Living Danishly: inspiring ideas from the world's happiest country

[@dolphinsandsunsets]

I lived in Denmark, Copenhagen in particular, for nearly seven years and I loved it, and I learned a lot from this country like hygge, and loving the change of seasons and hygge, and minimalism and hygge, the gardens and hygge, and rugbrød and hygge. i miss this life. and yes there is no place like home, which is the Philippines. But so was Denmark...for a time. det er et yndigt land. indeed.

[@karsu]

Two best places in the world. I am American of Filipino descent who spent my elementary school in the Philippines. I am in my mid 30s now. Doon laang sa dalawang bansa na iyon, sa mga bansa ng Scandinavia at Pilipinas na feeling ko ay nasa bahay ko Ako. (Awesome places. Both places have a Jantenloven. In the Philippines it is the sentence "ayo yan, mayabang yan!"). I never felt that here. Dito Hindi ko bahay.

[@wollaminfaetter]

You forgot about "hygge".

[@davs1296]

I love hygge

[@sylla2]

Come back any time, Dolphin! Anyone who's enjoying life in Denmark is a Dane 🙂

[@playalle1]

I’m sorry, but Copenhagen isn’t Denmark. I grew up in another part of Denmark (south fyn) and I can tell you for sure that Copenhagen is almost a tiny country itself with its own little culture

[@JeghedderThomas]

Being focused on the negativity in my life, I utterly forgot the qualities of my country - thank you so much, Helen, for reminding me. I shall be more active in appreciating the things that do work, rather than obsess about the things than doesn't.

[@julianwaugh968]

Dinner is at 6.30 (1830)

[@DreamReality222]

I think it's a normal part of the psyche to notice or focus on flaws, but the brain can be trained to focus on the positive. It's like, if you go to a buffet or salad bar at a restaurant (do you have those in Denmark or is that only an American thing?) do you focus on the food you don't want to eat, or do you draw your attention to the dishes that look amazing and then fill your plate with those? Happiness I think is a choice, and it has to be continuously re-chosen, because the ego is a trickster coyote and wants to suck us back into fear and despair often. Diet can also affect how easy it is for someone to choose happiness and the positive over the negative as the gut is scientifically known as the 'second brain' in the body. Overgrowth of parasites, candida yeast, mold, fungus, in the gut can cause heightened anxiety and depression. Fasting, drinking more water, and eating more plant based and raw fruits and vegetables can do wonders for eradicating chronic depression in the long term. And following all the tips Polly RG noted from Helen Russell's magnificent talk will do wonders to. Her presentation is simply incredible, her speaking skills, memory and the content... Now I want to visit your country!!! 🇩🇰

[@existential.psychopath8053]

ONLY RECONQUISTA!

[@jasip1000]

Dane at a job interview abroad. -“As a Dane, what would you consider as being your greatest weakness?” -“Honesty”. -“Really, I don’t consider honesty being a weakness” -“Well, I really don’t give a fuck what you consider” -“Welcome to the company MrJensen, you’re hired”. 🤝

[@angelole6568]

I wish America was like that its so corrupt in getting a decent job.

[@MorgaineRiddlePrince]

Hahahaha

[@hagalazmultiverze3411]

Taken from my job interview (Dane in Denmark): Boss : "So, is there anything, you can do, which is not on your resume?" Me : "Yes, I can slit your throat using a credit card" Developer: "That's gonna be pretty handy during salary negotiations" I got the job :D

[@ramp0649]

@@hagalazmultiverze3411 the fuck was the developer thinking?

[@simplesimon8255]

@@angelole6568 boohoo

[@pollyrg97]

Helen Russell's ten tips for living more happily no matter where you are (discussed around 00:48:50): 1) Be more trusting. 2) Get more 'hygge' in your life. 3) Move and exercise more. 4) Address the aesthetics - make your home a pleasant place to be, and appreciate your surroundings. 5) Streamline your options - less is more when it comes to choices. 6) Be proud - find something about yourself or your community that you can be proud of. 7) Value family. 8) Equal respect for equal work - no 'men's work/women's work'. 9) Play. 10) Share.

[@anavonrebeur6121]

Priceless

[@patrickknight6542]

I am only 22:22 minutes in and… all that is happening for me is getting tense with all the stress and struggle she is describing. Should I hang in with it? Does it get less anxious at some point?

[@h.b16]

Thank you. I wanted to watch the whole thing but I can’t stand her smacking her lips constantly!😖

[@kewsoner7924]

I'm half danish and have half serbian roots, but nothing give me the feeling of pride and a smile on my face than saying I'm danish!

[@clausjensen5658]

Hygge is a state of mind.. Do something you like doing. Does´nt matter if you do it alone or with someone.. As long as you enjoy doing it and it gives you what you need to feel good in the moment you do it.

[@ThePRCommander]

@@bonnienadinenewman As everyone else, I have experienced hygge times hundred of times in my life, however, the one that stands out was unexpected. Springtime 1990, a picnic with two girls from my school, lying partly on the grass and partly on some blankets, under some solitary trees, not so far from the Wadden Sea (vadehavet). No wind and an okay temperature. We didn't talk much, all read books and drank some tea and water. Absolutely awesome. Something happened here; I felt complete. Will never forget those few hours.

[@yottaforce]

​@@ThePRCommander Sounds like Super Hygge - one of those memories even Alzheimer can't remove. I hope I'm not intruding or anything; but allow me to elaborate a bit on hygge. It has received a lot of hype for some time now. Hygge is not a "special" danish feeling. Everybody (I hope) experience hygge many times a year. It's just we have a word for it. That's it! I found it both hilarious, but also a bit sad, to find a "danish hygge blanket" on Amazon. Image someone sitting with the blanket around them, perhaps with a cup of "hygge" tea, staring impatiently around the apartment: "Aaanny time now!". Seriously?

[@ozsfi]

Hygge is also part of Norway.

[@existential.psychopath8053]

ONLY RECONQUISTA!

[@TinzensUnivers]

Having a rough day, then try and make a cup of coffee/hot choco/tea, possibly some pastry, find a good book and wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy = Hygge Love from Denmark

[@Sassi4083]

I loved the whole ‘please’ topic here, because living in Denmark all of my life, I can so clearly see this one from another perspective. I LOVE England and I go there frequently. Something I notice immediately in England and what I love dearly, is how friendly and polite you are to each other. Danes can be very closed off on the surface almost as if living in their own bubble. Thus many come off as being kinda rude or ignorant towards strangers. I have social anxiety, and going to England is like therapy to me. It’s overwhelming how friendly everyone are towards me. I can go out with a smile and without the constant panic attacks sneaking up on me. Where in Denmark I can’t even do my grocery shopping without facing social anxiety and discomfort. Yes Danes have other words and phrases similar to ‘please’ but most don’t practice it when facing a stranger. It’s true Denmark does a lot of things very well, and it’s by no means or measure a bad place to live, but while you could learn a thing or two from us, Danes could also learn a lot from you.

[@chrisf.1571]

But I got the impression that Danes were the happiest people in the world?

[@thewhat531]

Chris F. Nah, we're number two. Finland surpassed us this year.

[@TheSilverwing999]

I have social anxiety, am a dane and my boyfriend lives in England and I have the exact opposite experience. My anxiety is triggered way more in England. Their politeness is plastered on, they never leave you alone and there are way too many people so it gets claustrophobic. Denmark is so small, chill and relaxing. No one expects anything from you. In England you HAVE to be normal. All the time.

[@sidewind131258]

I know this is late, but i*ll tell you one thing, if you feel a dane are friendly, you can bet your firstborne that it is heartfelt, not just a catchphrase "because that is how we do here"

[@asnielsen9784]

I live the danish dream and im a fucking busdriver 🥳🚌 love my country ☀️

[@simplesimon8255]

@Phil Sr I’m happy at my work. I’m not Danish

[@danishpastry6137]

I'm a British expat, living in Denmark. I've been here for 28 years with no intention of moving back. I don't live too far from Lego, also in a small rural town. I, too, moved to Denmark in the winter, sailing to Hamburg and driving up to Denmark on a Saturday afternoon in the january fog. In those days, shops were shut from lunchtime for 3 out of 4 Saturdays, so imagine what I was thinking when I drove through a small town at 3pm on a Saturday and literally didn't see a soul! The only things I really miss are the Welsh mountains, Bonfire night and pickle! We typically have a 37-hour working week, although working in a hospital means that one week I can work 50 hours, but the next only 15 hours. I have zero British friends, a conscious decision, as I initially had a one year locum position, and felt I may as well have stayed in the UK if I had British friends. I learned the language, made Danish friends, and eventually married a Dane. All of this is important to being part of Danish society and, in turn, being happy and lowering stress levels. I don't own a bicycle (my husband owns several), that PH lamp (it's too ubiquitous, which will always put me off, although we do have other less common examples), or a flagpole (that'll be the British stereotypes kicking in)! I do love fastelavns boller (the special buns in february), they're the Danish equivalent of pancakes as they're eaten before Lent. And "hygge" of course - it's about being content with things. Despite paying higher taxes, I do feel that we have a better standard of living, and I do see the value of what our taxes are paying for. As for British things, we do celebrate pancake day, I do bake hot cross buns and mincepies! My husband is addicted to Jaffa cakes and Ginger nuts, and British outlet villages!

[@drumstick74]

Good to hear you are thriving here :-) You're right, the rural shops close early...it is still that way today, if not worse than 28 years ago, because so many shops have closed in the small towns. I grew up in a small town, but moved to Copenhagen 18 yrs ago.

[@mauricechristopherwilde929]

I lived in Denmark for many years, and here's the big secret to happiness that I discovered: HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND. If you are not happy where you are, you will not be happy anywhere.

[@hejalll]

Huh, you saying people who are unhappy now will never be happy?

[@marcelmoulin3335]

There is credence in your statement; however, when one lives in a beautiful town with delightful people, the 'joy' factor increases exponentially. Albeit a Dutchman, I grew up in Palo Alto, lived and taught in an international school in the UK for three decades, and finally retired and returned to the fatherland two years ago. I am most fortunate to live in Middelburg, the Netherlands. I often feel as if I am in heaven. "Echt waar!"

[@santsuma]

@ 31:50... Danish word; "HYGGE"... *A complete absence of anything annoying or overwhelming; taking pleasure from* *the presence of gentle,soothing things.* ...Great!

[@bob.jacobsen360]

Hi Helen, As a dane living abroad for the past 14 years I must say you summed it up pretty good. There hasn't been a 52 weeks paternative leave for decades for both parents. It's only within the last couple of years it has become socially accepted in most workplaces that dad's take time of.

[@lilohumphries7243]

Helen told the audience that there is but one hour sunshine in winter, which is 😅😮 unnecessary exaggeration Because of Denmark's northern location, the length of the daylight varies. Copenhagen is roughly on the same latitude as Newcastle. - which has more than one hours daylight in winter. So the winter daylight in Copenhagen will be around 8:30 a.m. and sunset 4:30 p.m.. Helen also misled the length of the summer days which in the case of Copenhagen is: sunrise at 3:30 a.m. and sunset at 10 p.m.

[@joantendler6518]

"Eating a home-cooked meal"-every day! I think that this is a huge part of their happiness. In the US, most people eat unhealthy deli, restaurant, processed or frozen food for dinner every day, which are poor sources of essential good mood nutrients: B vitamins, essential brain fats, lysine, and zinc. In addition, these foods contain unhealthy substances, like preservatives, dyes, sugar, and omega 6 fat linoleic acid. Also, the Dane's favorite meat is pork, especially pork liver, and pork and ham are excellent sources of the energy vitamin B1 (pork has more B1 than any other food), essential brain fats, lysine, and zinc. And they eat it with their very traditional bread-sourdough rye-which is very effective at keeping your blood sugar at an even level, which then avoids the sugar lows that are so depressing (as the Danish commenter mentioned after the talk). They top their pork liver sandwiches with fermented beets, another super-healthy food, which actually tastes very good with the liver and rye. I've been eating this way myself for about 6 months now, and I have found that my mood has become pretty consistently happy and buoyant, without the need for caffeine, sugar, chocolate or wine. It's amazing what eating traditional, nourishing foods can do!

[@japkap]

Best solution i have found is we buy meat in bulk packages and repack the meats when we get home and freeze the meats save a lot of money doing that, and we make meal plans for the week, so we have a list of items we might stop by a shop to get fresh leeks and salats and such for the meal that day, and we put the frozen meat in the fridge the evening before we need it, and it is ready to go the next evening when we cook the meal, so it is all about setting up a meal plan and making sure to get the groceries list completed. And you can do prep work as well in the weekend and have it all prepared for cooking depending on what you want to make, the slow cooked meals we might put in the oven in the morning prep it in the evening and put it in the oven on low in the morning and let it cook all day while you are at work, the only important thing is making a meal plan and the rest can slowly become normal.

[@TheJerida]

@Phelan I understand what you are saying, but you really don't have to spend 1 hour to cook a meal. I could serve you healthy, nutritious and different meals every day of the year, that takes between 10-30 minutes to prepare and cook. Mostly, whatever pots, pans and utensils used would be clean at the end of the process too.

[@TheJerida]

@Phelan I have never been in that situation, so it's of course very easy for me to just drop a comment like the one I did. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be insensitive to neither your or his situation. I don't know what choices you have, so I would not presume to think I would do better. In my life, I make quite deliberate choices that to some degree sets me apart from the majority of Danes. I choose to live minimalistic for a number of reasons. A very positive side effect of this, is not needing a lot of money to sustain myself. I could if I wanted to, work part time (maybe 25 hours a week) and still have enough to pay all my expenses. I don't know anything about your situation, but maybe there are things you spend money on, that you don't really need? Are all your actions based on what will make you happy or do you do things because society/surroundings/family expect you to? Sorry for the long answer, one word just prompted the next. I wish you a happy life.

[@martinslvsten428]

Most danes don't really like fried liver to be honest. And those that do would say that liver from veal is better. Just fyi.

[@spenceflatulence]

@@martinslvsten428 You know leverpostej?

[@DaxTheOtter]

20:28 i think this varies a lot place to place in denmark. where i live, a smaller town on western sjælland, strangers often greeet each other on the street and wish each other a good weekend or good morning.

[@kristinepoulsen8923]

I dunno if anyone's gonna see this but i'm danish and i just though i would add a bit about how the government here supports innovation from an early start :) Here when you are done with 9th or 10th grade you can choose to go to a gymnasium and the structure in the danish gymnasiums might be a bit special, because you are already starting to specialize in what you want to do with your life. so we have these different directions you can choose from, if you want to study economics, Technic or science, but almost every gymnasium has a direction dedicated to innovation. there are different competitions and fares and things to do while you are studying to get yourself started and people who choose this direction mostly have an idea of what they want to make or what they want to accomplish so that is just an other way to get people to be innovative and there are of course also different evening classes you can take to inspire or just help you a bit on the way :)

[@Donnah1979]

+Kristine Poulsen - In English "gymnasium" is a High School. The English gymnasium is for doing sports and gym...

[@AbdulKhaliq-sq8nf]

Kristine Poulsen hi

[@sherrycaraway5663]

In America the word gymnasium is a place where you play sports in a school. The only thing a gymnasium is for is basket ball, volley ball and other sports. I'm a bit confused when you say you go to the gymnasium to decide what you want to do in life.

[@sassy0010]

Sherry Caraway, look above to Merete's answer. In their culture 'gymnasium' is a high school. I believe this term is used in several European countries, Germany included.

[@JacobMoen]

On the other hand, being Danish, "What a lovely note to end on" is just so unmistakably British. I love it :)

[@andreaskejlstrup6111]

Its Funny as a Dane to listen to this, because many of the things she says is something we do, but we just find it normal to do. xD

[@Lukerr239]

Yea exactly. Makes you appreciate your danish life more.

[@imemyself2820]

She is intelligent, funny as hell and hot! And all the things she mentioned? Really I never gave most of them a single thought, but now I see how much we take for granted. Also she spotted some things that we could do better. Being that straightforward is too much.

[@grop66]

So true Andreas Kejlstrup

[@katiekat4457]

This definitely makes me wish that Americans were like Danish people. They are not though. Not even close. I just saw a video about Denmark’s forest kindergartens. What a great experience for kids. However, I would be so nervous everyday. I am so happy for you Danish people. It really is too bad that American’s don’t follow good examples. We get 6 weeks off paid for having a baby. We can take an additional 6 weeks but it’s unpaid. We pay the full price for childcare which is about $150-200 (America money) per child per week. We pay for all college/university including our children’s education. That costs varies but it’s around $18,000 - $ 45,000 a year. So times that by at least 4. Denmark is definitely a better place to live but I don’t think I would like to be told I’m fat and look ugly all the time. We work so many hours. No healthcare. I would move to Denmark or Sweden if it wasn’t for it being so cold there. I live in Florida and love being warm all year round. Americans lie all the time. We hate change. And to top all of it off we have crazy insane nut and an all around terrible person for a president. How embarrassing! I’m so envious of the you Danish people.

[@auldk2001]

Quite simple actually. Every kid in Denmark starts learning English at the age of 10 or even earlier. And most of the movies on the television are with subtitles and not dubbed.

[@dottio3830]

I'm speechless - this was so hopeful as I yearn to meet my personal maslow's heirarchy of needs while being born in America it is IMPOSSIBLE, depsite being a healthcare professional single woman middle aged and worn out, there are no safety nets and depression and anxiety is unavoidable when you don't know how you will pay rent in three months. WOW. I'm sorry I cannot be PROUD of nor dare fly the American flag.

[@thewhat531]

Denmark need healthcare professionals

[@Ardaltheone]

Women in denmark had the right to divorce as far back as the viking age

[@kongkyllan4847]

@Edward Roberts you're wrong. Tight as a kung fu grip they are. Perhaps You just have a small D 🤷‍♂️

[@kongkyllan4847]

@Edward Roberts the fuck are on about ?

[@albertocassinelli1218]

And just like Vikings they procreate drunk children

[@kongkyllan4847]

@Edward Roberts it is amazing how stupid You are dumbfuck

[@alex____1]

@@albertocassinelli1218 wow you seem like a really nice guy

[@HansKnudsen]

Dear Helen, Education, culture, trust and security are among the main reasons for happiness in Denmark as you mention, but I also wish to remind you of the economic and political STABILITY. I think that happiness is also rooted in the fact that you have a very stable and trustworthy government and the population is not subject to unpleasant surprises and instability in their lives. This I think is a really important point and of course the fact the the culture is to increase quality of life for all and not level down. The INVESTMENT done in education (paying students to study in university for free) is also probably the BEST investment a society can do; it avoids cost and crimes (poverty brings crime and other social expenses to society) with people that have no education and on the other hand well educated people will probably pay back the money in taxes within a short time, i.e. 1-2 years, if well educated and prepared to get a highly paid job. Just a few ideas for your reflection!

[@soniaayala1564]

I gladly will pay more taxes to enjoy those benefits.... poverty can bring down any country 😭

[@sunshynegray9370]

This was so good..thanks for posting..love from Washington DC

[@bingowings113]

Great great great.....Dane!!! But l live in England, a 60 something mum of 2 whose children have flown to greener pastures, good for them, now a single person on minimum wage...listening to how wonderful it is in Denmark....woo hoo...yay let's be happy for the Danes...yay!!!!

[@JAKDK-dh3us]

Why would we be "religous" when the religion is so foreign? All nordic eclastical rites are actual nordic feasts. Easter? = Pre-Summer feast. Christmas? = Mid-Winter feast..

