Source: "The Swedes"
As a young man, I was told
That a man should always walk between a woman and the cars
That a man should always open doors for women
That a man should walk women home at night

When I got to Scandinavia, women told me
They could open doors themselves
That I should not change side of the sidewalk
And thought I was trying to get in bed with them when walking them home at night
Genders relate differently in Sweden
Perhaps for good reasons
Gender-based politeness gestures common in so many countries
Often empower men
Putting them in a position of control and authority
Genders are equal in Sweden
It makes gender interactions simpler
Swedish men often do what is most practical and efficient
It helps to prevent conflict
Ensure equality
And everyone is happy
Many Swedish women prefer that men do not open doors
They feel that a man opening a door makes them inferior
Swedish men adapted to this new reality
To make Swedish women happy
The way Swedish women react to foreign gallantry varies
Especially with age
I adapted to Swedish women
Off all ages
So they feel comfortable around me
Gender-based politeness norms are less common in Sweden
And it is considered as a good thing
Politeness means something different
When you come from a place where men and women
Have more defined roles
Where gallantry is central to gender interactions
Where men are raised in a masculine role to care and protect
Where women expect these behaviors from men
Adaptation to Sweden may not be easy
Swedish expectations may be confusing
"The Swedes" explains expectations and perceptions of gender roles in Sweden
And how to explain it to foreign visitors and newcomers
By Julien S. Bourrelle
Book a lecture on www.julien.tips
Watch him on TED