10 Tiny Things That Annoy Finns

Some of the most popular questions I get are "What are the things that make Finnish people annoyed? Are there any cultural faux pas I should avoid when in Finland?"
These questions inspired me to make this list for you: 10 tiny things that annoy Finns (even if they don't say so!) ⬇️
00:50 Follow the sauna rules
01:20 Don't use your words lightly
01:32 Be mindful of your surroundings
01:57 Respect personal space
02:29 Know your geography
02:44 Don't relocate Santa
02:56 Mind your own wallet, but...
03:26 Be careful with criticism
03:57 No coffee left, send help!
04:16 Avoid crowds at any cost
04:36 Bonus
I love discovering cultural differences and nuances, so it was sooo much fun to round up this list for you.
What was the biggest surprise for you? I would love to know that in the comments!
🔸 Check out my Finland-themed crew necks, hoodies & more: shop.herfinland.com/
🔸 Follow me on Instagram: / her_finland

[@Torby4096]

When social distancing started, the Finns said, "Two meters? Must we stand so close together?"

[@stephinisahid998]

😂

[@HerFinland]

😂 yep! down right

[@janneviljanen4920]

Before covid distance was about 5 meters, then came the rule, "you have to keep distance of 2 meters".

[@poladelarosa8399]

Hahaha, 1st chuckle of the day; am still smiling. ty!

[@Torby4096]

@@poladelarosa8399 🙃

[@robmccaw9956]

The first time that I visited Suomi I was on a bus to Turku when I really noticed that; everyone sat solely in each row. A middle aged woman who had been drinking got on and tried to sit next to everyone who sent her on her way. She worked her way around the bus until she sat next to me and spoke in Finnish. I apologised that I didn’t speak Finnish and she replied “then we shall converse in English.” Being a typical Kiwi and loving the chance to talk with someone from another country we had a great chat (she was heading home from a florist conference). Everyone else looked very disapprovingly at us. However she said something that still resonates with me. We were discussing the forest and she said “that is the wealth of Finland and the soul of Finland.” It summed Suomi up nicely for me. However NEVER believe that the Finns are not friendly as the opposite is true; they just don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves. Think of it this way: The Americans will say “I’ll take you to the best goddam thing you’ve ever seen!” Us Kiwis will say “I’ll take you somewhere really nice.” A Finn will just take you somewhere and if you like it they will smile gently and if you don’t react they will simply take you somewhere else.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing your experience! 🤩🇫🇮

[@valhoundmom]

I know quiet Finns, Chatty Finns, Boisterous Finns, cheerful Finns...I think it's is partly myth.

[@sdefonta]

Finns are anti-social until they start drinking

[@valhoundmom]

@@sdefonta they can be kinda anti social then too just in a different way.

[@archiewoosung5062]

"Us Kiwis" or "We Kiwis"?

[@elzaarmuray]

My wife is from Finland thanks for this video , now I understand why she is always angry … 😂😂😂

[@HerFinland]

🙈🤣 Oh noooo!! You made me laugh so much.

[@lowercherty]

That's just our normal expression.

[@chilledouthomeboy1387]

Mine too.🫣

[@frozenwarning]

Very funny! 😂

[@khouloudism]

😂😂😂

[@davehenderson6125]

In 2017 we travelled around much of Finland by train. It was so peaceful & quiet that I still think back to those trips we took... moving at 220 km per hour and sipping coffee in total serenity. The entire three weeks we were there were absolutely fantastic.

[@tylsimys67]

In 1994 I wasn't - and still isn't - much of a traveler outside The Capital, but my then girlfriend lived and studied in a place called 'Jyväskylä' or something. On my first trip there the train lost some of its power - lights went off in my wagon - and so I had to listen in total darkness and silence Led Zeppelin on Walkman and sip my sixpack for about 100 miles. Anyway, she had me.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@kevinheisey4350]

Or "10 reasons I enjoy visiting Finland" 😄

[@HerFinland]

🤪 Awesome, Kevin! Thanks for commenting!

[@hottractor2456]

Ha ha, i thought the same!

[@wxwxwx7777777]

My Mummi died two weeks ago and she instilled in me such a love for Suomi. I love learning about my Finnish roots

[@Torby4096]

Sorry for your loss.

[@HerFinland]

I am so sorry for your loss ♡ Hope you are doing alright. Lots of hugs!

[@jamesdaple9951]

😔May she Rest In Peace so sorry! God will forever safeguard her Soul!

[@Aurinkohelmi]

So sorry for your loss ;(

[@sabinekoch3448]

Be heartened by wonderful memories together with your mom…❤

[@AbuAlhasan-cn7cg]

The social distancing thing has always annoyed me like when someone sat next to me when they could be seated elsewhere and most of these things i feel the same about.. Guess I’ve always been secretly Finnish

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@RochelleMichael]

I guess that's universal. Living in a country like Sri Lanka where not everyone cares about personal space, I do see this seating game going on in public transport 😅

[@lynnescherr2174]

Oh, my gosh! My paternal grandfather came to Canada from Finland, and I've always been told I am just like my dad. My Finnish roots must run deep since every one of those things is the same for me! Especially the coffee! Kiitos!

[@HerFinland]

Awww Lynne, thank you so much for commenting! 🇫🇮🧡

[@whitewatcher85]

Same for me, those things always annoyed me. Then, a recent DNA test showed Finnish ancestry. Now I understand.

