, not all Swedes are the same ...
@jonasbjork6593
10 ай бұрын
I also want to answer your question about friends from other countries. To me nationality doesn't matter any more than any other way you bunch people together, a good person is a good person. I have always judged people by their personality and guess what? There are good and bad people in Sweden, just as the rest of the world. 😄 So back to the question; I had many friends from other countries when I lived in Sweden, and I never thought anything of it.
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden stole lands from Finland and treated them as inferior subjects, imposing harsh taxes and restrictions on their cultural practices. The Swedish government also implemented policies that aimed to assimilate the Finnish population into Swedish culture, further marginalizing and erasing their unique identity.
Well, there is a difference between friends and acquaintences. A friend is someone you can call in the middle of the night to come help you out. A acquaintance is someone you call to arrange for a lunch or dinner get together once in a while or meet to socialize. Big difference. Using this (arbitrary) standard, I can say I have had 3-4 friend throughout my life and many good acquaintances. I have also been to Sweden several times and saw many people happily socializing and was able to connect with locals without much difficulty despite the fact I do not speak Swedish. I found the people corteus, kind and warm.
I've heard of it a lot of times but also i have never met so many people to have a quick chat, than in Sweden. In Germany, most people are just staring and don't talk to you but in Sweden we've had many conversations with locals. However, some of these quick chats became long term chats and good friends after years :) It takes time but that's fine
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's amazing to hear :)
It’s a big myth that Sweden is different than any other country when it comes to social life. It’s a bigger difference living in a small town and a big city than it is between two cities in two different counties in Europe. And as you said, it’s often up to you yourself. If your being unavailable, people won’t make the effort getting to know you.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Yes! :)
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden is the worst place on earth to live if you dislike cold weather and long, dark winters. The country experiences extremely low temperatures, especially in the northern regions, where temperatures can drop well below freezing for months on end. Additionally, the limited daylight during winter can be challenging for those who thrive in sunlight and warmer climates. However, Sweden offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a strong welfare system that provides extensive social benefits to its residents.
In Scandinavia in general people are more closed (or shy), but it is said that Norwegians are even harder to make friends than Swedes. In South America it is very different, in Brazil it is normal for people who have never seen each other to talk in queues at supermarkets, banks and beaches as if they already know each other, and thus become friends. In South America people are very communicative. 🌎🇧🇷🌻
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! That is super interesting. I haven't been to South America yet but it's on my list. Where should I go first? :)
@akeke1
Жыл бұрын
Kinda cool that some Swedes like me, think that some countries have blabbering people! I.e that americans talk loud and a lot but really doesnt say much.
@hansenlima9306
Жыл бұрын
@@akeke1 I'm Brazilian🇧🇷, and I recognize that in South America in general people talk a lot, in Brazil when you're very closed and don't talk to your neighbors you have few friends, people call you "weird".
You are so nice to listen! I really like your pronunciation, your vibe and speech content.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the great feedback! 😊
next year i will go to sweden to spend my 4th year of high school abroad, but i’ve been hearing a lot of bad things about the weather, the people that are not really “chatty” and bad stuff like that. I’ve actually never been there but it has always been my dream to move to sweden even for a little bit. So because of the rumors I’m having doubts, but your video helped a lot ahah ❤️
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I don’t think there will be a problem at school … there is more problem for older people 😂 I believe you will find people that are curious who you are 😊
I saw a documentary on BBC where a university lecturer in Scandinavian culture said that you can roughly put countries into to themes. Sweden is like a coconut, it takes a long time to break through the surface but when finally do, you get every little secret and no topic is to embarrassing.Whilst UK and US are like peaches, on the surface really easy to bite in but you have a hard center, aka a lot of topics that you do not speak so lightly about. This might actually be true. Me, as a student ive had short lived friends that were foreign exchange students. But i am shy but at the same time I see that a lot of swedish folks that are outgoing become shy in the presence of people from other countries. Which I understand, but I want to be polite and if you have met people from other countries before it is easier for you to meet such folks again.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
That's super interesting! Thanks for sharing! 👏🏻👏🏻
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden always make fun of Finland but they envy them for their high quality education system and their beautiful natural landscapes. Despite the teasing, Sweden secretly admires Finland's strong sense of community and their commitment to environmental sustainability.
