by Sofi | 17,11,22 | ARTICLES, Book Reviews, Swedishness
In 2010, I decided to write a book. At that point, I had taught Swedish for two or three years, and also came back to Stockholm after seven years abroad, and I had truly discovered what weird habits Swedish people comply to. I decided to compile one-habit-a-day sort... 
by Sofi | 17,10,23 | ARTICLES, Swedishness
Last Saturday, the biannual event of communal cleaning at my BRF (Bostadsrättsförening) took place. If you don’t already own a flat in Sweden, you are probably not familiar with the fact, that in fact, you cannot own a flat a Sweden. Technically speaking, you... 
by Sofi | 17,10,05 | ARTICLES, BEAUTY, Book Reviews, Swedishness
Something rare just happened. An expat writer just published a book about Sweden, adding a welcome perspective to the handful of books available on this admittedly niche subject. Worth mentioning is, published rather recently, Brown’s Fishing in Utopia, that fishing... 
by Sofi | 17,08,27 | ARTICLES, BEAUTY, Swedish Work Culture, Swedishness
What to wear. The art of fitting in (in Sweden, of course) As the Swedish business crowds are returning to town, after sealing all the important deals under the pretence of leisure and below birch branches in the summer gardens, you might be back to business,... 
by Sofi | 17,02,18 | Guest Posts, NEWS & EVENTS, Swedishness
This is a guest post from Verena Kutschera, Raja Hashim Ali and Toby Fountain, Evolutionary Biology Program, Uppsala University. Bee Swedish gave a presentation on Swedish communication style, at their Department Days, 20:th January, 2017. Notes from a workshop... 
by Sofi | 16,11,02 | ARTICLES, Swedishness
Although you might see Swedish cities full of cafés and bars that are frequented all day and night, many Swedes would argue that the best place to meet and hang out with friends is still at home. I would even say that many otherwise seemingly reserved Swedes thaw a... 
by Sofi | 16,05,10 | Featured: VOICES, Swedishness, Uncategorised
Far too many times, I have listened to international professionals telling me how unsatisfied they are with their salaries in Swedish companies. Many of them have started a new position with a rather low salary, in the belief that they have better chances getting a... 
by Sofi | 16,04,01 | Swedishness, Uncategorised
When asked about a national character, almost any newbie – or oldie, is likely to describe the typical Swede as shy, reserved and almost uninterested in human contact. Our favourite activity seems to be walking alone in the forest, going to a remotely located cottage... 
by Sofi | 15,08,02 | ARTICLES, Book Reviews, Swedishness
Why do Swedes insist on splitting bills in restaurants? Why is the parents’ net income irrelevant when a student applies for a student loan from the state? Why do Swedes seem so disinterested in the wellbeing of others, if they are a collectivist nation so much... 
by Sofi | 15,06,07 | ARTICLES, FEATURED, Swedishness
After having lived almost seven years in Scotland, I returned to Sweden in 2008. I was shocked to discover how rude the Swedes are, slamming doors in my face, yawning without covering their mouths, bumping into me without apologising. Later I realised that I was...