[@DanishButterCookie]

Were protestant christians, we get babtized, confirmed and we celebrate easter, great prayer day, good friday, christmas and several other traditional danish holidays. But were not strict about it, none of us regularly go to church, none of us pray at the dinner table, none of us confess to a priest. Mostly, religious holidays are mostly held out of a want for days off or simply because its tradition and a fun event. Kids the age of 13-14-15 get confirmed at church, they have to go to religious studies every wednesday, go to church on sunday 10 times and then they hold a grand party where the girls wear a nice white dress that usually has a short skirt, while the boys wear a nice suit. But after the party, they have no reason to enter a church again unless they wish to get married in one and never think of jesus or god again in a religious way.

[@JesperMilling]

No word for "please". But lots of saying thankyou for everything.

[@existential.psychopath8053]

ONLY RECONQUISTA!

[@doghibthekobold7852]

Being a Dane and watching this actually puts many things into perspective. There are still great many things in our every-day lives that we take for granted. But not only that, hearing her talk about simple things we are used to, in another light, is quite interesting. I really enjoyed watching this, and she is really good and entertaining. But as she points out, Danes are incredibly social phobic and we are hard to befriend, even amongst ourselves. Seems that we always need a "reason" to socialise with other people that we don't know, which is really strange since, as she said, we tend to think the best of strangers and are very trusting -- which is pretty much a contradiction. I like how her speech about her experiences puts things into new light and it made me think about many things in our society. :)

[@spexis]

yeah, I feel better about life here in Denmark too, when you compare to other countries

[@doghibthekobold7852]

Yeah, the way she talks about life in England in comparison, It really makes you stop and think about the good things we have here. One thing we Danes need to learn, though, is to be better at socialising. It's not really a talent we have -- unless we're drunk haha

[@spexis]

true

[@hansborgdesing]

"I am proud to be a Dane ! " That feeling seized me while I watched this broadcast. A beautiful English female speaker gives an a vibrant , positive and instructive insight into what the Danish unit is of a size. Particularly suitable spots for primary schools and integration classes. We Danes learn something positive about ourselves and immigrants learn , perhaps , to understand and appreciate us better 'Google Translate'

[@Lassemaersk]

Social Phoebic: I think the reason goes way back in time. Due to the cold and sometimes nasty weather, we are used to either invite people into our houses or get invited someones house - which suddently gets you very close to some new friend. In most of the world, the temperatures are better, which means they can hang out anywhere in nature, and does not "have to" invite new people to their homes... Bottomline, to invite someone to you house means you have to really get to know them, and therefor smalltalk is not a big part of our culture - cause you don't want to invite just anyone into you house..... No idea if this is true, just talked to my family about it the other day:) As far as I can "see", the social phoebic is living in the entire scandinavia - and this was my thougts of why it is like this.

[@sheilahammond3140]

It was traditional here in UK not so many years back, to all holiday in the last week of July and the first week of August. I have photos of my parents in holiday camps, by the sea. The shops and factories were mostly all closed, and all kinds of entertainment which encouraged everyone to join in, were arranged. Knobbly knees contests for the men, for example. The arrangement meant people were able to relax during this period, and competitions were strictly for fun. I think that this worked well during periods of austerity, particularly between the 2 world wars.

[@easypeasy2991]

We lived in Denmark for 2 years. I remembered that kids (8-10 years old) passing us on their way from school would smile and say 'Hi' even though they don't know us. Their parents must be relaxed and trusting. It's a while ago now, hope that's still the case. Also education is free (like a lot of Europe). It's a shame about what we hear about child poverty, student loans etc.. in recent years in the UK.

[@kewsoner7924]

Yes, that's still a thing!

[@dannygjk]

Stop making your life about reaching goals then you will be on the road to happiness.

[@pellesomethingsomething]

It's good to have small goals. They don't weigh you down, but you can have little happy successes once in a while. Today I have a goal of taking a long walk before sunset. If I don't make it - no biggie. If I do make it - Yay, small success :)

[@dannygjk]

@@pellesomethingsomething I didn't mean don't think about your goals. I meant don't obsess about your goals and forget about making life enjoyable for yourself and the people you love and care about.

[@pellesomethingsomething]

@@dannygjk I hear you Dan ;) Actually I never had big serious goals - and THAT used to stress me out a lot. I'm a Dane btw, and we are a very stressed out nation despite our "happy" image. BUT I shouldn't complain, I could be a lot worse off. It all depends who we compare our selves and lives to. If I compare myself to a homeless person for instance, I can more easily persuade myself that I am actually doing well enough. Smack the anxiety and tip the homeless. Well done. I think I'm gonna take that walk now, have a nice day :)

[@pizzabagerenmujaffa8123]

@@pellesomethingsomething i am also a dane and you are partly right .....i have never been stressed about being danish or living in denmark .....

[@elbruhmomentonumerodos9227]

What a loser mindset

[@wollaminfaetter]

1:06:00 One hour of sunlight? In Denmark? Are you sure you live in Denmark?

[@nielstrnquist4716]

From a dane: How lovely you are... and what a nice picture you paint uf us🙂 Thank you very much.

[@TheDKCover]

1 hour of sunlight a day in the deepest winter ?!? Sorry I live in Copenhagen and it's currently the 7th of december, and we have around 7 maybe even 8 hours of light atm. Sorry we're are a nordic country, but there is still a bit of way to the arctic circle, which is where you would have to go to find those kind of hours of light

[@JanBruunAndersen]

Define sunlight. Living in Stockholm, I can testify that there can go 3-4 months where the sky is never clear. All you see is grey clouds.

[@kongkyllan4847]

@@JanBruunAndersen the guy Up there live in the only big city of Denmark and there is always lights there. On other hand in jutland it tends to be quiet dark during most the year, mostly due to Gray/dark clouds blocking the sun. But yea 1 hour of sunlight is a bit off 😂

[@jennifervognsen1490]

I am danish and it feels like theres no sun in the winter because its so cloudy :D

[@Slainby]

haha, sometimes it just goes from sun to rain to hail to snow to sun :D ahh danish weather, completely random

[@felixkretschmer1914]

I live in jutland and i Can confirm that some wintherdays Can be totally sunblocked, maybe because of the heavy clouds or the fact that we are a Nordic country

[@badfaceday7509]

As an over 60 year old Dane I will say this: One of the best explanations for why we Danes are happy. Even if you are far from covering everything - which in fact would probably be completely impossible. Exactly the concept of HYGGE (Google translate it to COZY - but that is being - it is only a part of HYGGE) is hard to explain. But it's the feeling you get inside yourself when you're feeling good. Many people think the following is part of cosiness: The feeling of warmth - also the warmth of the mind of being with friends and family. But you can HYGGE on your own. No family and or friends needed. Yes a lot of things, including the ones you mention. Personally, I think, since we have many things in common with Norway (especially) and Sweden, that it basically originates from the time we were one country. Vikings as someone will probably say. But in each case a common past and understanding.