[@Jessamineann]

Whoa, you just reminded me… I had a Finnish babysitter when I was very little. I was a noisy kid and she always said to me “talk is cheap, but silence is rich.” I haven’t thought of that in a long time. I’m still noisy as an adult, though.😅

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment! 🧡

[@oqqaynewaddingxtwjy7072]

minua ärsyttää se, että youtubessa se on kansainvälinen, youtube edistää monimuotoisuutta, mutta englantia ei ole tottunut englanninkielisiin eikä heillä ole valinnanvaraa, katsojat kaikista kulttuureista ja ihmiset käyttävät englantia, meidän on kunnioitettava kulttuuria eikä oletettava, että englantia ymmärretään englanninkielistä maailma ei voi vaatia monimuotoisuutta englanniksi, jos se olisi ainun kielellä vain kuva itkevä `Hänen Suomessa on suomea ei englantia, mutta koska harvat osaavat suomea, hän on velvollinen vetoamaan englanniksi, hän ei osaa puhua mitään muuta kieltä, ei edes pakkotaa ruotsia

[@Brakballe]

As from Norway. I say 8 of ten is the same here @HerFinland. We know yours are a more "mix" than "us" Scandinavians but belong to the same North and is HIGHLY respected. All in all, Scandinavia and Finland shares 90% and will stand by and help each other anytime. :)

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment Jan!

[@nicolecrystal6765]

Its not their fault that they are mixed its the crazy government you think they like it??

[@kiltyswitchkronikles]

We love Finland. We visited Helsinki on a cruise, and intend to go back to enjoy more of your beautiful country. We are Canadian. Many similarities.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@pobelix5803]

I suppose I'm a Finn. Yet born, raised and stuck in (northern) Germany. I miss Finland and my finnish friends in Helsinki, Tampere and Oulu.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@oqqaynewaddingxtwjy7072]

mikä typerä kommentti, en ole koskaan kuullut noin paskaa, jos olet suomalainen, mene takaisin kotiin, oletko vankilassa! he sanovat englanniksi mitä tahansa, mikä ei ole järkevää. Oletan, että et ole koulutettu

[@rebeccarogers8958]

I'm not a Finn, but grew up in an area in the US with many Finnish people. The one thing that really annoys anyone from there is the way most others pronounce sauna. So nice to hear it said properly by yourself 🙂

[@seanbirtwistle649]

but there's 2 types of sauna - 1 where you sit in a muggy 25c, and the proper sauna at 75c+. who's to say you didn't mean the former? you can call that anything you like lol

[@philippetays4263]

yes that is true i find it annoying

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting and sharing your insights!!

[@bo0tsy1]

Preach, brother

[@lowercherty]

Some of those things that come from California must be "sanas". They for sure aren't saunas.

[@norbertonunez1878]

My friends came to visit me from Argentina and we had to charge the bus card so we went to the kiosk and I said - lets go to the other one because is very full here (there were only 5 people) and they started laughing!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting Noberto!

[@Cuccos19]

When worked on a cruise ship I was able to see a little bit of Helsinki. I just loved how different from other big cities, no crowd anywhere, almost. Architecture also was very cozy, nice. As a Hungarian I can say after watching some of your videos, that we two nations maybe really related somewhat, we have so many similarties. :)

[@ibirby]

ibirby 0 seconds ago Hi. I heard Magyar and Suomi languages are from the same language groups. Other languages belonging to this group are Erzya (Mordovian) and Chuvash. If that’s truthful, this geographical distribution of nations looks very interesting and unusual… Could you please say as a native speaker have you ever experienced any reminiscence with Magyar when you hear/read Finnish language?

[@soccerprophet6495]

yep you are both European Mongols..!!!!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@ariadnagilrubio9558]

I would fit so well in Finnish society. Most of the things you listed are parts of my own personality. In Spain we are definitely not bothered by a stranger sitting next to us in the bus, but i personally find it annoying, among other examples. I get the feeling that I should've been born in Finland as I keep watching your videos! Edit: And yes, it is true that we complain about Spain a lot, and hate on it a bunch, but if someone else foes it we get annoyed

[@HerFinland]

Thank you! 🧡

[@sharonlubarsky1825]

It was interesting to learn how Finns view personal space in the classroom or other public places. I had no idea! I live in California and am 50% Finnish. I can relate to wanting personal space, must be the Finn in me! Thank you Varpu for posting videos as I learn more about my heritage! :)

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this Sharon! It means a lot to me!!!! 🤩

[@Kotifilosofi]

Another thing that people often are confused about or misinterpret as hostility, is the fact that to us Finns, personal space is not just about the physical space, but also the mental space (aka, being quiet around others on public places). Being loud or even just constantly talkative is seen as unnecessarily bothering the people around the same way as if you were sitting physically too close to them. Anything really that can bother people from their own quiet peaceful existence, can be seen as breaking the personal space. For example, you may only ask something from a stranger if you really need to, and even then apologize, go straight to the point and after you get your answer you thank and leave - whereas on some other countries it may be the expectation to continue smalltalk from there.

[@GhostAeonWolf]

its not finn in you, its human in you xD :D or just european.

[@uthinkaboutthat]

I am an American with Nordic blood. When I am seated in an empty movie theater, please don’t sit four seats away from me. When waiting to buy coffee, I shouldn’t feel your breath on my neck in the checkout line. 😂 When you’re talking on your cell phone in public or (horrors) while visiting a public restroom, please don’t act like you’re in the privacy of your own home. Maybe some things are in the DNA.