I can agree that making local friends does not depend on country that much. I've lived in Spain for 6 years and made only one local friend, although spaniards considered open and "easy" for friendship!
@LivingSwedish
9 ай бұрын
Oh, very interesting! Thanks for sharing! :)
Hi! I'm Swedish and I'm living in Sweden. I'm not the usual type, I guess, as I small talk to people on the bus stop, in shops etc. My Swedish father and his Swedish mother are the same. My mother was Finnish and she also talked to people outside, but she was more shy. I have always been interested in other cultures, countries and languages so yes, I do have quite a lot of friends who are not Swedish.
@LivingSwedish
11 ай бұрын
That sounds great! Thanks for sharing! 😊🙏🏻
@PoisonelleMisty4311
8 ай бұрын
Sweden always make fun of Finland for their love of saunas and heavy metal music. They often tease them about their quiet and reserved nature, contrasting it with Sweden's more outgoing and social culture.
As an American, my experience, Americans are very social… but they aren’t sincere. There’s a lot of backstabbing going around. A lot of people like to collect “friends” but really don’t understand what being a friend means. As with most things, Americans prefer quantity over quality. I personally prefer the quality of the relationship. I think more people should learn how to be reserved from time to time.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! The grass is not always greener on the other side 😅
I've been living in Sweden since 2010(Originally from France). My only Swedish friend is half American and much more of a New Yorker tbh.... He actually wants to move from Sweden but is staying here because of his kids. I had another friend from NYC who just went back to the US after living here for more than 10 years. I haven't made any friends in Sweden that were born and raised here(despite being an extremely social person). I have a ton of acquaintances but I wouldn't count any of them as close friends. A friend is someone you can call anytime of day without thinking twice, someone you can share your feelings and thoughts with regardless ... Someone you can laugh so hard with that your stomach hurts. I haven't found that type of friendship with local people born and raised in Sweden....The drinking culture in Stockholm is clinical(All about the effects..), alcohol is the social lubricant and without it most people are stiff... Not discrediting your experience, just saying I have a completely different one. I don't want to get old in this country. I spend most of my winters in Mexico, I just couldn't live here during the whole winter anymore... I get seasonal depression and my skin gets damaged by the dry cold and the darkness. Spring, summer and fall are ok. A bit of winter is not so bad but not the whole thing! I once asked a Swede why Swedish people were complaining so much about the winter and he replied "We're not polar bears". Definitely doesn't help that the country is pretty much a dark place for almost half the year, not the best environment for socialising... I'll end that rant here. ☮️✌️
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
This is so sad that you feel this way, I lived in Germany in France for a long time but are back in Sweden and would love to have french friends … love french people… we are shy… we should create a forum where people can meet in Sweden because I am sure swedes are intrested 😊❤
I like to talk to people, stockholm is by far the hardest part of sweden to start a conversation in. Haha! That was not mean, it was fair 😅.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
😄
Remember even if we as Swedes in general are said to be introvert. So are every person in the world different. Obviously there are many outgoing Swedes too. But what is also true i think is that once you get to know the shy introvert of us. You 9 times of 10 get a genuine friend. What is also true I think is that as someone here said. Swedes are not known for collecting friends. We often tend to have a few real friends. Then we have a lot of contacts and different relations like work pals etc. Thoose we really choose to let in our hearts we treasure and love as friends. And we are genuine. Not like "plastic smiling Americans" Hugs from Segeltorp Stockholm/ J
@moniho6907
Жыл бұрын
Americans are the best!!!
