9 Things Americans Think Are Illegal in Sweden (But They're Not!)

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Күн бұрын

#SwedenLife #ExploringSweden #AmericanInSweden #AmericanlivinginSweden #AmericaninEurope
Ever wonder what everyday things feel strangely illegal in Sweden as an American? From public transport etiquette to social customs, Lexx in Sweden breaks down 9 funny culture clashes you might experience! Learn how to navigate these unwritten rules and avoid awkward situations. Perfect for anyone planning a trip to Sweden or curious about Swedish life! 🇸🇪
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Пікірлер: 321

@dixonqwerty Ай бұрын

As a swede myself, I believe swedes don't mind small talk with strangers. We just don't start the small talk because we don't want to disturb or intrude on anyones space. If someone starts to small talk with me, I would gladly have a chat, but I would never start it hahaha. Weird, but that's how it is being a swede.

@xzantrax Ай бұрын

Yeah, 100% agree. I continue and like small talk, but I will never start it.

@lillanlofgren7424 13 күн бұрын

I often start the small talk ☺

@KungKokkos 2 ай бұрын

One of the biggest things in Sweden compared to the US is that we DO NOT CALL THE COPS for every little thing, most people have never called the cops in their entire lives, while in the US the police seem to come out on every little call, be it black guy walking on a public lawn or someone hearing a wierd sound from the forest behind their house.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

But they do Karens there that are little bitter

@helenafranzen9828 2 ай бұрын

Especially since in the north calling a cop means waiting x hours to get the response. By then most would have solved the problem the old fashion way anyway. No disregard to the cops though. If there is 2 policemen (women) on 60 000m3 you cant expect a 5 minute response.

@andreasfischer9158 4 күн бұрын

@helenafranzen9828 I needed them a couple of times and they always answered the call within less than ten seconds.

@alfvierth3971 2 ай бұрын

Leaving the elevator to you and the kids would be an act of politeness in Swedush culture. Definitely not racist. Your neighbour probably felt he was doing you a service

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yep

@jennystrandqvist1568 2 ай бұрын

I believe the elevator story was mostly due to stroller and kids, you had a lot and they want to give you your room. Had it been just you, they had taken the elevator with you.Maybe if had been just your kids too, being in a finite space with kids as an adult-stranger is a situation most try to avoid.

@fredriklundvall1894 2 ай бұрын

Don't forget standing on the left side in an escalator. That's a crime!

@PugganBacklund 2 ай бұрын

Is that common outside of stockholm? never noticed it in gothenburg. And the few times i visit stockholm I always use the "wrong" side.

@josefinasoderholm6488 2 ай бұрын

This has only been an issue for me in Stockholm. Anywhere else I’ve never encounter anyone who has had a problem whit people on “the wrong side” of the escalator

@LeonLandgren-qt9pg 2 ай бұрын

If you stand so I can reach the Buttons on the elevator without asking you to move. I will be moved to tears.//Sthlm Citizens

@Daniel_Kani 2 ай бұрын

@@PugganBacklund In Malmö you stand on the right, pass on the left. People will not be happy if you block the left side lol

@DemiCape 2 ай бұрын

I am swedish and I have never heard of that rule or even cared, I just walk up while the thing is moving or sometimes just letting the thing move with me.

@miss.medieval.turban 2 ай бұрын

The father probably said that to his daughter about the candy so that she wouldn't bring herself to start demanding candy on other days of the week than the ones her parents had fought hard to get her to stick to.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yes I guess I should have just ran away from the aisle when I had a chance

@POKE650 Ай бұрын

Candy is for Saturdays only - for children. Grown ups can get candy whenever they want.

@bjoardar 2 ай бұрын

Actual story: When I was a kid, around 9 - 10 years of age, I was still some days off to my allowance and I really wanted a chocolate bar. My solution? I took the frisbee I had in my hand from playing with my friends, and put it on the ground in front of me outside the store, then I stood there and sang songs while people walked by and put some coins in the frisbee for me until I had enough to buy my chocolate bar. My dad gave me the most shocked face when I came home, nomming on my chocolate as he asked where I got that from. I was so much more entrepreneurial as a kid xD

@Calliopeia666 Ай бұрын

Another "deadly sin" in sweden is taking the last cookie or last piece of cake or last piece of any food without asking if it is ok to take it.

@peterisaksson9915 2 ай бұрын

Can confirm. We Swedes like our personal space. When, during corona restrictions, we where told to keep at least 1 meters distance from each other we where horrified. We where simply not used to be that close to each other. ;)

@Patrik6920 2 ай бұрын

yes, Corona was a real nightmare here in Sweden, thankfully the restrictions ended so we could go back to our regular 2+ meters...

@wibekesvendsen Ай бұрын

@@Patrik6920 🤣🤣

@hansbystrom9983 2 ай бұрын

You sat next to a stranger when there were available seats elsehwere? That's psychopath behavior in Sweden.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

No the bus was full and there were no seats

@hansbystrom9983 2 ай бұрын

Then all good, homie!

@NothingIsKnown00 Ай бұрын

You really want to freak someone out? Get on a near-empty bus and sit next to someone.

@xzantrax Ай бұрын

But... that is heresy!

