10 Tiny Things That Annoy Finns

[@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.🫣

[@khouloudism]

😂😂😂

[@lowercherty]

A non Finnish friend said he's never playing poker with me again. He said my face didn't move the whole night.

[@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! 🧡🇫🇮

[@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??

[@martimasters7704]

Considering that Finland has a million-man army (active and reserve) with more artillery than any country in Europe, a formidable air force, and one of the most competent defensive navies in the world, I'd say you Scandanavians are damn lucky Finland is part of The Nordic Alliance. For sure, the Free World welcomes both Finland and Sweden to NATO,

[@R4ttl3h34d]

I've watched a few of your videos. I'm Canadian, but my dads side of the family are Finnish. I feel like I relate more to Finnish people then anyone else. I think I might ask my grandmother for some language lessons. It's time I took a trip and experienced genuine Finnish culture for myself.

[@kevinheisey4350]

Or "10 reasons I enjoy visiting Finland" 😄

[@HerFinland]

🤪 Awesome, Kevin! Thanks for commenting!

[@hottractor1999]

Ha ha, i thought the same!

[@justanothergunnerd8128]

Yes!

[@martimasters7704]

Next time you visit Finland, be sure to take the cruise from Turku to Stockholm. It's cheap, fun, and Stockholm is really worth seeing.

[@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.

[@-.-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.😊

[@jenniferbishop-jenkins5792]

I loved this video! I visited your beautiful Helsinki when I was in college in 1979. I loved this list of cultural annoyances. I was a history and geography teacher. I believe that it is true what we say - that "Geography Is the Mother of History" especially with this list. Because your population is small, the personal space issue really seems a very natural consequence. Everyone gets and wants a lot of their own space.

[@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…❤

[@SoyMungbean-jy6dh]

I love the point about keeping silent in public places, in apartment, and keeping distance between each other in public places, and avoiding crowds. Because i am also like that myself

[@natalyaa4928]

in Finland it is very comfortable to be an introvert and a loner. there is no hostility just because you are quiet

[@martimasters7704]

That was true until Gen Alpha. Those kids have no qualms about talking to each other loudly on the bus, laughing hysterically, or sharing vids on their phones (so they have to take off their ear buds). When this happened on the early morning express bus to Helsinki (6 am), I finally got up and whispered in the girl sitting closest to the aisle, "Are you fucking crazy or were you raised in a barn?" They immediately became quiet and no more bad manners on the bus.

[@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! 🧡🇫🇮

[@sergpags1914]

As a foreigner here in Finland, these things that you have mentioned are important to adopt to the Finnish way of life better. Kiitos.

[@Hassoon_117]

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 😅

[@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 ♥️

[@martimasters7704]

Actually, the most sound in Finland is Apocalyptical...

[@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! 🧡

[@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!

[@justanothergunnerd8128]

I should've been born a Finn! I am very eager to visit Suomi - love and respect from the USA!

[@kallekas8551]

Tervetuloa!🙏

[@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

[@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

[@elementumignis]

In Poland we have a saying: „talking is silver, silence is gold” 😁

[@martimasters7704]

@@oqqaynewaddingxtwjy7072 WTF??? Can you please write that again... in English this time?!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@togrowagarden]

As someone born in America 3rd generation but family heritage is from Finland these all felt so natural, I agree with all of them except #8 that must be the American in me.

[@robotrash41]

As a Finn whose never been to Finland, all these things seem natural to me, except the mustard part.

[@pekkaahonen5955]

@@robotrash41 ???? Do we have here the American definition of nationality based solely on the origin of the grandparents? Maybe not. If your parents are Finns you qualify. Otherwise not I think if you never lived here. Some other explanations may exist but I didn’t find any in three minutes.

[@Aryemband]

Moi! Me ollaan meksikosta! In México we don't get upset when someone else from Mexico makes criticism about your hometown. But there are three rules to keep in mind if you want to criticise anything Mexico-related: 1) If a Mexican person who lives outside of Mexico criticises mexican culture, food or traditions, native mexicans get really angry. 2) When a foreigner speaks ill of mexican culture to a mexican or in the prescence of a Mexican, mexican people get instantly livid. (BIG NO NO) 3) If anyone (foreigner or abroad mexican) criticizes our goverment, then we imedeately agree with you and start trash-talking our system with you, everyone hates our political system. TLDR: Mexicans are very proud of our traditions and culture, but we don't mind bad-mouthing our hometowns and goverment and others are allowed to do so too.

[@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!

[@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!! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@martimasters7704]

Some Finnish food is similar in taste to some Hungarian food, particularly when Finns marinate meat or cook in a rather spicey sauce.

[@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.

[@martimasters7704]

@@Kotifilosofi As for emergencies, Finns remind me a lot of the country folk in Michigan. If you get stranded by the side of the road, it won't be long before someone stops to help you out. The UNREAL THING is how far a Finn will go to help you. Here's 2 examples that happenee d to me in my 20+ years living here in Finland: 1. Ran out of gas because I was late and forgot to fill up the car on the way from Uusikaupunki to Turku. I realized my mistake 1 km past the gas station on the Kustavi Road as my car sputtered to a halt. Within a couple minutes, an elderly couple stopped. When they found out the problem, they turned their car around and drove me to the gas station. The owner of the gas station loaned me a plastic container to buy gas and her colleague drove me back to my car! 2. In 2016, I was coming home from a guinea pig (marsu) show in Hameenlinna. It was miserable weather - fog, freezing rain mixed with snow, icy roads with a thin layer of water on top. I was driving 60 kmph (36 mph). Only the trucks were going the 80 kmph (48 mph) speed limit. As I came around a curve, my trusty Saab 9-3 started to hydroplane. Obviously, I couldn't accelerate to straighten her out on a curve (she's a front-wheel drive), so I thought I'd let her get on the shoulder and then straighten. BUT, the shoulder turned out to be narrower than it looked as it was just an ice-covered snow, which gave way and I was headed down the steep embankment. No, problem, I thought, just steer straight and stop at the bottom, where there was a narrow strip of field before the forest. But NOOOO!!!! The embankment was rough and bumpy like a potato field. I managed to steer to avoid hitting an electric pole and finally came to rest on the edge of a stream. So, I wiped the sweat off my forehead and breathed a huge sigh of relief. BUT THEN THE SNOW GAVE WAY BY THE CREEK! And my precious Saab rolled over into the stream and landed upside down. Somehow, I managed to get out and rescue the guinea pigs, who were in an ATA flght case, strapped securely to the back seat. As I clamored up the steep embankment, two Finnish guys ran towards me. One took the guinea pig case and the other helped me up the rest of the way. But instead of handing me the guinea pigs, he gave the case to a lady, who took it into a van parked by the side of the road with her husband and kids inside. She said, "Pidän ne lämpiminä pakettiautossa" (I will keep them warm in the van) God bless the Finnish Police who took a quick look to make sure no-one was dead as they drove by. A short while later, the ambulance came and the driver said, "There's been a wreck a couple km behind you." I guess that explained the police. After the doctor at the locak clinic made sure we were okay, the nurse called a taxi, and the insurance company paid the bill. I'm sure in Michigan, someone would stop if they saw a car accident. But the degree to which Finns bent over backwards for my guinea pigs was truly impressive and I'm grateful to this day. Because even though they are the longhair variety with thick fur coats, they can't tolerate temperatures below 18 C (64 F). Thanks again, Finland !!! :)

[@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.

[@jude4381]

Being the granddaughter of Finnish immigrants, I agree with much you said. I don't like being in a crowd of people, or sitting close to others in public, guess it's in the DNA!

[@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 🤪

[@TravelPortugalBrasilTPB]

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

[@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.

[@mariaschoenfeld]

You have such a friendly way of explaing everything. So comforting to listen to your videos :-). We are moving from UK to Finland in 2025 and videos as such prepare us a little bit for the culture we are going to dive in.

[@eevagronstrand3205]

One very important thing is missing from this list. Finns get really annoyed if you don't stick to the agreed schedules. A Finn can wait five minutes in peace, but after that he starts to get irritated. If he has to wait ten minutes or more, it makes him furious.

[@natalyaa4928]

true. DO NOT BE LATE in Finland

[@tubetorpedo]

Because they have accustomed that things in general happen within the given time. If you e.g. have a meeting or doctors appointment or whatever at 14 o'clock and train leaves e.g. 15, you have to go and pick up kids at half past 15 and it takes time to go to the train station and forward from there it is not nice if instead of 14 meeting starting in time it then messes up other things along the way. If there is nothing else planned schedules falling apart is not as bad. But if you have other things planned, work to be done, meetings to have for it is very annoying.

[@martimasters7704]

That's why I like France. If you're late, a Frenchie doesn't get mad at all. Instead, he or she will check the time and think, "Okay, now I can make another phone call..."