[@OriginalPuro]

What we Scandinavians see as normal, Americans see as "extreme".

[@jasonhurley1293]

I live in the U.S. I work 7 days a week, pay to much for bad healthcare, and am surrounded by uneducated people. I feel like my taxes are consumed into a politically corrupt black hole. I love this video, it's an intriguing thought knowing that the Danes have such an amazing society.

[@sherryapplegate6354]

@@jasonhurley1293 Can you apply for asylum there? Might be worth a try.

[@dottio3830]

@@jasonhurley1293 Ditto Jason - I'm in the same boat working 5 extra jobs in addition to my profession just to make ends meet. The US will eventually be a third world country...wait, I think we're there.

[@wm9217]

@@jasonhurley1293 move.

[@wm9217]

@Edward Roberts see you after COVID-19

[@mwtrolle]

12:00 The short work hours, paid sick leave, child’s sick leave, vacation and so on are great. But an other thing is that there are a less formal work structure most places and people can speak their minds. It gives “arbejdsglæde”, and add to the productivity.

[@lisalalita]

Great talk and I like the positive twist. You tend to forget those things when you live here after some years. The gentleman's comments at 1hr14min are very insightful and relevant. As an australian, having lived, studied & worked in DK for 12yrs AND being from a very open og social culture, meeting and getting acceptance or a significant circle of Danish friends is an ongoing struggle. One really IS often ignored. What's interesting is that there is a tendency for danes (& other Scandinavians) to 'compartmentalise ones social structure eg. to have "cafe friends", "work friends", "sports club friends", "class friends" ie. you associate within a particular context and my experience is that there rarely is a cross over, at least for adults, when it comes to associating with, non-danes. My experience is that danes who have travelled a lot or lived in other countries seem to be more open and socially adept at letting 'outsiders' in, but again it's within a given context and only to a given extent. It is what it is. Right or wrong or somewhere in between. :-/

[@DavidQvist]

Lisa Lalita Trew That's so true. It's something you can also experience as a Dane if you move from one part of the country to another. Someone from Action for Happiness should come give us a lecture so we can get it fixed. 🙂

[@rfry200]

Really appreciated your comments about, people not talking to you, friendliness, trust, and inner circle of friendship parts of your video. Seems what you experienced happens here in Canada too. Thank you.

[@reflectingqueen]

I am Dutch, and have been to Denmark only once, but what you describe about it, sounds quite similar to my country....and ....having lived an expat life in the UK(never felt as lonely) .....it makes me laugh and think back, that adapting to life in the UK was as difficult as you describe....having moved countries a lot, I can tell you that a year is nothing....it is more 2 years ...and than you are uprooted again by the company.....

[@sidewind131258]

Hygge (cosyness) is a state of mind. You can do it alone or in groups

[@cfolman]

The Danes themselves have no idea how happy they are until they move to another country and meet corruption and dysfunction for the first time. The Danes are tribes people. Foreigners who come to Denmark are expected to join the tribe, be positive and adopt our lifestyle (bare minimum - get a job and support yourself). Many immigrants dont do this and therefore they are not trusted. It is not easy to adopt another lifestyle/culture and retain your own at the same time - but it can be done - Helen Russel is a brilliant example.

[@Candlewick14]

cfolman interesting...pick me!!

[@rfry200]

Same thing here in Canada, you must join the tribe or you are not trusted.

[@sassy0010]

And me! I'll work!

[@janbfrederiksen280]

Thank you - I am a dane born in Copenhagen - 4 sons, I live abroad and so two of my sons w family, so we consider ourselves global. Be aware about the big city proudness and small town cozyness (which by the way, is the same in most of the world). But great presentation.

[@kirstenfrostholm8063]

As a Dane it is funny to hear how people from other contries things about us but it also make me a little afraid because Helen is sweet and nice but may not be seeing the "other" Denmark We have people who are poor and homeless and we do not all have design lamps or have as much time with our husbond and kids as Helen has had. yes I am a proud and "kind of happy" but the Denmark everyday life I have and the one Helen have, is absolutly not the same.

[@TheKIMANO]

Hygge er vel hygge Kirsten og det kan opleves på mange forskellige niveuer. Kan man gradbøje hyggen efter om der er tale urtethe og speltbrød i nordsjælland eller et par bajere med en kammerat på et værtshus på Nørrebro ?. Selvom du hen af vejen har ret så kan Helen Russel vel ikke tage udgangspunkt i andet end sine oplevelser. Personligt synes jeg lampen er grim og alene det at den er berømmet for danish design gør den uinteressant fordi den så bliver pivdyr.

[@carstenhansen5757]

If you are homeless in Denmark it's most often because they have a problem of some sort, in which you have to take some sort of a personal responsibility. And some people are just to spineless to do that.

[@jenniferl1702]

i THINK your homeless are more of a psychological sign rather than economical. I mean that's true in America as well. I volunteered for the homeless for nearly all my life and so many of them escape what I consider "nice housing". There was a homeless girl named Ruby in Pacific Palisades, CA (rich neighborhood). I found a nice room with a family who housed a few homeless AND I got her a job at a hospital. She didn't want to "relocate" to another city. This has been my experience. They are literally more comfortable on a street. I was speaking with an exorcist priest and he believes they are possessed or obsessed or oppressed by evil spirits.

[@gonza8824]

it sounds as she has a tourist opinion, it reminds me tourists coming back from a country thinking they know everything and havent seen or experience much...

[@wowwowwow185]

sounds like she's talking about wealthy middle class life

[@thehonq1034]

the way we use "please" in denmark is "bed om", you can directly translate it to "ask for".

[@lottesrensen8004]

Thank you for the positive view of my country and people. It's interesting to see yourself from the outside. Especially since I have always been passionately interested in other cultures also British. We do share lots of mutual roots actually. But I must say there are also shortcomings in dk and in some ways things has been the opposite of improving the past 10-20years.....going the wrong way. But it is a lot better than many places in a lot of ways for the most people

[@MsMesem]

You sure dont need immigration.... Sweden is suffering.

[@jennifervognsen1490]

@@MsMesem why is sweeden suffering ?

[@simplesimon8255]

Denmark sucks. Sweden is better

[@raindropsneverfall]

As a Dane, I do agree that one of our - I think it may apply to all of Scandinavia - hurdles is that it is hard to get to know us. I've been an exchange student in the US , which did help me to soften my façade. However, I've always been a person that has surrounded myself with people unlike me. I've always been interested in languages and cultures.