@Lexxinsweden Ай бұрын

@pezlover1974 Ай бұрын

And then… talk to them

@NothingIsKnown00 Ай бұрын

@@pezlover1974 I said to freak them out. Not traumatize them for life.

@jonasfermefors Ай бұрын

A lot of these are slightly less true in big cities at least when compared to rural areas. As a Swede living in Stockholm I don't often chat with people when I commute but I think that is the same in most places. When I hear people that are wondering about something that I happen to know I often can't stop myself from chiming in - particularly when they seem to be unfamiliar with my city. I think the small talk has decreased everywhere in the world due to headsets and smartphones though. The only time I would interupt someone who is listening to music or intently staring at their phone is if I really need help (or if I heard some important information announced that they didn't seem to hear).

@Sixtra 2 ай бұрын

Or my personal favorite, don't you dare try get ahead of the queue! Never gets old 😋

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

That's one thing that I always like and I always appreciate it here in Sweden so no worries about that lol

@Sixtra 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden Hehe, I think we can’t get quite obsessed with that one sometimes. Or in regard to distance and private sphere, you have probably heard the joke during Covid about: “keeping distance in public etc, it isn’t new, we’re already doing it”.

@WolfHeathen 2 ай бұрын

One thing Americans seem to think is illegal in Sweden is owning guns. They seem to think our so-called "gun control" is somehow different from theirs. Sure, we don't have physical gun stores and open/concealed carry isn't a thing, but Swedes can buy pretty much any gun an Americans can. All we require is a gun license and a clean record. I have a friend who's a hunter and target shooter who goes to the gun range every week with his AR-15 equipped with optics, suppressor and 50-round drum magazine. It's like an episode of Demolition Ranch for crying out loud.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

True but it's very rare

@MikaelSegerstrom 2 ай бұрын

We have physical gun stores in most big cities and some small ones too . Most fire arm owners know where they are. Most other people dont know.

@latjolajban81 2 ай бұрын

Haha the candy story is funny. That dad had to come up with an excuse for why you were buying candy on a tuesday. We wouldn't want the daughter to beg for candy on tuesdays in the future you know...

@Calliopeia666 Ай бұрын

Your neighbour was trying to be nice and respectful to you by not crowding up the elevator when you had a stroller with you. 😊

@Love42se 2 ай бұрын

The thing with elevators: There is a reason we usually have a peephole in our door, that way we can see if there is someone else standing waiting for the elevator. If there is, we just wait for them to take the elevator first, and after that we step through our door :D

@DemiCape 2 ай бұрын

must be a stockholm thing. Only reason to use it is when someone is knocking on the door so you know who it is.

@Dammtuss_ 2 ай бұрын

I will never understand why (most) Americans are okay with shoes inside. What if you stepped in dog poo without noticing? Or what if that little puddle wasn't all rainwater but someone who peed in public? And then maybe small children play on that very floor you walked with those shoes? Just nooooooooooo!!!

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

I believe that if you lived in America all your life this wouldn't even be a thought just like it wasn't to me until I'm moved here

@Dammtuss_ 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden now I'm a bit curious. Do you think Americans living abroad, experiencing the "no-shoes" way of living, would go back to having shoes inside or adopt the no-shoes if ever moving back?

@lovehagglund3234 2 ай бұрын

Or just imagine all the cigarette buds and bird shit everywhere. the bird poo (Very common in cities) is actually dangerous, as bird poop often contain salmonella bacteries.

@Tess-iu2uj 2 ай бұрын

Funny! Your spot on! Mostly it is like this but not always. I think we are a bit shy and I wish we would be frendlier and talk more and share more. But when where in the right mood youll see the opposite 😁

@stoferb876 2 ай бұрын

Sounds like you live in Stockholm. On the countryside people are a little bit (not much but still a little bit) more open to smalltalk with strangers even without alcohol. The smaller the town/village the more you might end up chatting with people you don't know. Also sitting next-to someone on a crowded bus or train is perfectly okay if you are polite and ask them first. It's just sitting down without sort of 'permission' that will get you angry stares. Also not taking your shoes off when entering a home is indeed illegal ;-)...

@adp6632 2 ай бұрын

Good point. It's a huge difference between Stockholm and skåne for example. One of it being that skåne doesn't live in an imaginary bubble. Seriously there are people in Stockholm who actually believe that skåne only consist of farmers 😂

@rasmuslernevall6938 2 ай бұрын

I don't get that candy thing. People buy and eat candy every day of the week. But children usually only get it on saturdays, that's true.

@andreaslindblom9140 2 ай бұрын

Its all about the suger! Keep the children as far away from suger/candy as long as possible! When they grow up they will get candy on a tuesday! 😁

@joakimsoderberg8046 2 ай бұрын

I haven't experienced the elevator thing. If there is enough space you ride along. Nothing wierd about that. /41 year old Swede.

@coconutfleetsleeper5717 2 ай бұрын

Hahaha, better not mess with the "lördagsgodis" You'll be giving every parent a headache😂

@indraallian6371 2 ай бұрын

About small talk. There is one subject that's always ok to bring up with strangers. The weather. Maybe because it is something that we can't blame on anyone so it's no big risk for conflict. 😋😎

@nattygsbord 2 ай бұрын

Nah that one is boring. Something that works 90% of the time are the four old classics: Movies, pets, travels, food.

