The first time I was invited to a BBQ in Sweden
I marinaded pork tenderloin in Maple Syrup
And brought a bottle of sparkling wine for everyone to enjoy
I was looking forward to let my new Swedish friends experience my Canadian recipe
And was curious to try some Swedish food
The BBQ did not go exactly as planned
Everyone did bring some food
But Swedes ate their own food
Only their own food
And it felt like they were uncomfortable accepting some sparkling wine
They all drank their own alcohol
And those who did not drink everything they had taken
Took it back home with them
Swedes like to keep their independence
Friendships and relationships are to a leaser extend based on giving and receiving
They rather have a tendency to be based on doing activities together where everyone contributes but does not owe to others
Our books explains how to make friends in Sweden and how to interact with Swedes at work
They set the basis for successful relationships in Sweden
They are important for foreigners to read, but even more for Swedes themselves!
It will give you an idea of how special your culture is and how different it is from the rest of the world
By Julien S. Bourrelle
Watch him on TED