Funny twin story Uli 😉 I sometimes find it hard to see if my neighbours are pregnant or not 🤷🏻😆 You could invite Swedes for a fika or bbq and see what happens. If they are interested in becoming friends they will come 💯
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Great idea! We're actually inviting our direct neighbours for a BBQ. They're a bit younger than us and have no kids but seem super nice. Let's see if they want to have kids after hanging out with ours hahaha
@kennethsteelhammer
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish - haha! I watched a neighbour trying to teach his daughter ride a bike. Hilarious for me but not for him 😃
As an Introvert Californian American, I find making "friends" not an easy enterprise. I am drawn to German, Nordic, Japanese and UK culture because there are many intorverts who have so much to offer but are sensitive like I am and do not open easily. I lived and worked many years in Japan with few issues as my personality met so well with the Kansai (western Japan KYOTO-OSAKA) culture. I have a dear male friend of many years in Sweden and still he does not open up as much as I wish. I need still to be patient as I feel he is an absolute diamond and darling of a man. Sweet lady, that woman who said you looked like you were going to have twins was completely lack of manners. My parents and grandparents taught my sister and me well. By the way, many Germans in my family so I kind of get it. I am very fond of Austria but as you say, it is very different from Germany. You have to live or work there to understand that. Thank you for this lovely presentation. You are elegant and honest. BRAVO. Warmest wishes from Northern California 💗
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
You made a good point there about introverts. And how lovely that you're patient with your friends. What an amazing trait! :)
@RobertClaeson
Жыл бұрын
Being sent to work and live in the US for a while effectively forced me to become an extrovert while there, or else I wouldn't have coped. It was very uncomfortable.
@blackbeardsdaughter2613
Жыл бұрын
@@RobertClaeson I'm so sorry you were uncomfortable in the US. It is true you typically need to show an extrovert's attitude in the workplace and at university. I could do that as an "actor" whilst at work but did not like social events and got out of them as much as possible. I hope you had some good experiences in the US. :)
I agree with Jonsson there are bigger difference small town/ countryside people compared with big city people than difference with random people from different countries. I think it's the same in many countries; I think that English country people opinions about Londoners are similare to Skellefteå (up north in Sverige) people opinions about Stockholm people. In parts of Sverige "Stockholmare" is a swear word. Another thing , Swedish people generally dont think it's a bad thing living by yourself. It's not loneliness, it's privacy. That also means its OK not to have friends.There is not a social pressure to have many friends. But that said; you may have experienced during Midsommar, that people are very friendly and often there are big parties with many friends and relatives
This is great, when I was younger growing up in Sweden, it was between 1978-88 and I lived in Gothenburg since I was 8-18, and because I was involved in early hip-hop soo I did not have a hard time making friends. But now flash forward 35 years I am finally going back because my mother in not doing well, and I am coming for about two weeks. I know when people get older it is harder to make friends.
I only have a couple of Swedish friends, and my main friends are from Russia, Italy/Chile and Ireland, Portugal, Spain. Got to know them all in Sweden. I'm not that typically Swedish (so i've heard) wo i do see some traits Swedes have that i dislike -even as a Swede myself. 🙏🇸🇪
A German colleague, who had just got off the phone with his girlfriend in Austria, once almost rolled his eyes and paraphrased John Cleese: "two countries separate by a common language". I've since heard similar things about Germany v Switzerland.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Sounds about right hahaha I'm not sure about Switzerland. I remember meeting someone from Switzerland ages ago and we got along just fine hahaha
Swedes talk a lot in certain contexts, what you should do is join an association that does a sport, hobby or something socially related, there are around 150-200 thousand ideal associations in Sweden, probably more per capita in the whole world, even the pub is good, or to take a course in something. Another thing is dating, it leads more often to friendship than marriage, now apps for friendship dating have also started to appear.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Oh yes, I met some people through an app actually. Thanks for the tips! 😊🙏🏻
In Stockholm, no problems especially Södermalm pubs and bars, everyone is there for friendship, new nice people old ones all social mingling. And very much so around Mariatorget, lots of locals..... lilke myself havin friends from lots of countries
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
👍🏻
Hey, i just watch your yt channel, its very nice to seen.. I'm from Indonesia, i want to move to sweden and get Phd in sweden. I still try to apply Phd job in some university and preparing the document needs. So I still learning about sweden from every interesting yt channel include yours. many thanks.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