[@Strategistdating]

Its seems like the Dane's really understands that Family and a Society that works for all is more important then working and making money so sad America don't understand this.

[@AhemYoYoYoYo]

Hvad snakker du om? Jeg anser på ingen måde staten for at være min familie. Sikke noget vrøvl. Lad mig gætte - du er LA'er?

[@AhemYoYoYoYo]

You are crazy. Listen, obviously I know I don't have as much personal wealth as someone from Qatar for example, but the point is that all modern nations are mixed economies, and the way we do it in Denmark is pretty good (even though the current government consists of a bunch of cunts), in that we actually take care of all of our citizens, so the country is more stable. And by the way if you are arguing that it is a bad place to have a business in, plenty of international organisations say that Denmark is in top when it comes to start/and have firms there.

[@AhemYoYoYoYo]

So you're also a liar. You said earlier that you were a Dane. Where exactly are you from?

[@Strategistdating]

Oswald Mosley lol nevermind the us huh lol

[@kr50401]

+Jake Hansen You're talking about the USA right?

[@wayofthinkin]

Great video ! And Helen is one of the most gorgeous women on the planet !! Go Denmark !!!

[@martinwhite7053]

I was in Denmark a few years ago having travelled through Belgium, Holland and Germany.. I know Copenhagen is on the island of Zealand but somehow we got on the wrong ferry (an ancient but beautifully made old ship) Its all quite expensive but my main problem was that it wasn't *foreign* enough. It felt so much like Britain I might just as well not bothered. I regret missing going to Copenhagen though. We went in a camper van and we felt perfectly safe throughout. I'm a type 2 diabetic and get all meds including insulin delivered also and don't pay a penny. I am a pensioner however.

[@gonza8824]

where do you live?

[@TheSilverwing999]

If you think it felt British you indeed missed out on a lot. We are nowhere NEAR British love

[@Elenrai]

I need to add that the word "please" does exist but it is in two words, and often only said by young children when speaking/asking for something to adults, this especially goes for Danes who are born before 1990. Regarding July, even for those of us who work in July, in supermarkets, often find that it is a period where you get bored at work, you leave several hours early, and some days you are even able to decide that you are just gonna sit in the back of the shop, hanging out with your colleagues.

[@henriklarsen5613]

There is a big difference between living in Copenhagen and living in ural Jutland.A bit like living in London and living somewhere in Yorkshire!!!

[@MIB_63]

@Paul Charles I agree. I live in Copenhagen and love it here. I love Jutland too but the mentality is very different.

[@mjn6247]

@@MIB_63 Exactly

[@dollymadison2397]

Similar to America. It's major culture shock just visiting one area to the next. I cringe when I see documentaries depicting certain parts America as typical. I want to scream, "We know how to pronounce..." "Most of us take care of our teeth." "Most of us..." whatever...the list is too long to text.

[@ozsfi]

One lady said talked about sugar and birthdays. My daughter was in hospital when she became 3 and they made her and other girls in the room a birthday cake

[@JesperMilling]

Part of UK is just as far north as Denmark, and have the same darkness in winter and sunlight in summer.

[@kirstenjakobsen1651]

I’m danish and I think that Helen Russell have done a pretty accurate description of what it means to be danish. Well done👍🏻👏🏻 PS. The shortest day (21. Dec) is 6,5-7,5 hours and the longest day (21. June (Sankt Hans)) is more than 17 hours.

[@bigdaddy4444]

Thank you for the nice words about Danes. Makes me very proud to be Danish.

[@mattdonlan7745]

The sad thing is, I'm watching this lecture on a Sunday....at work. Living the US, the American Dream lol.

[@simplesimon8255]

Boohoo. Keep crying about it. That’ll amount to change 😂

Such an interesting video. Thanks. Saludos desde Dinamarca

[@wollaminfaetter]

I'm sure we're on to something here in Denmark and Scandinavia. But if you look for disadvantages they are not difficult to find. It's not easy to keep it up in a globalised world. I'm pretty sure i live in the best place though. Thanks for the video!

[@Judi7Caroler]

I'm enjoying her book: A YEAR OF LIVING DANISHLY. I'm partly Dane and all of the UK, etc.

[@wernerrietveld]

Is she not being a bit theatrical about the winter? Denmark is more or less at the same level as the english scottish border. Surely a bit darker then where most of English are living, but far from a blackout.

[@wile123456]

I guess if you grew up in a London suburb the winters seem extremely dark in Denmark. But yes it as far north as south scotland/northern England so not that crazy.

[@phero2]

Richard is on point, truly a man blessed with intelligence. (at 57:39 onwards)

[@doriensutherland8893]

I am Brazilian. Yup, quite a few problems here. Denmark is an amazing county. Great people, helpful - most speak pretty good English. They are just really nice. Not easy to make friends with though but it is amazing. Can we rent your government?

[@Objectivesea]

One word Helen struggles with - "Arbejdsglæde" (work gladness) - is pronounced here: static.ordnet.dk/mp3/11002/11002291_1.mp3 (from a major Danish dictionary, www.ordnet.dk); that same dictionary doesn't seem to have an on-line pronunciation of "hygge" (cosy), but several compounds of "hygge" are to be found there, like "hyggekrog" (a cosy corner), static.ordnet.dk/mp3/11022/11022051_1.mp3. They're not intrinsically hard words, but they do require listening carefully and shaping one's mouth a bit differently to what one may be used to.

[@ingridbnse5554]

We danes don't have the word 'please' but we do speak in a kind way. We have several ways to say 'please'.

[@gabrielhawi403]

Such as what? Trying to learn from your beautiful culture :)

[@nannakure6210]

Gabriel Hawi You can say “Må jeg ‘bede om’ ketchuppen?” its like: “Can i ‘pray for/please’ the ketchup?” 😊 If someone says “Må jeg få/Giv mig ketchuppen”, we would probably be like “hell no, you can ‘bede om’”

[@bettinalykke5151]

We also have the phrase "vil du være sød at.." "would you be nice/sweet to.." give/take/do something

[@jrufussimonsen4718]

such as vil du være så venlig

@@nannakure6210 "bede om" is more like "kindly ask for" as in "Can I kindly ask for the ketchup?" which I guess would be a super polite way to phrase a request in english as well :)

[@josiethornton7049]

I feel a would like to try living there. Very much. Because I have not traveled much I find it really lovely to see how other country's do things and live. It would be exiting for somebody from England to go and learn from Denmark and bring ideas back. Ho! but they know already, silly me.