[@kajtekmccranck9978]

I want to move to Finland in near future and I find your chanell very helpful! Well - when you mentioned Finnish care about the silence (the most beautiful sound) I already fell in love with this country ♥️

[@keko4618]

Word you say is like bullet, you can not take it back. Finnish wisdom.

[@heikkihyttinen318]

never heard that saying,and im finn and lived here all of my life

[@mattipollari8905]

I am a Finnish Citizen who has lived abroad for most of my life. Three things that come to the forefront- I truly love the quiet, do not like my space compromised , and certainly do not like crowds! Varpu, I am glad that you have a sunny disposition and are not too stoic, as many of us are!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment Matti! 🧡🇫🇮

[@gregdelaney119]

As always, charmingly informative. Half-Finnish, not raised in the culture here in the United States, but I surely do prefer silence, personal space, and distance from others. I will offer these in kind, of course. Kiitos!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting Greg!

[@nowbacktoyourprogram]

This is so nice and cute The Finnish government should recruit this lady for some special office or be the official spokeswoman for tourism or something. Loving these videos.

[@HerFinland]

Awww 🥰😭 You made my day. Kiitos!

[@nowbacktoyourprogram]

@@HerFinland My pleasure!

[@StophoN]

I would personally say that the 8th point indeed applies here in Czechia as well... The personal space in public transportation goes by the same rules here too. 😅

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for commenting Krystof!🧡🙏

[@avagrego3195]

And Polish too

[@ezwages]

I must be Finnish! (I'm American) because these 10 things are all things I wish we did here. I love quite, being alone, coffee, personal space, and all + Santa can live in Finland as far as I'm concerned.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@christinearsenault1023]

I may be from Canada but listening to this video, I'm pretty sure I was Finnish in another life 😅

[@HerFinland]

Hei Christine, thank you so much for commenting! Love that 🤪

[@tinga183]

I've been doing a research in terms of different cultures and spoke with a lot of representatives of those, but finnish one took my heart completely. At some point the points you mentioned as weird are so native to my mindset. Questionning myself did I fave finns in my family XD ahaha, maybe, who knows XD Compering to my culture we have really a lot in common but the mindset is a bit different what makes things more difficult for many ppl. But when you will understand the mindset and the reason why everything is super clear and easy. I appreciate for your videos a lot, for sharing your wonderful culture with well structured content. In terms of my personal challenges here in Finland it's how to give more action to my kid, I like the way of living but she is bored a lot XD so top 10 of common kids activities in winter and the same list in summer would be a great bonus for me Kiitos, hei :)

[@HerFinland]

Hei Tinga! Great to meet you here. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences! It means the world to me!! 🤩

[@karinberryman2009]

I like how Tinga mentions her home culture (obviously she’s a migrant) and really likes Finnish cultures. She can speak both those languages, and comments in English. As an 🇦🇺 (downunder) I can speak 🇫🇷 but still have trouble understanding the spoken 🇫🇷. I really admire your discipline and embracing of multiple cultures Tinga!

[@evawidyasari]

I agree with the point about criticism XD I feel annoyed if someone criticize about the country where I am from or where I live, but I myself can criticize it :D Great video!

[@barrysteven5964]

I'm English and I think No 8 applies to us too. We are actually very good at laughing at ourselves, not taking ourselves too seriously and criticising the country. But it's OK if we do it. I don't like it so much if other people do it. I get a bit defensive.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

In the Eastern European Slavic countries like Poland self irony is seen as a weakness or not understood at all. The same goes about telling somebody something, in Nordic or Scandinavian countries the assumption is that the person is telling the truth and here in e.g. Poland the basic assumption is that you are trying to cheat someway to your advantage or just purely not telling the truth. Completely upside down and heritated probably from communistic times. But it hasn’t changed in thirty tears even with new tik tok generation.

[@michaelsmith2733]

My wife's parents are both from Finland and you got just about all of it correct. Very stoic and after 44 yrs. of marriage she doesn't say much anymore. She is very quiet and shy. I still really love her, but sometimes it would be nice to have some company with her in our old age.

[@HerFinland]

😱😅 Thank you for sharing this Michael!

[@garypeterson2079]

Thanks for the video. Good to know about riding the bus as I generally jump into the first available seat. Also I noticed my wife does tend to get annoyed if I criticize her home town. Kiitos

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for commenting Gary!🧡🙏

[@thisisnara92]

Going on a solo trip to Helsinki next month! So far after watching this video I feel more finnish than portuguese haha I hope I love to explore this bit of Finland as much as I am excited to do so. New subscriber :)

[@HerFinland]

Awwww thank you Ru!

[@ibernikov]

Thanks for video and explanations, Kiitos hyvin paljon!

[@HerFinland]

You are welcome! It is my pleasure!! 🧡🇫🇮

[@andicarson1339]

I am continually surprised how many things about myself, that my family and friends don't share, is like the Finnish culture. I live in the US, my Finnish father died when I was a child, and I have had no contact with his family. No one else in my family is Finnish. My family and community isn't like me. I am in my 50s and never found a community that I felt comfortable in. Finland sounds perfect!

[@pauljmorton]

As someone from Kouvola, my experience is that Finns are very happy to criticize towns that they haven't even visited.

[@pekkaahonen5955]

Of course we dislike Kouvola. Who doesn’t? The same goes for Pieksämäki.

[@pauljmorton]

@@pekkaahonen5955 My point is, the "don't criticize other people's towns, only criticize your own town" thing clearly isn't true.

[@pekkaahonen5955]

@@pauljmorton you’re absolutely right. Have you btw heard the song Kouvola by Kalevauva. Unless you master Finnish rather well you don’t get the text, they have songs about Espoo, Vantaa, Turku and Jyväskylä as well. Worth listening to.

[@pauljmorton]

@@pekkaahonen5955 Oon kuullu sen tahtomattanikin aika monta kertaa. On jo vituttanu aika monta vuotta tää Kouvolan jatkuva mollaaminen.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!! 🤪

[@m4rt_]

you can find other people's salary in Norway too, though it's on a website. I've also sometimes noticed in online Norwegian news there is sometimes a thing you can use to see what people in your area earn the most.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Thank you for these details. I have only been to Finland once. When I can return, I will understand more.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!

[@Chris-mf1rm]

The personal space thing is not unique. It happens here in the UK, just the distances between people are smaller because of the greater population density. It also applies especially in men’s urinals. There are unwritten rules about where you can stand. Never next to anyone else until other spaces are occupied. And a refinement is “don’t leave a two person gap because that means you reduce the ‘usable’ space for other people” 😂

[@HerFinland]

Thanks Chris! I learned a lot reading your comment! 🙈🤣

[@barrysteven5964]

I'm an English male and this is so funny. It's true wouldn't stand right next to someone unless there was nowhere else. I've never even thought about the 'two gap rule' but now I think about it, it's probably true. 🤣

[@l.a.raustadt518]

You have described my Mothers family as they all grew up only speaking Finnish in a northern Minnesota farming area. I find that even being a half breed Finn born in America I have some of the same tendencies. Must be in my DNA!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for your comment!!🧡🙏

[@janus1958]

I too grew up on a farm in Northern Minn.(in the Range). Both my parents spoke Finnish and English. I'm a "full breed" Finn, as all my grandparents were born in Finland.

[@sciencetechnology9167]

Thanks for information ℹ️ it's useful.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much!🧡🙏

[@katzag8915]

Thank you for your videos! I don’t know how, but I feel so comfortable with the things that Finnish people like and dislike. Thins is how I like to live my life in my country in which I end up feeling like an outcast most of the time (I am greek) I respect so much personal space and silence and nature and and waiting in line and many other things that look unknown ever weird to my fellow citizens! So much so I believe I would like try living in Finland so much!🙏🏽👏🤍

[@huseynmashadiyev5435]

"Finland is such a small country" being 4 times larger than mine :)

[@HerFinland]

Good point, perspectives!!

[@geoffpool7476]

I am a third generation Finnish American immigrant. Althought I have not yet been able to travel to Finnland (yet), it is on my list. I have never enjoyed loud/abrasive noises/yelling. I did not realize it was a finish custom. Coffee is certainly part of my daily diet and I would not be at home without it. My grandfather build his own sauna (rocks and all) and I remember enjoying it as a child - always take the time to enjoy it.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@kommad.2931]

Being aware of your surroundings, not making noises, avoiding crowds ... seems like my dream place to live. I have this colleague at work who always walks around whistling, and I can't stand it, and even less when he does it early in the morning. Have I confronted him about it? No. You just don't do that around here in cases like that, unless you want to appear misanthropic. Do I yearn for a workplace where people respect other people's need for silence which is essential (to me) to be productive? Yes!

[@mabecat9581]

Off-topic but maybe you can help me: Last week I was in Helsinki and in the hotelroom on TV I heard a version of "Help yourself" from Tom Jones in Finnish which sounded absolutely gorgeous. I don't know who sang it, I reckon it wasn't Tom Jones but a finnish singer. Unfortunately my internet search came to no result. Maybe you know the answer?

[@EnyalienMini]

Ok, I'm definitely Finn... The quiet sounds amazing. Can't stand how everyone is so noisy here!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this Tina! It means a lot to me! 🧡🙏

[@Katirin89]

For some reason I ended up in this video and watched to see if I agree (I'm finnish). And this sounds about right. Although personally I don't often think it's crowded when there's more than few people present in the same space. But that's because I used to work in South-Korea and I studied in Seoul. I got used to those huge crowds and when I came back to Finland it was like a paradise of personal space.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@domroc5776]

Definitely agree about no mustard with sausage is a faus pax, US midwesterner.

[@hannahs4779]

Yes joulupukki is in Rovaniemi! I’ve met him! 😂

[@HerFinland]

Awesome Hannah!!

[@rogeredwards3563]

Finland sounds absolutely heavenly. 🙂

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting Roger!

[@bigmacntings7451]

haha you are absolutely right varpu. santa DOES live in finland.I have personally met him! For the other 364 days of the year he works as a taxi driver in oulu.

[@skoro-vernus]

Lovely vid. Those tiny things make a perfect sense, especially sauna things. Leaving door open so heat would escape simply disturbs other visitors, not only in Finland. Pouring too much water and then escaping the sauna is simply ridiculous. Also I have noticed that casual meaningless small talks among strangers is very much not a Finnish thing. In Finland if you have nothing to say you better stay quiet. Is it true?

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!!