@Jim_86 2 ай бұрын

You forgot to mention one of the beggest rules. Asking someone what their salary is.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

😂 you right

@MrParallell 2 ай бұрын

Singing in public by yourself is just considered abnormal because we swedes don't really like to "stick out". We are the blending type of folk. If you had a few friends with you then you would be fine. Sharing elevator should be fine as long as there is room for both of you. If you however need to stand very close to each other you should probably take the second ride.

@RobinBergstrom-cb7ui 2 ай бұрын

That dad lies aswell, he eats candy when he isn't home 😂 Swedes eats insane amounts of candy

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

😂

@ReptilezDzn 2 ай бұрын

nja, inte helt sant. majoriteten av de jag känner både vuxna och ungdommar köper sällan godis. förutom om de har barn men knappt då ens.

@Daniel_Kani 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden Yeah he was probably just trying to set an example for his daughter. Like, it's not good to eat candy every day, especially growing up. So much sugar...

@RobinBergstrom-cb7ui 2 ай бұрын

@@ReptilezDznSweden is number 7 per capita in the world when it comes to eating candy. :)

@MrParallell 2 ай бұрын

He lied to his daughter because it is common in Sweden that we teach kids that we only eat candy on Friday or Saturday to control their sugar intake 🤣

@amadeuz819 2 ай бұрын

From Finland but lets see if I get this right: When you sat down you probably sat too close, like if she sat there first then you need to sit so that you don't make the other person feel like you are taking space from them. I usually sit with my legs towards the middle if there's room only using 2/3rds of my seat. I do expect the same if I sat there first so and if you are a bigger person then you will probably get many stares because you make their ride less comfortable by stealing their space. I have long legs and have a bit extra meat on me so its not because they dislike you for your size, its because you stole their space, made their trip uncomfortable. Its rare that you get the stare if you sit there first and you take up "too much space" but if its packed you better be ready to get up for old people. The candy thing is for children, we adults do as we please. You can "go to the subway" and sing but better have a hat there or something pointing to that you are doing it to collect money. People singing out loud with their headphones on are disturbing the peace like they think you think everyone wants to listen to your sht. So even if they would like the same music they get annoyed because you are forcing it on them and even worse if you have headphones not even having to listen to yourself :D I thought the in time was our thing, but maybe they also have it. The small talk thing, its not us "its you"(Americans are know to be loud and a bit annoying when it comes to small talk, so it feels kinda forced). Like Swedes do small talk a lot, like they cant even be quiet for 5 mins(I think it depends on the person you meet, city people are more "uptight" like "why are you speaking to me" while in rural areas people can be more chatty because you don't see a new person every day). I can't understand why you don't take off your shoes, like you can walk in dog sht then dragging it all around the house.... Easier to clean also during muddy season when it would take you 5 mins to clean them every time you have walked outside. Starring at someone is rude, like say what you want to say or look another way. Only smile and yes doesn't help if its a male, could be even worse reaction because then they think you are coming for them because you smiled. Looking at someone and giving them a smile when they notice is also a sign that you are happy that you got contact and need something from them, like help so if you ain't talking the minute they notice you then it goes to you are a creep or insane. Depending on how big the elevator is, like a 4 person elevator its really rude to force yourself in there if someone is already there except if you know them(like a neighbor you have had a chat with and you noticed they liked to talk to you but usually they will hold it for you then when its ok). If its one of those hospital elevators that can take like 14 people its ok to enter if there are less than 4 inside because then there is a corner for you still. We are not "allowed" to talk politics, religion or belief. Like between real friends yes but its not the best topics because when people are of different opinions it gets the mood to negative and so on. Like if you are out on a picnic with people and everyone is enjoying the weather and then you start to talk about those its kinda ruining the situation. So you need to learn how to read the room, when its ok and when its not, you can test the room and you will notice if its a good thing. Like when I meet with my friends we really don't speak about things like that if the women are near but when its only men we can speak a bit of it but usually not that much. Then of course you can always find that one person that loves to debate em but also then you should move to the side from the other people so that they don't get involved without coming to you, like you create your own little group at the party. Feelings, belief and religions are a bit censored atm like we are atheists so believing in a god is not our thing so you are kinda put in a situation when the one believing in a god looks "foolish" in your eyes and that's a negative vibe so better just leave it. For feelings we have those that feel a bit too much so they sort of want to push their feelings upon others so better leave that out too because someone can feel negative about the people pushing their feelings on others and then they say something negative and hell is loose when the drama starts, yes some do love drama but most just want to have a nice time. Politics is probably something people talk about but then it has to be local, because USA politics we might have an negative opinion about it... like its kinda not that democratic in our eyes but if there is something happening in local politics that touches you then its usually ok as long as its a friend or someone you know a bit at least. At work I think its forbidden even in Sweden to talk about those. Edit: If you have a strong smell on you or dirty clothes(so even vacuum your clothes if you work in construction and have to for some reason use the bus) then people mostly don't want you close in many cases.

@johanpersson1114 2 ай бұрын

one other thing is to enter the subway before people get off or cut the line. Big no no

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yep skipping the line

@hampuss884 2 ай бұрын

Yup, Sweden is an introverted and reserved country. If you wish to make small talk talk about the weather. One has to be mindful of the social codes and faux pas here. I would say to a foreigner to observe the locals, be tactful, humble, and take your queues from the surroundings. It will definitely be a learning curve.