How exciting! Best of luck! :)
If you intend to move to Sweden and you want to have local friends, then you should NOT move to Stockholm. As I said, I am from the city of Kiruna at the top of Sweden, we are social and talkative people. Everyone in my city knows that if you want to move south, you shouldn't move to Stockholm. If you want to live in a bigger city, you should move to Gothenburg, because that is the city Kiruna residents move to or other cities but not Stockholm. I had an old classmate who moved to Stockholm but he never made friends there, thought he is like the rest of us Kiruna residents friendly, so he moved to Gothenburg and he immediately made friends. When it comes to English, most Swedes can speak English, because here in Sweden it has been a long time that you have to learn English when you are in grade 3 and then you are 9 years old. Now you start a little with English from grade 1. So I had to start learning English in 1974 and my older sisters had to start before this year. But many of us Swedes are afraid to lose ourselves when we have to speak English. I got to know a man from Scotland who moved to Kiruna for his wife and he said that in Kiruna everyone wants to talk to him, so he had gotten to know a lot of people. I used to work in something called FRitidsbanken, which is found all over Sweden, where you can go to borrow things, either outdoor things or something in sports. so I met many tourists there and I talked to all of them and not for a short while but they could stay over an hour just to talk. PS! Tip for you, never say you are from Germany in the first place, because because of your countrymen's behavior as tourists, Germans are not popular at all anywhere in the world. Have friends who were born and raised in Kiruna with Swedish parents but thanks to their dark hair, so when they have been abroad and they have visited a bar or restaurant, they have been asked by the bartender or waiter what country they are from and they have replied that they are from Sweden and have sometimes had to show passports. When the friends asked why they wondered, they said that they don't like Germans and they charge double. Germans are hated in Thailand because there it has happened that Germans have come and sat at a restaurant with outdoor seating BUT the Germans have brought their own food and drinks to the outdoor seating and that should never be done. My older sister saw this happen several times during the years they went to Thailand before the pandemic. So don't say you're German at heart.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Aww, it's a shame I can't say I am German. So far, I only made good experiences when I said I'm German 😅 I agree that there are some annoying Germans out there but I still think we're not that bad. I haven't heard that Germans are disliked all over the world. I guess now I need to say I'm German so people can meet a nice German person so they change their mind hahaha
@ingvartorma9789
Жыл бұрын
Sure you can say you're German but don't do it in restaurants or bars if you go abroad. I think it's employees in hotels, restaurants and bars, who don't like Germans. Because as I said, it is the staff/bartenders and waiters who say this. Others notice how Germans behave but say nothing. This is nothing new, as I said, my friends who are brothers and often went on trips abroad heard it back in the 80s. My sister saw and heard about this now in the 21st century in Thailand. It is true that a few Germans behave badly and so it is assumed that all Germans are like that. It's just like the violence that is happening now in Sweden between the different criminal gangs, the USA started to warn its citizens not to go to Sweden because they could be hit by shootings, then several other countries come with the claim that it is dangerous to go to Sweden. But none of those who come up with these claims mention that these shootings happen mostly only in 3 cities and between criminal gangs and in the rest of Sweden there are no shootings, but they claim that this is the case in all of Sweden.
@zainulabdin1720
9 ай бұрын
@@LivingSwedishGermans are not hated all over the world 😊
I'm Scots, husband's Flemish and we've lived here for over a year now. We have no friends here but the locals in our small village do say Hej when they see us and they're not unfriendly exactly. But nobody really chats though. I made a huge faux pas by inviting a local woman for coffee, which was common where we,ve lived before. She stammered thanks and couldn't get away quick enough, and I had no idea why she blushed bright red! We do like the Swedes very much, but perhaps it's our age (we're both retired) as we do find it difficult to make friends. There also seems to be unwritten rules about what to chat about...as in, it's ok to talk about the weather or the price of food, but beyond that it's tricky. Having said that, we're lucky to be natural introverts so I guess we kinda fit in here ok. :)
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Ah, it's not easy! But keep trying. Maybe she was a weird person but it should not hold you back in trying to make friends. I can imagine though it's harder the older you get.
@suntiger745
Жыл бұрын
Generally, avoid politics. Aside from that, if it’s a smaller village of town, ask people about the nature in the local area. What kind of plants and animals there are and if they know of a pretty spot to go to. Also, if they have a local sports club or riding club might be worth going to some matches, or even the practices and ask the trainers and/or parents about how things are going and how they do things. Also, you could ask about history, and if someone has old pictures or items from WW2, the shift to right hand driving, when the train station was build and/or expanded, and if they have any local fabric pattern or garments that are specific to that area.
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I was thinking a bit about this, I mean swedes are more for deep connections and not superficial … I am an introvert even for a swed and if somebody would tell me honestly… ”I really think you seem to be a nice person and we would really like to make swedish friends but we have no success … would there be a possibility to get to know you?” I really believe if you are so honest, a swed would not reject you because it is not superficial
@f.goossens8118
8 ай бұрын
@@jjp8996 Not sure I'd have the courage to do that! I'm pretty shy for a Scotswoman. But it's good to hear a Swede say such a thing, and gives us a little hope for friendship here. Thank you! :)
have you ever thought about how the fact that you are German might affect your relationships with the Swedes? (like, Swedes being more likely to approach you because they hear a language that sounds familiar?) it might be a completely different experience for someone who comes from Southern Europe, not least because they might be discriminated against before they even manage to open their mouth. I don't think it's other people's fault that they find it difficult to make friends in Sweden, and anecdotal evidence wouldn't be sufficient to make this point. commenting on someone's pregnant belly is faux pa, no doubt about it, but that person didn't necessarily mean you were fat in what they said.
Tbh I think for us Germans, we hear these type of stories from Americans who are used to being suuuper social (which is cool!), but we Germans have a very low standard because we are used to literally not make social connections when we're outside lolll Imo Swedes are friendlier than Germans. So I 100% agree with 7:46
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Totally! 😅
@realleftover
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish Liebe Grüße aus Bayern und danke für die Videos, die san echt cool 🖤
I don't think it matters where you are. As long as people can understand each other its easy to meet someone. Just be open.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I totally agree with you! 😄
@k1master174
Жыл бұрын
it matters alot, i made friends instantly and in every country i been, except for sweden, my only friends in sweden were foreigners like me.
@carltwidle9046
Жыл бұрын
@@k1master174 Whats up with the Swedes?. Are they too uptight ?.
Yes i do have a friend who is originally from Guatemala and another friend from South Africa
I just arrived from Europe and this time, I also went to Stockholm. People were really friendly and polite. Can't wait to be back.
@LivingSwedish
8 ай бұрын
So great to hear you had a wonderful experience here :)
What you give, is what you receive - it goes both ways. I think swedes are truly interested in other people, although look for quality relationships, not having as many as possible. The more we speak about this, the more of a myth it becomes. We are friendly, but we also respect our fellow swedes privacy (knowing that not all swedes have the need for talking all that much). Me, on the other hand, I am from the north of Sweden - and I should be one of the most quiet persons alive. Invite me over, and let´s see!🤣😂🤣
@heinmolenaar6750
10 ай бұрын
I 'm from the Netherlands. I saw some videos about Sweden in wintertime. It's not the cold and the snow, but no sunshine is the problem. The sky is mostly grey and there's no living soul in the streets.
@kelleciagordon9401
8 ай бұрын
@@heinmolenaar6750 you are soooo right😂😂😂
@jjp8996
8 ай бұрын
I agree, I am very introverte also for being a swed but if you invite me, I probably would come 😃
As a Swede-Dane I find Danes and Scanians (Ex-Danish province Swedes) much more social. You see these men in their 40's to 60's talking loudly in the streets with our distinct accents with no shame in their bodies.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
😅
@Marcusianery
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish That might from a Nordic perspective! xD so who knows? Maybe we are not as social compared to continental Europeans! :)
Even as a swede myself its almost impossible to get friends here
As an expat living in the north in a very small village (less than 1k people) I have 4 "friends" and they are all expats. I feel like it was a coincidence but non the less, I guess they are a bit more open to the public and interested in other people's live, so you start chatting and make friends with the others like you. I should make a video about that too, from my experience in the north. I feel like it's a bit more different than yours in Stockholm and around. 😊🌲
@rasmuswi
Жыл бұрын
If you are an expat you are in a very similar situation to other expats, regardless of where they come from. So it's not surprising at all that you make friends with other expats.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I'm sure it's harder to make friends when there's only a population of 1K. I assume you probably don't live next to each other either.