[@radthibidaeux8229]

I live in a small apartment house, there is a Cuban immigrant who likes to stand in the PUBLIC areas, put her phone on SPEAKER, and have very LOUD conversations in SPANISH, at all hours of the day AND night. I'm talking in the hallways, in the parking lot, etc . . . but never just outside her OWN window, or by her doorway, just in the public areas. The other day it was 1 AM on a WEEKNIGHT and both my daughter and I were awakened (could hear her clearly through TWO heavy Finnish doors!) by the loud yammering. 1 . . . bloody AM and she's in the HALLWAY talking very loudly on SPEAKER? That was the final straw for me. She's awakened us many times before, (we rise at 330 for WORK) but I'd had enough and emailed the house manager to put an end to this. Oddly enough, she lives ALONE, so it's not like she would be disturbing anyone if she behaved this way INSIDE her own apartment . . . but no, it has to be PUBLIC. It's been quiet now for a week. Thank God.

[@milkisacake1308]

I think the type of language is the least of your problems

[@radthibidaeux8229]

@@milkisacake1308 Actually, no. The language used to hold loud speakerphone conversations in the parking just outside my window at 1 AM on a worknight DOES kind of matter a bit . . . because I happen to UNDERSTAND some/most of it. Had it been Somali, or Russian, or one of the other many languages spoken by the OTHER immigrants who live nearby, maybe NOT so annoying? But I cannot compare, because only the CUBAN gal is acting this way . . . the other immigrants are acting like FINNS . . . and showing a little respect for their neighbors. Now what's YOUR problem?

[@milkisacake1308]

@@radthibidaeux8229 .....they arent acting like finns..they are only acting like polite and normal people..i dont think all the people in cuba are like her..and you shouldnt believe it either..omg

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It means a lot to me! 🧡🙏

[@edonveil9887]

I'm happy that you did not need to talk to her...

[@nomnomstirn1532]

I can relate with the needing space as a person from America. Though it may not be something everyone cares so much about, it’s nice being able to try to distance yourself from others when you get the chance. I say this as a person living in the city who then moved to the suburbs and then back to the city. I personally find it disrespectful for a person/stranger to go out of their way to get any closer to yourself than they need to. People need to respect space. But sadly some people from where I’m from don’t seem to understand(Creeps, wanting to get into other’s business). Even with the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@mecano8848]

I love this chanel & i love your style

[@HerFinland]

Thank you!

[@rada1581]

I appreciate your video! I believe I would love to visit Finland.

[@HerFinland]

I wish you will come visit Finland someday soon then!! ❣️🇫🇮

[@bigscarysteve]

In America, I'd say it's okay to criticize another town--as long as you're not in that town. For example, it's okay to criticize New York if you're in Boston or Philadelphia, regardless of where you're from. But if you're in New York, don't criticize New York--unless you happen to be from New York. Also, if you're in Boston or Philadelphia (for example) and you're talking to a New Yorker, don't criticize New York--unless you're looking for a fight.

[@jeffbruce]

If you are in Boston you are actually required to criticize New Youk. 😂

[@h.a.s.7336]

Yeah...I don't know if it's my half Finnish ancestry, but I don't like it when people criticize where I grew up or where I live unless they also have roots in that place. Nor do I like it if people criticize my family or friends.

[@HerFinland]

This is super interesting and I can totally understand! Thank you so much for your comment! It means a lot to me! 🧡🙏

[@carseye1219]

All 4 of my grandparents came to the USA from Finland. I wanted to give a Finnish name to my new cat. A Finnish relative suggested "Kulta". It is her name now. Was it a good choice? Searches give the word many different meanings.

[@elisam.5760]

It’s a common term of endearment between a couple. “Babe”, “honey”, “love”. Yes, it also means “gold” but when used on a person (or, I guess, an animal), it means the former.

[@carseye1219]

@@elisam.5760 Kiitos!

[@piialiina]

What a great name ♥️

[@HerFinland]

Awww Kulta is a very sweet name for a cat!!

[@HerFinland]

True, thank you for commenting on this E!!!

[@DreamsOfFinland]

love your channel

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much!

[@deancary6676]

Thank you for validating my pronunciation of "sauna" - I use one rgularly as part of my exercise routine but nobody here (New Zealand) knows what I'm referring to, because everyone here says it "sawwne".

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@accordion120]

I am 40 years old and was born and raised Finish American (my great grandparents immigrated). Most of what you shared in the video are applicable to my family and the Lutheran church i grew up in. There in alot of comfort in shared silence. If we can avoid lines we will. Talking bad about communities outside of our own is considered gossip. Sauna should be respected, coffee at many points of the day, and if you have a visitor coffee will ALWAYS be part of the visit.

[@eleigar1]

I might sound offensive so sorry about that but I am also really curious about Americans' enthusiasm for being something else than plain, boring American. It was your great grandparents who immigrated so how are you exactly Finnish American? Do even one of your parents speak Finnish? Have you ever even visited Finland? Do you think it's because American history is relatively short and you need to feel like you are part of something older? This seems to be a very American thing because Europeans don't really put such an emphasis on their ancestry. My husband is half Austrian, who studied German in school and lived a year in Austria and has spent holidays in there but he considers himself to be just Finnish. And sorry in advance if you felt attacked because it wasn't my intention. I kind of admire that American way of being so proud of their ancestry even though the whole concept feels so weird.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@eleigar1 Americans often keep some customs and carry on ways from heritage countries. (Not all, but some value this). And many Europeans do value and are proud of their heritages and passing it along. I for example was born in Denmark to American teacher parents. Half my ancestors came from the Netherlands in the 1890's-1905. Family friends from Denmark and Neth. visited USA several times when I was a kid, and gladly appreciated our interest in and valuing of Danish and Dutch customs. When I visited Denmark and Netherlands, likewise, lots of happy cultural sharing. My neighbor and best friend as a kid had Northern Italian ancestry. His grandparents happily shared with him. His dad taught me about some differences between Northern and Southern Italian ways.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting and sharing!! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@nergal2741]