@Vurt72 2 ай бұрын

lol. the kid asking about candy was obviously because the parent wants to limit their intake of it or they'll ask for candy every day. easy to pretend it's just ""legal"" on Friday for everyone, adult or not. no one cares if you buy candy on a thursday (i just did). Singing in public is a total lunatic move, you''re either drunk or crazy. ...or American.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

😂

@matteuserissonlindstrom6433 2 ай бұрын

Det beror lite på var man bor med. Jag bor på landet och åker mycket med bussen.🚍 Ofta händer det att jag hamnar i slumpmässiga konversationer med folk jag inte känner eller att man frågar någon som väntar vid samma hållplats om var de ska någonstans.Om de ska till ett ställe jag känner till så har vi redan ett samtalsämne att beta av.🎩

@janhansen554 2 ай бұрын

I can speak for Norway and about shoes. If u visit someone else home u allways take of your shoes of. Its all about restpect for other people home. In other hand, if u have a order to fix something inside someones home(water, electric, machine etc) , u can walk with shoes in these homes.

@andreaskarlsson5251 2 ай бұрын

Ive NEVER understood why people in other countries would walk inside with your shoes on.. Just dirty..

@solveigjansson8613 Ай бұрын

I always smalltalk and people seem to like it ! Hope you will meet some happy smalltalkers !

@Lexxinsweden 29 күн бұрын

Thanks

@sidekickbob7227 2 ай бұрын

It all condence to a small culture chrash. It seems to me the way you are brought up with the "American" level of interacting with strangers, push on the comfort level, and personal space they normally expect to have. I wouldn't put too many thoughts into it. The shoe thing, is just a bad American habit. -Who want messy floors? The little girl wanted candys too, and the father did not want to take the fight. (Possible because it could potentially make a scene in the store, pushing on the comfort level). The elevator was done of politeness. He took the stairs to save you all from having the expected personal space introuded. To sum it up, you have cought some common impactpoints where the Scandinavian and the American culture isn't playing in harmony.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

This comment is gold

@fredrikschroder 2 ай бұрын

But hey.. in another video you where surprised that people starred at you in Sweden 😅😅 Anyway the shoes indoors thing is almost only the US, in most countries it’s a big no-no to have the shoes on. I also find the “no cold talking to strangers” that most people agree on is the standard here not to be quite true… almost everyday strangers start conversations with me when I’m out. I’ve lived in many different cities in Sweden, but I find this to be true everywhere.

@Stefan- 2 ай бұрын

There is a few things at least that i dont recognize, if there is no free seats that arent beside someone else then of course you sit beside someone else, but you never sit down beside someone else if there are other free seats. As a Swede I chat with anyone, people i have never even seen before etc if the situation comes up and i have had some very good chats that way some very long even, so while we are not super outgoing that is more of an American thing, given the right circumstances i think that many dont mind a random chat . I buy candy all the time at any day depending on when i go to the store, i can buy a lot of candy, for a few weeks at the same time but usually only eat it at weekends and at moderate amounts, i dont care what they think. I dont understand the elevator part either, i have never heard it but i have never lived in a house with an elevator except when i was to small to remember, i go into elevators with people otherwise no problem.

@MrMichaelLundberg 2 ай бұрын

Agree. Some of the things Lexx mentions I see as true, like taking off the shoes when entering a home, but most of the other things I do not recognize. And we have a lot of people playing and singing on the subway and other places, most of them are beggars, which I don’t think work especially good nowadays when almost no one has cash, only cards or phones.

@wahaha6961 2 ай бұрын

Walking into my home with your shoes on is like spitting me in the face once per step beyond the door mat - weirdest feeling trying to get over when I visited friend's families in Spain 😅😂

@TheUffeess 2 ай бұрын

After watching several of your videos, I have a suggestion: Take a trip to northern Sweden. There you can talk to a person at the bus stop and your colleagues often become your friends. Then your positive attitude towards Sweden is refreshing for a swede born in 1963, sorry, I'm 60 years old. 😀

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

@TheUffeess 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden Many years ago I was in Thailand and I met a whole bunch of Americans, the navy they had their ship there. I got up and sang ZZ Top's song "Tush", and then it was a party! In the morning I was sitting with a black guy on the beach, Mike, and he said to me, how much can you drink? When I was about to answer, he had fallen asleep. The best evening ever, I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself in Sweden!

@TheUffeess 2 ай бұрын

And I like Surströmming! 😀

@leifhall2289 2 ай бұрын

it's great to hear you being so respectful but it's also true that some of us swedes think it's refreshing with some little rule breaking.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

So true!

@boomieBow 2 ай бұрын

Interesting! I like to hear your views and the difference between Sweden and the United States 🙌

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! 😃

@tommiejonsson8952 2 ай бұрын

I don't have an elevator in the house where my apartment is, but I work as a cleaner in a shopping mall and sometimes it's more convenient to use the elevators in the shopping area instead of going into the personnel area. I've noticed both types. Some people don't have any problem getting into the elevator with me, while others do. I, on the other hand, will not go into an elevator that is partly occupied - me and my cleaning cart use up a lot of space and the elevators are kind of small, considering the fact that they are in a shopping mall. There is not room for two people with shopping carts, and 4 people without any kind of carts and strollers will make them feel crowded.