[@turpasauna]

When the first African immigrants came here and started to use the public services, this was a huge issue: if the doctor's appointment was at 8.45, the immigrant would come around noon and be confused why the doctor wasn't in anymore. 😅 Finns think behavior like this is rude and lazy, as you have no regard for the time of someone else, and have used public resources in vain.

[@theborg2638]

As a german with a slight asperger tendency i truly love the fins! They tick all the right boxes for me.

[@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!

[@marcinborkowicz2557]

Varpu, it seems I have a Finnish soul! The sauna, a peaceful neighbourhood, quiet commuting, coffee... all matches in me!! There is tough one thing which I probably wouldn't stand if living myself in Finland: the short summer and dark, cold days. Therefore I have a proposal: let's open another Finland (Finland 2.0😄) somewhere closer to the Equator😂 then I move immediately!

[@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

[@Hairysteed]

If you ask a Finn how he's doing, he'll tell you. It's not what you wanted, but you did in fact ask!

[@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.

[@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!

[@martimasters7704]

My husband is Finnish and the way I get him to converse is suggest we do something together - even if it's just a cup of coffee in the kitchen. The other thing I do is make a plan for at least one day a week to go somewhere - a walk in the forest, a drive in the countryside, go to the farm with the petting zoo, shopping at the mall, whatever. When you're in the car or walking, your spouse can't retreat to silent mode. It seems like an effort at first and you might resent always being the one who has to initiate an activity to get some normal conversation, but it will pay off in the long run. And never give up. Your spouse might never suggest going somewhere, but you keep doing it. Because at some point, your wife might INITIATE conversation with you. When my husband did that one day, I must admit, I almost fell out of my chair!

[@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!

[@martimasters7704]

You can do a family tree look-up. In Michigan's upper peninsular, there are 250,000 Finns living there, who came over in the 1800's to cut trees. America needed lumberjacks and Finland had a supply of them (which is why Finland still has major forests and Michigan not so much... har!) The kids up there learn Finnish as their cradle language (even the ones who are not Finnish) as well as English. The interesting thing is that the Finnish spoken up there is the same as it was 200 years ago. Meanwhile, in Finland the language has evolved.

[@gordo4559]

I definitely related to a lot of those Finnish characteristics because my DNA comes back 96% Finnish with all four of my grandparents being born in Finland and I’m second generation American. I definitely do not like crowds or real close neighbors that’s why I feel very comfortable living on 120 acres here in Upper Michigan. I’m in the process doing family research of family in Finland in preparation of my first trip there in next summer.

[@turpasauna]

Welcome! Lots of Savonians moved to the US during one time, your genes are still there. ❤ Michigan is gorgeous btw.

[@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!🧡🙏

[@älylaite]

As a Finn #1 on my list is LITTERING. Do not throw your candy wrappers or cigarette butts on the street or especially on the hiking trail or the forest. It might be common in someones home country just to dump trash on the streets and someone else will clean it up and it’s not a big deal. While that is also true in Finland, I get deeply irritated when someone eats a bag of chips and drops the bag on the pavement. The wind will pick it up and the next thing you know it ends up in the forest or a lake which is a home for the rest of the species living in Finland. When you go camping bring back all of your trash from your trip and keep the nature clean.

[@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!! 🤪

[@tisadouglas666]

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

[@martimasters7704]

There is an old saying, "Finland has Swedish and Finnish as the two official languages, and Finns are silent in both of them."

[@carlyle418]

It's like a list of 10 reasons I really should be Finnish.

[@markopalikko6986]

I'm Finnish and you're correct.

[@martimasters7704]

Even the mustard ???

[@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!!

[@martimasters7704]

Yes and no. There are chatty Finns - a few anyways. And most of those chatty Finns love conversing with foreigners... to the annoyance of other Finns.

[@MikkoMurmeli]

As a finn of 40 years old native, always lived here in this lifetime, the only thing I really, and noticeably, disagree with in this list, is: Coffee. I know many finns drink it, and when I started my factory job here maybe 15 years ago, I tried it a few times too because co-workers encouraged me to. But I got shakes and weak feeling and something wasn't right, so I stopped and didn't come back. After that I've only drank coffee once or twice, when I went to a date with a nice lady, and she liked special coffees so I took one too, just to support her with that psychologically. Not because I was too interested in it though.