​@@eleigar1its really just that .. they all want to be something else, that's why many do those stupid "genetic heritage" tests and then come out and say "hey, i'm 2% finnish, 1.5% german and 1.2% italian, so i'm basically a Finnish American !! ridiculous

[@marcelovillarino]

Hola. A mi me resulta raro lo del transporte. Aquí en Argentina la gente tiende a sentarse en cualquier lugar. Incluso es común que te hablen para conversar. Sería ofensivo si alguien se sienta al lado tuyo y de pronto esa persona se para y se sienta en otro lugar. Muchas gracias por tus videos me resulta muy interesante conocer de un país ta lejano.

[@cayenigma]

Hola, no, no nos levantamos y nos vamos a otro lado a sentarnos. Simplemente no nos sentamos a su lado si hay una fila de asientos vacía en otro lugar. Me refiero a ambos asientos vacantes.

[@tevaz5001]

Vivo en Argentina y según lo que veo yo, tendemos a elegir un asiento vacío. Si hay una persona, elijo otro donde los dos lugares estén desocupados. Y si un loco se me sienta al lado estando el ómnibus vacío, me levanto y me cambio de asiento!

[@HerFinland]

Hei Marcelo, thank you for commenting 🤩🇫🇮

[@BrianJuntunen]

I agree with quite a few items on the list of things that annoy Finnish people. I wonder if these things were brought over to America when our ancestors arrived. Saunas are big with us and in fact we were naked and the whole thing all together in the sauna. Being too close in proximity to others is another and the bus thing where you sit in your own spot until the bus is full and there is no choice but to sit next to someone else. There are many more that I don't know if they are from Finland or from the lutheran church.

[@poloffinland]

Oh that coffee thing 😅😅 new subscriber here 🇵🇭🇫🇮

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮 Welcome!!!

[@AslanKyoya1776]

Being quiet and mindful of your surroundings is something we should be doing here in the US, but there's usually some people who take that as a suggestion or just don't care. 90% of the time everyone is quiet and minds their own business, but the other 10% I've seen people having loud chats, playing music from a crappy phone speaker, or worst of all, getting in a shouting fight. If I get a phone call from someone I know I always quietly say "I'm on a bus/train, let me ring you back".

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@-.-4]

I’m in the US, I can say yes to almost all of these. Small elevators. The older I get, give me quiet. Large family. I finally get to live alone. Me and my cat. Personal space! Build the sauna first, then the house. My grandparents came over in the late 1800’s. Boy, it’s so nice that someone understands me.😂 Finnish was my mother’s first language. Thank you.😊

[@RT-mn2pb]

Thanks you for your video. On criticism: In the US you can criticize your own group, such as a career group, or a racial group, or a political group and it's more ok for you, but less ok for others. But location criticism is less of a problem. That may be because we move around a lot, so we usually feel less tied to our location. However, this may be less true for those who grew up in rural areas and never left there.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!

[@DrMariannaWWinchester]

I'm laughing with the quiet rules and personal space😂😂 - my Greek ass would love to have such things 😭

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@billking8843]

Strayan here. If someone says to us 'We should have a beer/ get a pizza/ whatever' we also assume they mean it and try to make a time. I think Strayans and Nordic people generally click.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jini5577]

I love your videos from 🇹🇷 Can u make some videos about traditional and cultural celebrations in Suomi? or Finns religion before Christianity?

[@HerFinland]

Hei Jini! I will keep this in mind. In my blog I have a post about traditional celebrations in Finland already: herfinland.com/public-holidays-finland/ Hope this could be useful! 🧡🇫🇮

[@peterdesmidt8742]

What an amusing list!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!! 🤩

[@pugetsoundterry]

There were 5 Finnish families on the country road where we lived. Most came from the part that Russia took from Finland during the wars. They were such nice people and I still remember them fondly.

[@Sienisota]

In my experience, Karelian Finns are usually a bit more talkative and warm up faster than an average finn. When we had to move after Russians took our land, in some finnish places, other Finns found our ways a bit strange and overly friendly, before they got used to us.

[@lowercherty]

I noticed when my dad and uncle were having a conversation they stood side by side facing the same way.

[@airborneranger-ret]

I think I'm in love - words chosen carefully :)

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for your comment!🙏

[@joesmith9139]

About ten years ago we, my partner and I hosted a Finnish couple through Couchsurfing. It was winter, cold for us. The Finnish guy arrived in sandals, and explained to us that he really hated shoes. They were super nice, we had a great conversation. Before they left, we hugged them both. The guy went along with it, but you could tell he was unconfortable. The girl just became super rigid, her whole body stiffened, her face turned red. It was clearly a shock to her. I felt so sorry to violate her personal space like that out of ignorance. Anyway, we stayed in touch for years afterwards, and I still think about them sometimes, although our roads has never crossed again.

