50+ Fascinating Facts About Living in Sweden You Probably Didn’t Know

So far, we’ve painted Swedes in a very unflattering color. They’re cold, they don’t like to talk, and when they do talk, it’s strictly business. To make matters even worse (sort of), let’s add “straightforward” to the list of Swedish qualities.

Let’s say you and a good Swedish friend (by that, we mean you guys have known each other for ten years but hardly speak) are in the same room together. Your Swedish friend offers you something to eat. You decline out of politeness, even though you really do want it. Your Swedish friend will take your first response as your final response and no longer offer it to you.