[@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. 🤣

[@martimasters7704]

Different cultures have different norms. A friend of mine really had to get used to the kissy huggy Brazilians and a Dutch friend of mine found Finns to be cold. As for me, I found Japan very suited to my taste and France more than Finland. While I have great respect for Finland and some Finns, the only reason I'm still here is because my husband is Finnish. It may be a great country to visit, but it is not the easiest to integrate into. Twenty years ago, if you moved into city with 15K people or less that was an hour's drive from a big city, you were not welcome as a foreign immigrant by the locals. It's different now that everyone after Baby Boomers grew up with the Internet and have a more cosmopolitan view of life. But 20 years ago, the only Finns who really welcomed foreigners were primarily those who lived in Turku, Tampere, and Helsinki.

[@ValleysOfNeptune2150]

I hate when people leave the sauna right after the steam goes on ! I live in australia, I build my own Sauna 😊

[@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! 🧡🙏

[@AndyDavor19]

8. Slovakia. It is basically the same. We criticise our country or town, our nation or ppl from the same town or region. But we get really offended if the outsiders do it.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing Yasin!

[@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.

[@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!🙏🏽👏🤍

[@turpasauna]

I'm happy you found this video then! 😊

[@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!

[@turpasauna]

I believe our cultures are quite similar. Finns moving there must have felt so too, since they never returned.

[@martimasters7704]

@@turpasauna Pffft!!! America is very different from Finland as most Americans are openly and out-spoken. There's a huge swath of the populace that has no appreciation for what exists outside America's borders and even highly educated folks can be downright stupid when it comes to geography. For example, when I told my friends I was packing a ship's container, she said, "Huh? To Findley?" I said, "No, FINLAND, not Findley, Ohio." Her response was "OH !!! THEE FINLAND !!!" We still laugh about that. But overtall, you will find that apart from some states having a similar ecosystem as Finland, about the only thing Americans and Finns have in common is knowing how to have a good time and the work etiquette is pretty similar.

[@tsilarij-p3726]

3. Snapping or clicking fingers to get attention. Seems to be a habit in some other countries. Especially at restaurants. In Finland, fingersnapping is only used to order animals. Do that to a waiter or other customer service worker, and they will certainly hate you.

[@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!!!

[@IlRossignol]

I moved to Finland two years ago and from my experience, the rule about being silent in trains doesn’t apply to young people. They don’t usually talk, that’s right, BUT. They don’t use headphones and are listening to whatever on their phones out loud. And I’m not talking about teenagers only, people up to 30s do that commonly. I’m talking about commuter trains, maybe it’s something special in this kind of public transportation 😂

[@turpasauna]

In general, the old habits are vanishing from more populated areas. This is a result of opening up to the world but also being afraid that our own customs are seen as "stupid".

[@rogeredwards3563]

Finland sounds absolutely heavenly. 🙂

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting Roger!

[@SophiaGailecruz-pr8oo]

#3 is really very annoying especially in public transports. It should be a common courtesy to not make noises while inside the bus or juna. Most foreigners talk to their phones very loud that almost everyone inside the bus is disturbed

[@hannahs4779]

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

[@HerFinland]

Awesome Hannah!!

[@SirMountainpass]

So did I - was there in winter 2010/11 😅🎅

[@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!

[@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!

[@martimasters7704]

She didn't send you SMS ???

[@sacredceltic]

@@martimasters7704 nope. We had dated on a dating website and had not exchanged phone numbers yet…

[@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!

[@carltondoorman9145]

Yes, I'm sure you were always social distancing world champions. But I hear that people also don't like small talk there. They say you should never talk to somebody in public if you don't know them. Over here (in the US), strangers chat with each other like old friends.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment Carlton!

[@j3mixa]

It's not that you should never talk to someone you don't know but that it's not the usual thing to do. People might be a little startled if they don't expect it but many times they do talk back happily. It's hard to explain but we usually talk to people with some intention and not just to chat (except with friends). Starting a conversation at the bus stop is possible though, you just need a reason 😄. Ask a question about something relevant to the place and that could lead to a longer conversation, mutter about the weather and someone might join you. We just never start a conversation with strangrer by saying "Hi, I'm ***, How are you?". That would be weird here.

[@carltondoorman9145]

@@j3mixa Ah, okay, I get it. It's okay to talk if you actually have something to talk about. Over here people will talk to total strangers just to hear the sound of their voice. I'm naturally kind of shy, so I'm not that big a talker myself.