[@elizabethrobbins4779]

I love my Finnish friends (known since jr. high school age) ! I would like apartments and public transportation to be quiet here in the US too , but alas, we can't always control what others do. As for criticism I am cautious and why bother if it doesn't bring any kind of growth. It sounds like Finns are polite and practical , maybe a little standoffish at first, but then become great friends. We keep a little less personal space between us here but that can be cultural too, many people like to hug their friends and talk to strangers at the store etc. or say "hi" to everyone. My background has Finnish (Turkuu) Swedish (Vastarnorland), Russian, German, Irish, Scottish, English and French - so my family had a certain quietness about it and we had lots of Swedish food too

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing your experiences Elizabeth! Super interesting!

[@Nc-ru5do]

In regards to the seating arrangements on public transport , on the chance you do have to share a seat , how would you approach asking the right person who to sit next to ? I am asking as someone who is wanting to visit the country but is absolutely terrified of scaring the locals as I am a chatty oversharer !!

[@elisam.5760]

You don’t ask. You scan the vehicle for empty seats and if there are none, you can silently sit next to someone, preferably in a way that leaves a little space between the two of you ie. not touching them.

[@Nc-ru5do]

@@elisam.5760 thank you ! I wasn’t sure if it was seen as polite to ask for the spot , or if it was seen as annoying .

[@HerFinland]

This is soooo true!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It means a lot to me! 🧡🙏

[@Chahlie]

Canadian here, and I appreciate it (as a female) if a man briefly says "may I?" before he plunks himself down, it's just polite. With women it's usually eye contact and a smile :)

[@TheLimhammett]

Seems like a dreamland for me!

[@RandyWHorton]

I am traveling to Helsinki next week. I am a IRL Streamer and always have my phone streaming my life everywhere, is this OK in Helsinki?

[@HerFinland]

Personally, I would not film other people without their consent.

[@IgniteFutures]

Hei Varpu.. love the details of Finnish annoyance; I find it difficult not to speak to people on the bus - in UK, it depends where you are from about talking to other people.. in Nottingham yes, in London no. Planing my next visit in March - t. Rick

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for commenting Rick!🧡🙏 I hope your trip to Finland will be amazing!!

[@Elizabeth-vh6il]

Remember seeing the phone cupboard icon on Finnish trains and wishing we had that in the UK too.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment Elizabeth!

[@TravelPortugalBrasilTPB]

Kiitos. I am a Finn but have been living abroad about the half of my life. 👍🤗😘

[@lex4089]

I am always sceptical of generalisations. However, the more I listen to these videos the more Finland feels like somewhere that would fit my natural disposition.

[@erniebuchinski3614]

As an American who has lived in Helsinki since 1995, I can confirm that these observations are highly accurate, and it's wise to follow them. If I may be so bold, I might add one more, related to the first one: You should NEVER fart in the sauna. It's practically grounds for deportation. Well, that's perhaps a bit of an exaggeration. 🤣 Kiitos, Varpu!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment Ernie! 🤩

[@sacredceltic]

Hi. I’m French and live in Belgium and I screwed up my first and only date with a Finnish girl, because I fixed the date in a bar-restaurant and she never dared enter it, waiting for me at the door outside in freezing cold (by my standards…) while I was waiting for her inside, as I never had the mere idea to wait outside in the cold instead of feeling cosy inside while sipping my glass of wine. Eventually she went away and thought that I was a rude person 🤷‍♂️

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing this personal experience!

[@drummerchicago]

wow here in the USA none of things would annoy us at all. New sub here...would love to see a video about Finland becoming NATO's newest member. Has it changed its culture in anyway? Wikll they change in the future?

[@smilingdog2219]

The quiet reminds me of my visit with family in Alabama. They talk slowly with long pauses between replies. I grew up in big cities and they told me I sound crazy because I talk fast and frequently. This gave me anxiety.

[@97henrik041]

Hyvää päivää, Varpu. I think there is a bit of a Finn in everybody. I hate people sitting beside me on a tram when more space is available elsewhere on the tram. I appreciate silence and wish more people could be silent (I come from a country of wold-class chatterboxes). I have to agree with the insistence of having mustard with sausages and finally I am trying to persuade my wife to lose weight in order to enter the wife-carrying competition. (She is resisting this big time!) Hyvästi!

[@HerFinland]

❣️🇫🇮 Thank you for your comment!

[@Jota-we2is]

Hola! creo que todo lo que comentas me resulta absolutamente razonable. Para mi son normas básicas de educación. En España, cuando entras a un bus, intentas no sentarte al lado de otra persona si existe algún hueco vacío. La gran virtud específicamente finlandesa desde mi punto de vista es el respeto a las otras personas, respeto que se aprecia, sobre todo, en el silencio. Creo que hay pocos países tan respetuosos. En los países más cálidos, existe muchísimo ruido y la gente habla con un volumen de voz excesivo hasta el punto de que en determinadas ocasiones, la vida se hace imposible: hace unos años estuve a punto de cambiarme de casa por el excesivo ruido de mis vecinos. Una cosa que no has comentado y que, pienso, molesta a los finlandeses es que se les considere "vikingos"; según me comentaron, ese tipo de confusión es una confusión importante. Muchas gracias por estos videos, tengo amigos en Finlandia y este mes de febrero iré a hacer una visita a ese maravilloso país. Kiitos!

[@philomelodia]

Different strokes for different folks. In some places and in some cultures silently sitting there next to somebody is considered extremely rude or, at least, unfriendly. You are expected to at the very least offer a greeting. If you don’t, you are seen as stuck up like you’re too good to talk to people. Same goes for those people that won an entire bench all to themselves on the bus. That is unreasonable. These vehicles were designed to seat as many people as possible and for one person to want to take up the entire seat and not want someone sitting next to them is just selfish. If everybody does that all the time, it is just wasteful because you will have buses that are very large and very empty wasting all of that fuel. I guess the moral of the story here is that “when in Rome, do as the Romans.” In other words, respect local customs when visiting a new place One person’s good manners is another’s rudeness.