[@geoffrobinson7293]

Mostly good advice. I got a kick out of hearing of a shorter work week... When I worked in the UK (1989-1991) I was impressed that the typical work week was about 36 hours and no shops were open on Sundays so we spent time with friends and family.... lots of walks. Denmark has what was once common in the UK and US. Lets get back to simpler more satisfying life.

[@danishpastry6137]

I actually work two hours longer in Denmark than I did in the UK! Most people have a 37 hour working week in Denmark - the difference is that we start earlier in Denmark (7am isn't that unusual), and therefore finish earlier. My husband works from 7am to 15:30 Monday to Thursday, but on Fridays he finishes at 12:30. I work shifts, so anything from a 7 and a half hours to 24 hours - this week I've have two days annual leave but will still clock up 36 hours!

[@ozsfi]

Many things she said about Denmark are also true of Finland and Norway and probably Sweden but I have not lived in Sweden. Babies can be left outside safely. When I lived in Denmark, an Australian friend had a baby and as year old she was suggested to be taken to kindergarten and my 2 and 3 year old were also taken to kindergarten.

[@maksenDK]

This is so weird. I'm a Dane, and i just randomly stumbled upon this video just now. So i was intrigued and started watching. The weird part is that right now I'm applying for a job at LEGO and for last couple of weeks i feel like i have been bombarded with LEGO. Everywhere i go or whatever i watch, something about LEGO will pop up. And there she is, talking about a job at LEGO. To other people this might not be anything special, but to me, it's mind blowing. what is going on!?

[@intuitivemode5249]

Could it be the ole KZbin recommendation & advertising engines listening to your typing, searches, and conversations? KZbin includes spoken content in their search algorithms.

[@katerinagkagka]

Good luck 🍀 with your application

[@egroegknimmij3169]

Did you got the job? Do you live in the neighborhood of Billund? I mean are there workplaces of Lego besides Billund? Thx in advance.

[@rezitkemaladze860]

She is such a wonderful speaker, very humorous. I feel like I can listen to her all day 😀

[@newsoundsandold]

I think that the description of us Danes being one of the happiest countries in the world somehow got lost in translation. The correct translation in my opinion would be that we are content. Not necessarily happy.

[@thiloreichelt4199]

Even that is an achivement. Many people are far from content.

[@mattiasthomsen7103]

Two things to mention, being from Denmark 'n all. 1) Danish people are comprised of different personalities, like everywhere else. Extroverts, Introverts, slackers, over-achievers, etc. We are, however, taught from a very early age to go for whatever (job) makes you happy. Identifying this is the main challenge, which the younger generations sometimes find really stressful. 2) Danish people are fiercely independent, with the good and the bad. On the plus side, like was mentioned in presentation, we tend toward resting in (and around) ourselves. On the bad side, we convince ourselves that what we do is the only way, which is bordering arrogance.

[@intuitivemode5249]

What do you mean by “resting inside and outside yourself.”

[@kevinwinstonshen]

Work-life balance is just a buzzword in the United States (US) that nobody practices or knows what it really is.

[@drakeequation521]

Robert Pirsig did with his book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Work is an art form and our tools are like instruments in an orchestra. The sounds such tools make reveal the mood of the worker and when we fix something we are fixing a part of who we are, mending our own internal flaws.

[@2CheekyRabbits]

I’ve been a public school teacher for 20 + years in the U.S. When I stopped working at home in the evenings and on the weekends to actually *have* balance, I couldn’t keep up. The expectations didn’t lower, and eventually I was disciplined for this - put on a “monitored personal development plan.” Such a ridiculous insult. I taught remotely this year of Covid and recently called it quits. I won’t sacrifice myself any more. We all deserve balance.

[@MsMesem]

@@2CheekyRabbits Teaching requires many hours of work out side of school hours; you would have known that before you entered the profession. For many teaching is a vocation ; a life style.

[@REBEC65]

Spread the Happiness should be the moto of every Dane and of of every Happy Person!! Happinness and Peace is what this world needs. Giving and Sharing is what Life is all about!! Stay blessed. Rebecca de France where people are wonderful and the food is good too!!:)

[@lilohumphries7243]

Giving and sharing kindness and friendship 😊

[@snurrberget]

I am from Denmark, and she has some fun points of interest in the first half, but then it appears that she does not understand anything about our country. Her relations to Denmark are seen through the eyes of danish upper-class of academics, and that reflects clearly on her perception of the country. It is nice that she tries to sell a book to the British about Denmark, but she should make it clear that it is British-Danish for the higher educated classes and not for regular tourists . Even though I recognize her points, I consider her "conclusions" deeply invalid.

[@OMFGcataFAN1]

gotta say i agree. some of the points were funny and fit well. others seemed far off and doesnt reflect the denmark that i grew up in at all.

[@JezielProdigalSon]

I agree on this exactly. It sounds like she is basing her experiences from a specific class of danish people.

[@DavidQvist]

You wanna hear a secret? Everyone has their own idea of what it means to be Danish. Sure, these ideas will be more alike among Danes, but depending on where you live, your educational background and so on, they will also differ quite a bit, as you yourself are pointing out. The fact that she's clearly from England and tells us she has a husband that works for Lego reveals and defines her perspective. She doesn't need to clarify anything. 🙂

[@Jj-rq9sp]

Which ones did you find invalid and what would be a truer statement from your perspective?

[@SightForMemories]

well, If she would have said conclusions, then we'd trust you more.

[@Damn-good-deal]

from a danish perspective this is a nice insight on what it feels like being a foreigner.

[@bgmpt]

I wonder if they understand the difference between happiness and joy. Her idea of happiness seems somewhat superficial and largely predicated on externalities rather than internalities. Joy is much more resilient than happiness, less dependent upon external factors, and arises from within regardless of the circumstances one finds themselves in.

[@patmaurer8541]

"Caregiving is as important as breadwinning. Everybody gets that." That sounds great. Let's do that.

[@carstenhansen5757]

We do not only have one hour of daylight, in the winter. I think it's down to eight hours.

[@Inseptembertowers]

Good to know there’s still some beauty in the world

[@reneblom2160]

I am Danish, and it was very interesting for me to learn how a Brit living in Denmark has experienced the Danish mentality and the Danish way of life. I only found out that Helen Russell wasn't actually talking about a hooker, when she put the Danish word "Hygge" up on the screen. ;-)

[@jamescarr6964]

in the USA if an employee is having mental health problems-they don't get time off--they get a simi auto pistol & 10 clips & ammo !

[@sherrycaraway5663]

James, If an American needs time off for mental health he is first fired from his job, unemployment pays him 35% of what his wage was, he possibly lose his home and then he will take his gun to his former employer and really prove he needed some help, not just being fired.