@sablyr6s261 2 ай бұрын

Another one: While waiting on skatteåterbäringen, it feels illegal to NOT mention the skatteåtebäringen

@veronicalidstrom5424 2 ай бұрын

lol spot in!! Hilarious!!😂😂😂

@bjorn9875 Ай бұрын

Small talk was probably a lot more common before smartphones + Spotify IMO. I often appreciate small talk during commutes and such. However it can feel weird initiating it due to not wanting to disturb the other person.

@ingvartorma9789 2 ай бұрын

What is mentioned about the behavior of Swedes in this video probably belongs more to southern Sweden than up in Norrbotten where I live. Here you ride together in the elevator and not what is said in the video, you don't get an angry look if you sit close to someone whether it's on a bus, train or plane... And we chat with strangers without it being weird . Sure, politics is sometimes talked about, but not often. So if you visit my county, it's not like southern Sweden. We up in Lapland are more friendly than the Sörlanders. NOTE: If you want to meet nice people in southern Sweden, you should avoid Stockholm without visiting Gothenburg. It's the fault of everyone who comes to Sweden and it's to go to Stockholm, because that's where the most unpleasant people live. But if you are going to visit southern Sweden go to Gothenburg. We uope in Lapland go to Gothenburg and avoid Stockholm.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yes I live in Växjö so yes

@adp6632 2 ай бұрын

I live in skåne and I can tell you that you are wrong. Yes if we don't know you we usual don't talk to you. But for example if the seat next to me is the only one available. We don't look angry at them. Most of the time they ask if it's ok for them to sitt there and will get a politly response.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

@@adp6632 take it easy it's just hit opinion and everyone is entitled to it

@adp6632 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden lol that was easy. Actually just friendly information.

@ingvartorma9789 2 ай бұрын

@@adp6632 So I was RIGHT..

@TheboyCR7 2 ай бұрын

i am also a swede love your videos

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Thank you I appreciate you taking the time to watch them please subscribe if you haven't

@TheboyCR7 2 ай бұрын

I am alredy 👍💪😎

@uniquename111 2 ай бұрын

When it comes to personal space i am not that fuzzy, except for one thing, which is me going to town to do some shopping. I get in to the store and some buisiness assistant come up and poke me asking if i need help, what do i look for, do i need recomendation, do i want something special. At that point i am alreay leaving the store because when i go on a shoppting stroll i want to be in my own thoughts just looking around until i find somthing that i want. If i would need help i will ofc ask for that. It is ok if i get in to a store and they say hai and let me know if you need my help. That is totally acceptable and nice. But anything after that, and my brain screams GET OUT OF MY THOUGTS! =D

@urosleijona 2 ай бұрын

Just like in Finland. We don't talk stranger.. except when we are naked in sauna.. 😂 (or drunk)

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

😂

@wahaha6961 2 ай бұрын

The elevator deal; I did that a lot when I moved to STHLM! Now, in time, I began to hold the elevator for my neighbours instead bcuz life was very stressful for everyone in the area - you could read it on their faces! When I did so, my neighbours who were from other countries confronted me - VERY RESPECTFULLY - about this treatment they received from most Swedes in the neighbourhood. I tried my best to explain that, to me, it doesn't matter who it is - I dislike the pointlessness of small talking, and the awkwardness of the silence gives me anxiety. I'd rather take the stairs (if I'm in a rush), than share an elevator with a stranger - yes, neighbours are strangers in Sweden (to most of us)..!

@matshjalmarsson3008 2 ай бұрын

There are also a couple of things that are illegal, but that many aren't aware of. Like riding a bike or an electric schooter on the sidewalk or over a street crossing, Jaywalking, driving when there are people wanting to cross a street at a crossing without lights, using a bike without a bell, or without lights when it's dark, simlar to the UK it's illegal to serve intoxicated people alcohol at bars etc. The same rules (mostly) applies to bikes as for cars, eg it's illegal to bike against the traffic direction on a one way street. (Aswell as in the wrong lane on a two way street). It's illegal to not pick up your dogs turds. It's illegal to throw away cigarette butts or littering in general on the streets or in nature. It's illegal for companies etc to have customers smoking (not illegal for the customers to smoke there though). I believe it's still illegal to drink alcohol in public places like a park or on the train, but I think it's ok if you're having a picnick, ie food is also consumed.

@helenafranzen9828 2 ай бұрын

Just want to ad to the others - swedish people are not racist in general. I acknowledge it exist but I don´t think it´s as prominent here as it is in parts of the US. But are we really introverts? Can only speak for myself and I am introvert but I also feel distant from most people which in my view would mean that most people are not. However, culture plays a part here. What we view as extrovert an american might think differently about. What about exploring the differences? Welcome to Sweden by the way 🤗

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

This is true

@emmaoh4051 11 күн бұрын

It’s just about respect. Respect people’s time and their space. Don’t assume you are entitled to intrude on people you don’t know with your body or noise. It’s also about body language. We have entire conversations without a single word. We talk with our eyes. I can tell the lady across from me that I love the book she is reading, I can tell the young woman that I see that guy looking at her and I’m here if he tries anything, the man in a suit and I can exchange looks when the buss is late, I can tell the teenagers to behave just by looking at them And I can even signal that I’m actually up for a chat with a stranger so come sit over here and ask my opinion on the weather ;)

@tobiasgustafsson2345 2 ай бұрын

Very funny, and spot on! 😂 👏

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@ollebrandt Ай бұрын

Hi Lexx! I Feel that you are so spot on in this.

@Thegoldendemon 2 ай бұрын

5 min early is being on time, being on time is being late

@janhansen554 2 ай бұрын

As norwegian totally agree. Sadly we dont think so in Norway in general

@christopherx7428 2 ай бұрын

Of course he exaggerates, but there is a grain of truth in each point. Really, you shouldn't take this too seriously. E.g: It is perfectly all right to be late to a meeting. Maybe 30 seconds or so is no problem! 🙂

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Thank you

@RobertClaeson 2 ай бұрын

Just notify before the meeting begins, apologise profusely (and make it sound like you're half-running) and try to give as a price delay as possible ("4 1/2 minutes"). And don't be later than that.

@xzantrax Ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden Weirdest time-based tradition is in the larger university cities: If you agree on a time you are supposed to arrive about 15 minutes late. Unless the time is said to be exact, then you turn up on the exact time. One of the reasons almost all university classes start at 15 minutes past the hour instead of sharp.

@QuickZ_ 2 ай бұрын

nah its legal to sing out loud in Sweden. my 4 yo daughter does it all the time 😅

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

They probably know she's a kid and they have mercy on all kids of course same thing with my daughter she does it all the time

@MarLin67 2 ай бұрын

Most of the things you mentioned are very legal but I get what you mean when they feel illegal. Swedes have many unwritten rules in our society. And almost all of the ones you mentioned are these rules or policys because they are legal to break. But most of them has to do with respect for others and the swedes need for personal space. If you step in to a subway train you will see the swedes sit by them selfes as much as possible. So long as there are many unocupied seats. As you said we like our personal space. Same thing anywhere in public, We try not to bother others with others out of respect and our respect of others space. And to non swedes that can be very confusing. So that look you get is the same as, What? Why do you sit beside me when there is plenty of free seats around me look. We are very organized and we like our unwritten rules. And as you said most of us are introvert to strangers. We don´t waste time on small talk and don´t sing out loud because out of respect for others. But then again, As an american you have probably noticed that once we hear you are speaking english we tend to start talking to you in english and we can be very curios about you and where you come from. Once we start talking to people it is no problem. But the candy thing could actually get you killed! 😂 Many parents have worked hard to learn the kids to just eat candy at weekends, Mostly Saturdays, We even have a name for it, Lördagsgodis. Saturday candy. And that is because of health reasons. We don´t like our kids to eat to much candy and sweets.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yes that's what I said at the very beginning. Appreciate the effort you took to write this beautiful paragraph

@ZickaN13 2 ай бұрын

in fairness, all of this is gonna depend entirely on where you live and who you interact with just going from one town/city to the next you can find stark contrasts in the dynamics of people and even the whole feel of the town/city even the candy thing can be incredibly varied all the way into the various branches of a single family the space thing is for the most part very true, most people nowadays dont care about your skintone, we just want some space o breathe, more often than not that's the same as in the u.s, cuz we dont get that space a lot oh, and we definitely have a lot of people singing out loud, both to themselves and for some spare change, mostly that's in the bigger cities though if you're in gothenburg, in the tunnel between Nordstan and the train station you'll find almost every single day someone playing some instrument, singing, both, and sometimes you'll even find someone with one performance in one end of the tunnel and someone else in the other end to not take up too muchtime for anyone reading this i'll just end it with; you're better off never breathing a word of the political parties, because you Will set 'someone' off and it Will turn into a big deal, even if you agree cuz then people feel validate and suddenly Need to reaffirm it, and again, and again pretty good educational video, enjoy sweden as best you can!

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Ywp

@raidkoast 2 ай бұрын

The elevator thing is so damn relatable, haha. It gets funnier the more I think about it. That's we Swedes in a nutshell and I've had this happen a few times i've actually seen my neighbours when I lived in an apartment. Between Swedes, It's just a knowing look and a sinking stomach feeling when you see it's occupied. Closest or in the elevator gets it, other walks. Unless It's a neighbour you by any miracle chance got to know. Once the ice is broken, it is broken and you're cool.

@yes-iw7os 2 ай бұрын

We are never rasist. We just don´t like when people don´t respect us, (that includes talking really loud, sitting almost with you.) its just something we don´t like. And instend of screaming and you know. We really give looks.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Yes and I know this

@pekkasiren4532 2 ай бұрын

Swedes are racist like everybody. But they hide it very well because they don't have a backbone.

@DemiCape 2 ай бұрын

@@pekkasiren4532not everybody is racist and no swedish people usually is not racist.

@fredrichenning1367 2 ай бұрын

You better not whistle in a store, either. LOL

@relecmo906 Ай бұрын

I think we have a hard outer shell, but lots of people like small talk, especially about poltics. You just have to find the moment, everyone is too busy with their own lives.

@Jerry.Karlsson 2 ай бұрын

Talk about politics, that's the best way to get to know someone. Of course, this can vary a little, depending on where you live in Sweden, whether you live in a big city or in the countryside. However, I can understand that talking about religion with Swedes can be problematic, this is because 90% of us in Sweden do not believe in either God or a higher power.

@nattygsbord 2 ай бұрын

1. It is true that people do not like to share the seat next to them on the bus or subway. Sometimes because they are selfish pricks that wants more space for themselves or feel uncomfortable around other people. But sometimes do I myself prefer to sit for myself to not have to feel confined to a small space, hear people talking while I try to read a book, or hear annoying loud kids, or sneezing people that can get me sick, or having to sit next to someone drunk, or someone with bad loud music from his headphones, or some old lady that smells too much perfume, or someone who smells sweat. 2. You can buy candy at any day in Sweden. Sometimes to kids get candy restrictions from their parents if they happens to be dentists or something. 3. Singing in public is something you can do. If you are talented people will enjoy your performance. But if you are an annoying beggar or some loud teenagers that shout soccer songs, then you will be considered an annoyance. 4. Being late is usually frowned upon in Sweden, and its mostly a good cultural norm I think. One do respect other peoples time, and showing up in time for work shows that one takes the job seriously. There are however some exceptions to this rule that being late is seen as a bad thing one should not normally do. At some universities like Uppsala are you allowed to be 15 minutes late to a lecture and no one will be negative or think it is unusal. 5. Yes small talk is unfortunatly not getting the apprechiation it deserves in Sweden. I guess it is partly because people are bad at it and therefore never try it, and when they try it only gets awkward for themselves and others - but like with every other skill, like learning a musical instrument, is the only way at getting good at it to practice it. And if you are very good at it, then most Swedes will love to hang around you. Small talk is a good way to learn to know other people. Another reason why small talk is considered as worthless is the common misconception Swedes have that it is just a pointless waste of time and nothing of interest, fun or importance are ever discussed. But that is of course an incorrect and ignorant view. People do often start with small talk, and then they can walk into discussions that are fun, intellectual and giving. 6. Walk around with shoes inside is a bad habit. I do not want mud, hard rocks and broken glass on my floor from my shoes. And I do not want my food to fall down on a floor where my shoes have carried in dog 💩 or where they have walked over vomits, urine, disease bacteria from a hospital or whatever. 7. Getting stirred at by a stranger might feel unusual and uncomfortable. Perhaps a girl in high school might like eye contact by a handsome guy, but otherwise do Swedes preferbly not like this kind of behaviour. However if you talk to a stranger and being friendly and make a friendly eye contact, then I think that they would apprechiate this behaviour. I guess overall that Swedes are no different from anyone else when it comes to stirring and eye contact. 8. Sharing an elevator is not strange in Sweden. But a few pricks do have phobia for any kind of social interaction so they rather run to the elevator and press the button before anyone else can enter just so they can avoid of few seconds of awkward silence on the elevator. Its silly how those people are. But most people can live with other people in the elevator, even if it means many time consuming stops before reaching the top, and awkard silence for a few seconds. Personally do I hate sharing the elevators with others only because the elevator is so slow and many people means much waiting. 9. Speaking politics and religion at work is a bit controversial. But otherwise do I think that Swedes are like Germans, and are very annoying with their love for discussing politics all the time. Personally do I prefer to just stay out of it as I hate all 8 political parties in Sweden and think that Sweden should leave the EU. So 90% of the Swedes would therefore hate me only for my political views, because people in general in Sweden and elsewhere are not very tolerant. So I do actually wish Swedes could talk less about politics and small talk about other things instead. I also think it is so stupid and pointless to hate people for voting for another party when our 8 parties are so similiar to each other in most issues.

@helenafranzen9828 2 ай бұрын

From someone that was born and raised here - good point!

@Lee-wu8lv 2 ай бұрын

If i lose my Swedish partner when out cycling, i just stop and listen for his singing to locate him. He is a bit special, though 🥰

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

😂

@danguillou713 2 ай бұрын

I don’t really connect with Nr 9. Folks I grew up with talk about politics constantly. That’s just how they hang out with their friends and family. Guess there are different subcultures here. Another exception is that in upper class home parties, people do wear shoes indoors. If it’s winter, they bring extra shoes with them for the purpose. Weirded me out the first time I found myself the only person in just socks in a room full of shoes. Cheers

@petragrevstad2714 2 ай бұрын

My family is so un-Swedish 😂, we (successfully) break all of these rules 😁.

@Kratatch Ай бұрын

lol, not everything is racist. Glad you found out it is not.

@xzantrax Ай бұрын

If you eat candy on a weekday, I will be silent. My family raised no snitch!

@Lexxinsweden Ай бұрын

iThis statement is gold!!!! Love it!

@kirstimeretearnesen1202 2 ай бұрын

I feel all this rules applyes in the rest of the Nordic countries. As I woul rate as in beeing introvort I would say the Finns are the most introvery with most need for space, Norwegian second, Sweedish a godd number 3 and Danes 4.

@sidekickbob7227 2 ай бұрын

@@EcardEcardian depends on the level of alcohol in the blood.....

@markusjohansson159 2 ай бұрын

It would be hunting money on they who walks with shoes inside a home.

@meteerbil2078 2 ай бұрын

Happily introvert for 58 years. Stay the F away from me. 😀 its kinda sad that the first thing you think is; must be racist. Like the thing with the elevator.

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Nah not in that way

@Calliopeia666 Ай бұрын

You also have to learn about "Jantelagen".

@ristorantanen5769 2 ай бұрын

19:30 is NOT a bibleverse Its seven thirty PM

@Enkeria 2 ай бұрын

Silence, be on time, space. Its something we respect. If a kid is noisy, pray to god the parents are there to HUSH them. Be it in someone elses house, in the food market or in the buss or train. If the kids are noisy, Swedes dislike that. "Let kids be kids" are fine, just not where we are, mmmkey? And be on time, always. Why set a time if you can't respect the time of THAT person? If you let them wait, you signal they aren't worthy of YOUR time, and thus, they will not meet up with you next time. Space is needed in Sweden because most people deal with their own problems. Respect others by not being too close to them. Most Swedes ignore this while going on and off busses and trains, which sucks, but sitting at a seat we recommend you sit at your own place, not beside, since that will be "too close". This also mean that culture difference ignore the fact that the seats on trains for 4 people, are ment for 3-4 people, not for 1 or 2. If you travel with a friend, and you are 2, the 4-seat is not for you. It signals lack of respect, ignorance and bad manners. Candy, as an adult, is whenever. The dad probably said it to the girl so the girl do not eat too much candy, because if its normally OK, why can't she eat it? Plane simple. Small talk is called "cold talk", it means its information not deemed to gain you any knowledge and thus it becomes just a waste of time. If you drunk, you want to mingle, it means you are open to talk about anything, mostly anti-knowledge things, or stupid things depends on the the amount of drinks. It can also be about further the knowledge of a special-one. Other than that, if you want something you ask, you do not speak about the weather, if you do, it means you are wasting someones time. If you are very old, this can be better, since it means you are alone. But if you know how internet works, use that instead. But try not to talk in busses or trains too loud, remember.. Space. Shoes indoors. Why dirt it? Feels unlogical. Not sure about looking at people or elevators. I do not do those. Stairs are better for me, I need the exercise. Religion, Politics and Woke agendas are not something we have energy to talk about. People are people, no need to dive into things that makes people less people.

@MollySato 2 ай бұрын

Hahaha, I’m Swedish but man, you just made me feel very, very un-Swedish! 😂 😄😆

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Sorry!

@MollySato 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden No no! Don’t feel sorry!💖 I’ve embraced my own kind of ”weird”. I had to. 😄

@Calliopeia666 Ай бұрын

Swedes in general are very conflict avoiding people. That is why they usually don't want to discuss politics and religion. Neutral subjects like weather, vacation, pets, cars, movies and so on is preferred. Absolutely don't talk about salary or ask about what party someone voted for. That makes a swede very uncomfortable and is considered a bit rude. And yes in sweden we try to teach children to live healthy by restrict the candy eating to saturday "lördagsgodis" and/or to friday "fredagsmys". No shoes indoors ever. It is considered very disrespectful and rude to make some one elses house dirty (unless you are there to repair something).

@MavicAVF 2 ай бұрын

There are tons of things illegal in Sweden! Just now laws! 😂

@magnusnilsson9792 2 ай бұрын

1. The seats on busses are too small for a normal sized person, that why everyone prefers 2 seats for themselves at least until the buss is half-full. 2. Candy true, but not all parents are that strict and not all kids that crazy about candy. 3. Sure you can sing, but it's werid, even wearing a headset and talking is weird outdoors. 4. Be punctual is nice, but more importantly if you are running late, just call or text it, and there will be no frowning or need for forgiveness. 5. Small talk has a time and place and it's called "Fika". 6. Shoes indoors is ok if the floor has not been cleaned or you are carrying stuff, but don't keep them on for long, or you'll get sweaty and smelly feet. 7. Starring don't matter some people like it some don't, we are all different. 8. Why would you stuff yourself with strangers in a closed compartment with a weight limit like an elevator? Just take the stairs if you are not otherwise encumbered. 9. Don't talk politics & religion with strangers unless you want unfriendlyness, it's frowned upon like advertisement.

@evalottaleavell7189 2 ай бұрын

How funny! I used to be married living in Texas. My husband was an American man. We used to joke about Swedish vs American time 😅 So I hear you! 🇸🇪 🇺🇲 🇸🇪

@avernion 2 ай бұрын

I wish sitting next to a stranger on the buss was illegal…

@Lexxinsweden 2 ай бұрын

Why

@avernion 2 ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden Because their space is too close to my space 😂

@henrikduende 2 ай бұрын

I hardly talk to people i know 😂

@Eyrenni Ай бұрын

I live on the fifth floor so I'll take the elevator with someone (because I just want to get in and out of the public space to get to my REAL privacy so I guess nothing changed lol)... but I will feel awkward while at it. If I lived only two stairs up and wasn't burdened by anything like groceries... yeah, I'd take the stairs. Doesn't matter who you are or what you look like. It's just "Oooh, no, a person 😬". Glad you feel you're getting more acclimatised!

@duncanhill3953 Ай бұрын

Lexx if you and the family are in Southern Sweden. Get in touch

@Lexxinsweden Ай бұрын

We are! Direct Message me on Instagram

@duncanhill3953 Ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden just sent my gmail's address

@duncanhill3953 Ай бұрын

@@Lexxinsweden I am not on social media. But we can sort it