[@kapuzinergruft]

I am German, that is in most case annoying enough for people anywhere... 😂. Silence is a foreign word in most public transport here in central Europe.... i will visit the Santa in Finland this year... taking along with me "thus spoke Zarathustra" by Nietsche... mhm

[@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! 🧡🙏

[@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! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@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! 🤩🧡🇫🇮

[@markjoki7071]

wow..... you just explained my father "Niilo" (finn) and his ways that i inherited....

[@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!

[@RichardPeterShon]

nordic countries share a modern society. i don't think it's weird. the society has progressed to a state of near utopian-like civilization. it's interesting to hear this because this used to be theoretical studies back in the days, but it's actually being played out in reality

[@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

[@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.

[@turpasauna]

I believe it's in our genes.

[@martimasters7704]

@@turpasauna Sorry to burst your bubble, but it's not. Finns were not always the quiet stoic type. That behavior became a social necessity over the centuries, when Finland was the international tennis ball bounced between Sweden and Tsarist Russia. You will find similar behavior developed in the kids of Europeans who grew up behind the Iron Curtain. If anything, I've noticed that Finns in the Lapland are a lot more chatty and laid back than Finns further south. My inlaws are Lapps. I've also noticed that Gen Alpha are a lot more outspoken than previous generations of Finns.

[@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 🤩🇫🇮

[@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!

[@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...

[@oscarbenetti314]

I think many points are very common in Asperger community too. In particular silence places and social distancing are the most important things. Is it very annoying for Finnish people to live in a very bright environment with many strong lights like a very big mall ? And what about a strong smell like tobacco smoke or pollution? Asperger people can't manage smells in general.

[@huseynmashadiyev5435]

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

[@HerFinland]

Good point, perspectives!!

[@SoloBattles]

Being from Minnesota, most of these Finnish rules seem about right. I wish everywhere were more like Finland!

[@scottgrohs5940]

Noisy people on mass transit drive me up a wall! I don’t want to hear another person’s music. He or she needs to get headphones!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@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!

[@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! 🧡🇫🇮

Finland and germany have so much in commmon especially this introvert german.

[@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! 🤩

[@tunahilmioglu419]

As a Turkish guy, I could say that it's common for people to criticize your town in Turkey even if they've never been there before.However, in my perspective this is totally wrong.I believe the idea that if you want to criticize something you should try it out first one way or another if you want your statements to reflect the reality in a most optimal way.Therefore, i try to be as careful as i can in order not to engage in senseless speech and become the victim of my own words.

[@LosoBebe]

I have been regularly travelling to Estonia on business but never actually got the time to head over to Helsinki to feel the vibe. Some of the things I are valid for Estonians as well. Your presentation style is unique but is not a match to your beauty. Altogether a perfect combination as a motivation to visit Finland.

[@angorabunny9417]

I am a bit confused about the sauna. Why would any one pour water and then leave? Wouldn’t you enter the sauna, carefully closing the door, so the cold doesn’t blow in, and then sit for a while before thinking there needs to be more steam? Maybe looking around to see if the other people would like more steam too? Wondering if there is a steam poohbah who pours the water at the correct time? Then. Of course enjoying all that delicious steam? Am I using saunas all wrong?

[@HerFinland]

Hei Angora Bunny, thank you for your comment! You can use sauna as you prefer!

[@natalyaa4928]

We are from the NYC USA living in Espoo Finland now. The Finnish culture is soft and gentle and in 2 years I have lived here I have not had a single confrontation with anyone. It is quiet refreshing. I am afraid I got soo comfortable here how will I ever be able to survive in the USA now?

[@larrylentz6678]

quiet and personal space is my thing. I'm not an introvert I'm Finnish (Part). My maternal grandmother was half Norwegian and half Finnish(mother.) Both her parents were first-generation Americans.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing this Larry! 🇫🇮

[@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!

[@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, and we had a great conversation. Before they left, we hugged them both. The guy went along with it, but you could tell he was uncomfortable. 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 afterward, and I still think about them sometimes, although our roads have never crossed again.

[@martimasters7704]

Don't ever feel bad about that. When you're in your own country, you should behave like you do normally. As for the hug, that's an experience those two Finns will remember for a lifetime. And my hunch is they are rather proud of being hugged like that and have told all their friends.

[@a.k.murakami8063]

I'm Korean American, but after watching this video, I'm Finnish deep down. 🙂

[@turpasauna]

You just might have Finnish blood in you. I read that 8-10% of Koreans share some ancient ancestry with us- and the US has certain areas where some of us migrated in the 1800's!

[@keko4618]

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

[@Fincoolman68]

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

[@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?