[@happygonemad7908]

as a dane my self when she started trying to say hygge then sounding like she is saying hooker i was laughing my ass off

[@exutu]

omg...invite someone in to share your hooker...haha...I had to think "what did she mean" but of course...hygge

[@TheYuxiaodi]

haha that's what I was thinking.. but hookers are.. sort of... legal... and they do ( I guess ) bring happiness :)

[@Rosia4309]

SAME XD I'M DANISH MYSELF XD

[@cpgvonc7568]

hehe yeah, 55:25 "Invite someone in to share your hooker". Had me in tears...

[@friider5906]

They gotta learn the word first they are butering it

[@henrysmith1464]

so warm hearted, really moving indeed

[@keepcreationprocess]

it is an interesting presentation isnt ?

[@sutats]

Ultimately sound fundamentals like a trustworthy government is key.

[@dollymadison2397]

What a DREAM for my American self.

[@anetteengman1306]

wow doesn't sound at all like the Denmark I've grown up in.....pokiteness and helping eachother was key in my opbringing

[@AndersGetherSoerensen]

Hello Helen I think you forgot one important thing in your otherwise good insight into Danish conditions. Namely expectation to life. If you have an expectation and become very rich before one is 30-40 years, and are not, then one can be disappointed with his life. Danes have perhaps a more realistic approach to life than many other countries. Another thing. Denmark was until 1807 a multi-cultural society. But then came the British and bombed us to bankruptcy. In 1864, the Germans 1/3 of the country. Norway and Iceland also disappeared. So Danes has closed about ourselves and the trauma of 1864, we never got over.

[@mohamedalishafiqueahmed9496]

thank hellen russell

[@polioarm]

its the law of jante that makes the Danes happy,, every person is more equal, and we dont fell special even though we are,, in other countrys people have bigger egos and they like to brag about it. also we have a great social system, we leave none behind, we invest in weak people so they can become well and take a job, and that is beautiful I think. i pay my 50% tax with pride.

[@beo191]

shut up and take your anti depressants

[@VonBalls]

Thank goodness you do not brag, though, right?

[@henrikvendelbo1117]

Selvfed much?

[@albertocassinelli349]

You don't pay…the regime steal your money and give them to people doing nothing all day.

[@sassy0010]

I'd be proud to pay my taxes too if I thought they'd protect me like that. What a new concept: taxes to take care of the people! I'm too busy being terrified on a daily basis of becoming homeless or getting sick and not being able to afford health care.

[@NutriGenicsClinic]

We all have something to learn from here... But it important to realized that this happens because a lot of things/systems are put in place... Just to wish that this happened naturally is not enough.

[@bartcolen]

Gotta love KZbin comments sections! There could be a :12 video in which a kind person simply and sincerely says, "I love all of you! Have a wonderful day!" and within three comments, people would be at each other's throats. Man alive! I suppose that the good news for the more aggressively unhappy among you is that life is short and you'll soon be dead! So even if you don't enjoy what's left, there is not much to go. Rejoice accordingly!!! (As for me, however, I am being sneaky about it all and actually CHOOSING to be pleasant. Operative word "choosing"!) Peace, everybody!

[@kevartje1295]

As a Dutch person, I'm convinced the danish are our long lost siblings. The only difference: If you tell a Dutch person you're from another country, they will immediately speak English and ask you a bunch of questions. Mostly about how you like the country and why you moved/came here. They'd wanna be friends with you, learn you stuff about our country and learn stuff about your country as well. Oh and no flags here, only on kings day. And we don't make our homes the most beautiful place ever, it's about efficiency.

[@lameduck3105]

We Danes see you Dutch people as brothers and sisters too. 💖

[@kevartje1295]

@@lameduck3105 Good to hear 💖

[@pm71241]

Actually ... there IS a world for "please" or "bitte" or "s'il vous plait" in Danish. It's "om forlov" ... nobody use it.

[@toocooldk]

Just to clarify, on avarage children are 10,25 months before attending daycare, and 6 months is not normal.

[@MsRoielyn]

Thomas, mit barn startede da han var 6 måneder. Man kan godt i Aalborg for 15 år siden.

[@benjaminfranklin3458]

Mother of god... I own one of those lamps... o.o

[@bjoernen.bjoern]

We all do

[@bojanik7488]

I really miss something about compromises. Example: We Danes are represented by 5-10 parties in parliament, with typically 2-3 in charge at a time. No compromise = no power. This has been so for most of our democratic era (and certainly for the last consecutive 100+ years) so compromise comes quite naturally. I don't know much of the strengths of two party systems like the U.K. or United States, but this compromise approach has been quite successful for us Danes, a small country with a homogeneous population.

[@TheKIMANO]

@Bo Janik That´s a good point.

[@TheXsaintz]

As someone who's lived abroad for over 7 years, i can honestly say: No matter what country you are in, the grass is NOT greener on the other side of the hill. One country has its upsides here, and the other country has its upsides elsewhere, its whatever YOU prioritise.

[@julianwaugh968]

So true!

[@googledude5649]

Excellent analysis

[@lfs-x1r]

I don't know what Denmark are you talking about but the Denmark on planet earth is just slightly cooler than England, see the weather statistics yourself: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark#Climate - January average temperature is 1C en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London#Climate - January average temperature in London around 5C 4C difference is not what you made it look like in this video. It sounds like you're talking about Siberia -50C

[@dianeshelton9592]

Except as stated elsewhere in the UK , even in Cornwall it was minus 20 for about 2 weeks 7 and 8 years ago. I don’t when she went but it could have been there. We had ice crystals form mid air “ diamond dust “ and that only happens about minus 25 c

[@lilohumphries7243]

Generally the temperature is pretty similar to the UK. Occasionally colder, but not as cold as Helen made out.

[@JesperMilling]

PH designed lamps with shades that hid the bulb in the lamp because his mother thought electric bulbs were way to bright, compared to oil lamps.

[@composer7325]

Excellent.Decency is alive and well in Denmark.

[@jenniferl1702]

As a non Danish, I must say I agree. Women are more gracious and men are more relaxed, not needing to impress anyone I am sure every trait has pros & cons but just about every Danish I've met are trustworthy and have integrity.

[@kathiewalli8746]

One thing I noticed even before the handsome slim man started to speak.......I saw only one over weight person in the audience.....I’m from northern Ontario where 70% of the people are morbidly obese......so habits, lifestyle, emotional well-being is obviously extremely different.....I’ve recently lost 20 pounds and I feel absolutely amazing.....I’m much happier and all I did was cut out sugar six months ago......my other habits were very good but doing that has rocked my world......Can’t wait to hear what else I can do.....going to listen now 😊