Lived almost 4yrs in germany had nooooo german friends, moved to the us and within a years i had tonns of friends
I once commented to a woman (I knew her), ohh you are pregnant again! She wasn't!!!!! That was the last time I touched that subject, never again.
@LivingSwedish
5 ай бұрын
Oh, I can totally understand it. It happened to me several times when I wasn't pregnant hahaha And a girl who was also pregnant once said to me she thought I'm having twins after I already told her it's just one baby. Needless to say we've never became friends 🤦🏻♀️ 😅 😂
First comment to you. Too much small talk and interference in England I prefer the more distant respectful approach of some Swedes. You would interact through events and ask for a fika meeting perhaps. Just been to Midsommar event in England Swedes would be friendly at that. Thanks for good clear video. 😊
Don't worry you can be my friend in Sweden
Stockholm is the worst example of swedish mentality. If you want social people that like small talk then Rimbo, Hallstavik in Norrtälje have just that. It is in the stockholm region and people love to talk there. If you want a more social stockholm mentality then Solna or Sundbyberg is better than many other parts of the city. The north of Sweden is also better. Small talk no problem there either.
i think your sooo gorgeous, i love german people , they are cool people .
@LivingSwedish
Ай бұрын
;)
Just to correct your information I was in USA more than three times they are very unsocial unwilling to talk and chat 💬. More than decade I can’t even have one friend . Indoor lifestyle homesick work and work till you die that is the United States of America 🇺🇸
If you love darkness, rain and generally shitty weather then Sweden is perfect for you.
@LivingSwedish
10 ай бұрын
Where would you like to live? :)
@larsbusk8996
10 ай бұрын
I live in the Philippines. Moved from Sweden as soon as I could.
Of course they did alcohol were involved 😁😎 that’s a must in this situations ha ha try whit out 🤣 and try a small town
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
I should try for sure 😅
Buy a dog....he's always glad to see you.
@LivingSwedish
7 ай бұрын
I already have kids, that's enough at the moment 😂
really I like you ❤
Tipsy guys want to talk to a pretty girl in a bar😁😁 Shocker.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha you're right! But I know of girls who complain that Swedes never make the first step in talking to them 😅
Jag är 54 hittar inte nya vänner
@LivingSwedish
9 ай бұрын
Jag är ledsen att höra det. Varför tror du att det är så svårt att få nya vänner?
Du bist hübsch!
Not "expats", immigrants please. Knowing the language is important. At a certain age, the friendship reserve is full and it becomes more difficult to be admitted, even for Swedes, for example if you move to another city. When you are pregnant, have just had a baby and are in a mother's group or have children in preschool, it is easier. Then you go and push a pram together, meet at the playground, etc. The older the children, the harder it is.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Why not expat? Expat = an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship, often temporarily and for work reasons ('often' but not always the case).
@annicaesplund6613
Жыл бұрын
@@LivingSwedish in that case everyone from another country is an expat and shouldn't be called an immigrant. That is not the case though, sadly. I've never heard any other person but a British call themselves expat and certainly not calling people from other countries expats. Have you? An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person who resides outside their native country. My ex-husband is British and calls himself expat and people from other countries immigrants.
@TheIndianTechie007
Жыл бұрын
@@annicaesplund6613 This is a lame logic. I live in The Netherlands and expat is called to any foreigner who is living here mainly for working purpose, not only British. Or you think Brits have some sort of copyright on the word "expat"?
Kallprata.
@LivingSwedish
Жыл бұрын
Hmmm...
Folirantkinja made in Sweden!
a bunch of introverts but passive aggressive...