[@HerFinland]

Apologies but I don't understand Spanish. Thanks for the comment though! 🇫🇮

[@rickedwin3789]

Interesting about Scandinavia. We were taught in elementary school (USA)- many decades ago - that Scandinavia was Norway, Sweden. and Finland. I've been to Finland several times, and luckily have never mentioned that.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing this Rick!

[@xYarbx]

Well technically it's true Finland has territory in the Scandinavian peninsula it's just that people can't agree on the definition some say it's because of language, some the territory, culture, etc. Always safer to say Nordic unless you got extra 10mins and energy to find out how that person defines Scandinavian.

[@barrysteven5964]

Scandinavia is Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The Nordic countries are Scandinavia plus Iceland, The Faroes and Finland.

[@xYarbx]

@@barrysteven5964 Denmark is not located in Scandinavia.

[@kasseesmythe8738]

@@xYarbx barry said that Denmark is Scandinavian. Alaska and Hawaii are both "American" even though they are not part of the US mainland. It think sharing historical, cultural, and linguistic roots with Sweden and Norway makes Denmark Scandinavian.

[@jsigur157]

Yes, would be true of a lot of things, family, town, country, of course in the USA its only the old time conservatives that are all proud of their country and don't want to hear anyone criticize it! As I have educated myself about your area, I became quite aware that Finland was not officially Scandinavian but did not know they would be included in the Nordic category but makes total sense I believe Finland is more ethnically aligned with Euro Russia than the Viking culture and can see that different shape of the skull especially

[@lisarochwarg4707]

American city buses can get crowded as hell, especially during rush hour. It's a fact of life you live with. We're not quiet in public either. I'm used to it. It doesn't really bother me that much.

[@paulyandle6081]

Two things I LOVE about Finland: The Education System Sanna Marin

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for your comment!!🧡

[@ruthnoronha8206]

Having been born and raised in Africa one thing that was different in Canada is people mask their true feelings. So you never really know where you stand. The only way I learned what not to do is when I heard people talk of someone else doing something that they thought was a no no. In Africa ( not rudely) they will tell you not to do or say that. Also when you ask how are you doing? In Canada you are expected to say fine or good. Even if your parent passed away and you are having the worst crisis. People have no time to listen to your problems. In Africa don’t say how are you because they will let you know and you better have time to listen. So we try hard to avoid someone if we are in a hurry. I suppose Canadians have a lot of mixed heritage and these weird mannerisms still follow the next generations. I’ve lived in a few countries. I have not found one I really liked… like home…so I see my self in my heart as still searching.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It means a lot to me! 🧡🙏

[@cayenigma]

We Finns are the same, we answer to the 'how are you' literally. We however, will not say to your face if you did a wrong social thing.

[@ruukinen]

@@cayenigma I'd say it depends. People might not talk about their recently deceased relative but sometimes they indeed might.

[@robertmonds4762]

I was not aware of all of the things that Finns do not like. I was born in Finland and have lived in Australia since 1959. I will be very interested in following more information from your channel, as Finland is still my homeland. Pirkko from Queensland Australia

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for your comment!🧡🙏

[@tisadouglas666]

I love that personal space is culture! I am not quiet. I think I would have to practice before visiting Finland. 🇫🇮

[@TheArmourflame]

About the first one, I was told to put water on the rocks right before leaving the sauna for the saunatonttu 🤔

[@annabackman5204]

What she is referring to is that if you are several people in the sauna, you shouldn't throw water on the stones and leave the sauna. If you are the last person leaving the sauna, then you can throw water on the stove for the saunatonttu.

[@HerFinland]

Yes, that's a great point @Chandler_Ross and thank you so much for explaining, Anna 🧡

[@jopi19891]

I moved to espoo 4 months ago. And learn a lot of the common behaviour. Many good things, nice people, warm people 1. finish people don’t 4:56 know how to use an elevator - never mind if goes up or down they enter blindly without letting people first out. There is an arrow point where it goes, just a tip. 2.you drive horribly and aggressiv- lived in 5 countires till now - so much speeding, red light crossing, driving to close to another car, not keeping the safety distance makes me question where you learn to drive - and no, you are not all rally drivers or famous f1 drivers. 3. you work really slow - insurance companies, banks, post - i dont know if you don’t care or its just pure laziness. 4. you are often really negative in your choice of words and mood - hint - its a choice I love it so far, no country is perfect, there is always positiv and negativ things, this is not a critic to you to change dear finish people, just an observation

[@HerFinland]

Hahah! This is so true 🤣 Thank you for commenting!

[@TeeTee-qg6yj]

Maybe these observations are located only at that specific region in Finland? The reason this thought came into my mind is that I'm able to regocnise these behaviours just occasionally, if at all, here where I live (in Finland).

[@christinefischer2137]

Hi there from germany. it seems my own psyche comes pretty close to the finnish one. especially the missing mustard when it comes to sausages.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@user-David-Alan]

Sounds like all common sense to me. Must be a great place to live. Thank you.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment David! 🤩🧡🇫🇮 Best wishes from Finland!

[@asadmaraqa7881]

Public transport is quite but not on weekends evening 😊😂