Skandynawianka presents subjective observations about the country, its customs and the people she now lives among. These are the words with which she invites readers to her blog.
"I believe there is no single, simple recipe for happiness or successful emigration, because everyone travels with a different baggage of experiences and has different expectations. I would like to inspire people who want to discover new places and broaden their horizons to take action. You are most welcome"
Five things a Pole can learn from a Norwegian
There are many stereotypes about Scandinavians. For example, a Norwegian loves nature, is not very talkative and can mainly be talked to about sport. In spring, at 12 degrees Celsius, he wears short sleeves and goes jogging even when it is pouring with rain. He is excessively environmentally conscious and fears global warming more than anything in the world. There is some truth in this, which does not mean that Norwegians are from another planet. If you take a closer look at them, it turns out that they are not all that different from us. What is more, Norwegian society has several great qualities which, in my opinion, are truly worth emulating.
Smiling
Norwegians smile at everyone with whom they make eye contact. I am being completely serious. When walking down the street, all you have to do is look someone in the eye and they will smile at you as if on command. It is a Norwegian standard and a habit learned from childhood. You should not look for any deeper meaning in it, such as affection. Still, it is nice when everyone smiles at one another. The world looks somewhat more positive then, and there is no point in searching for hidden meanings.
Patriotism
What is patriotism? It is a difficult question and a subject as broad as a river. For a Norwegian, patriotism means many things: a flag on trousers or a jacket and in front of the house, or lavish celebrations of national holidays. I would like to focus on the basic aspect of patriotism. I mean that every Norwegian is proud to be Norwegian and does not complain publicly about their country or government. NEVER! If something bothers them, they take to the streets and protest, trusting that the government will take it into account. If they feel like grumbling about specific politicians, they will go for a beer with their best friend and complain in private. However, no Norwegian will ever say publicly or write on Facebook that their compatriots are stupid, that Norway is terrible, or that the government is a bunch of incompetents. Even if that is really what they thought!
Patience with children
I have never noticed a parent getting angry when their child dawdles or does something absurd. When picking a child up from preschool, if the child needs some time, the parent stays another 20 minutes before leaving. There is nothing unusual about it. The parent goes over to the other children and asks what they did that day, and sometimes starts playing with them. Then they talks some more with the preschool teacher and slowly dresses their child. There is time for everything and no one is in a hurry. I have never heard phrases such as: "hurry up because Mum is tired after work and finally wants to go home". No one here shouts at children. If a child causes a problem, the parent or educator explains for half an hour or longer that it is not allowed. Until the child gives up on their own.
Weekend outings
Everyone looks forward to Friday so they can finally relax. Norwegians plan what they will do at the weekend. A traditional and favourite way of spending time is a family outing. It is not an expensive several-day trip to a hotel at all, but an ordinary walk nearby or a fishing trip. A Sunday trip to the mountains and spending time in nature is standard, sometimes combined with an outdoor barbecue.
The atmosphere at work
Did you break something? No problem, it probably would have broken soon anyway. Are you having a problem or do not know how to approach something? Be sure to report it! If you do not report it, you will not solve the problem yourself and may start acting to the company’s detriment. Good communication within the team and learning from one another are the most important things. In Norway, the boss does not act superior to their colleagues and does not criticise the staff.