SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Why Don’t Swedes Say Hello to Strangers?

Have you ever greeted a stranger in Sweden with a cheerful "hej" only to be met with a surprised look, a forced smile, or a quick nod before they hurry away? Ever wondered why?

» Updated: 08 October 2024, 06:33

» Published: 03 October 2024

Why Don’t Swedes Say Hello to Strangers?
Photo: Envato

In general, Swedes do not say hi or start up a conversation with someone they do not know. Let me explain this with a real life example.

I am from a very small town in Sweden, and one day on my way home from university, all of our trains were canceled, so I had to call my dad and ask him to come pick me up. I recognized one of the women on the platform, because she works in our local grocery store. So I walked up to her, as the non-conforming Swede that I am, and asked her if she wanted a lift home.

She looked at me in utter disbelief. Why? Why would you offer me a ride home? She seemed genuinely shocked. I explained that I recognized her, and I thought I would offer her a way to get home since it was freezing cold and the replacement bus would not arrive for a few hours.

Somehow she accepted, and in the car on our way home, it turned out that my dad knew her from teaching soccer in our small village. Yet, this was still a very strange experience for everyone involved.

Having lived abroad for such a long time, I found it quite surprising that I could not just go up to a stranger (well, she was from my small town), and talk to her about our shared problem with the trains. Whereas she found it shocking, which she later told me, that I just offered her a ride - for no reason.

This situation perfectly explains the Swedish culture of non-interaction. Most Swedes are very reserved, and solving problems independently means less chance for awkward interactions or strange social situations.

So if you are wondering why Swedes are not returning your friendly hej’s and nods, it is because it is simply not in our culture to be friendly with people we do not know.

Saga V. BohinenS
By Saga V. BohinenFeature Writer & Columnist

More news

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden