How to Become Swedish in 10 Easy Steps I recently surveyed a group of close ‘expat’ friends on what they thought it took to fit in with Swedish society. After a fast and furious exchange of e-mails, discussions over dinner, and many hearty belly laughs, we finally narrowed it down to a manageable list. Here is our ‘unofficial’ top-10 list of how to become Swedish: 10. Always wear white socks with your sandals. In fact, wear them with your business clothes as well. 9. Know that your ‘personal space’ comfort zone is largest with those you are most comfortable with. Your Swedish friends and family will keep their distance in smaller, intimate settings and hugging is still relatively new here in Sweden. On the other hand, you should have no inhibitions about touching, jostling, bumping into, or pushing people that you don’t even know. 8. Learn the difference between small tea bags and Swedish snus (snuff). 7. Brush up on your mathematics skills…you’ll need them when it comes time to split the bill at the restaurant. 6. Find out whether or not you are in the meeting to decide when the meeting will be to decide when you will meet to talk about what happened in your meeting. Enough said. 5. Know the difference between dressing down for work and dressing up to hang out with your friends. 4. Learn to do your evening reading while standing at the window…because that is where most of the lamps in your house are. 3. Learn how to inhale quickly and loudly for no apparent reason. Even if you have no idea what your Swedish host has just said to you, using this technique will convince him or her that you not only understand, but agree with what has just been said – thus confirming the need for consensus. 2. Skip the ‘please’ and ‘pardon me’. Generally ignore all of the manners that your parents taught you when you were a kid. Remember that all etiquette is null and void as soon as the doors open on the bus. And the easiest step to become Swedish… 1. Fika anyone? - Michael Helander © 2006, Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved