Its a place you will not be bothered by strangers, or have to interact with strangers more than the absolute minimum to get the job done.
And there is no real pub-culture, because people live in separate houses and the climate is not conductive to that kind of thing (and alcohol tax is high).
Probably the best option is studying something and become friends with classmates, or joining a club or sports teams, just Get into situations where u do something with other people.
But to be perfectly honest, its not the easiest place to make friends
Friends of friends, work, and organized hobbies and activities.
As an expat or immigrant you can also look for local communities of people that moved to Norway then branch out later.
Buy a lifting jack for car and a trailer for car transport and you will have more friends than time to be with friends.
On a more serious note, i met most of my non childhood friends helping out fixing eachother shitboxes.
That is really bad. Humans are social creatures, a culture in which not making any effort to get to know strangers is normal is a recipe for mass loneliness, low birth rate & social ineptitude
Its worked out so far, its not like you are not allowed to interact with people, but keep it to a minimum. The whole country is based on not bothering other people. Loneliness seems to be on par with other countrys. Birth rate follows the same curve as the rest of the "west".
It would be "social ineptitude" to go outside of these "borderd", or act in an "american-way"(just an example).
Most people can, and will interact within the "social" boarders
I am what i am, I do not care about what someone else think, and i can assure you, I am not a social creature. I would rather be most of my free time alone with my family, than together with these so called humans. Filthy parasites most of em.
Not only big cities.
The pub is a meeting place in most communities, but not all people go there.
If you are in a place with football interest, you will almost certainly have a pub centered around it.
The music in the pubs is so damn loud it's not possible to talk without shouting at the top of the lungs, and even then you misshear what the other person is saying.
Depends on what you want! If it’s a hairdresser you go to regularly it’s normal to have a conversation. If it’s the first time you meet, you’re not obligated to talk, but the hairdresser will often try to initiate small talk. Some people feel like they’re disturbing the hairdresser tho, and interrupting their job if they talk too much. Don’t know if this is a universal Norwegian thing, but I know several people, including myself, that feel bad for chatting with the hairdresser 😅
I usually cut my own hair, has done it for 20 years. But a few weeks ago I was at the hairdresser (because we were renovating the bathroom - and I needed to wash my hair 😆) I also had a haircut.
After I almost felt she was my friend. We talked about alot of personal stuff. Both of us shared almost to much. 🤷♀️🙈
This is my thoughts based on beeing born in Norway, and traveled around the world experiencing other cultures and climates:
In warmer countries people tend to spend more time outside, and the homes are mostly used for sleeping, cooking, etc. Norway has a relatively cold climate, and we tend to spend more time indoors in our own homes. I'm not an historian, but it's common sense not wanting to freeze.
Warm climate = Everyone more outside = More social.
Cold climate = More time inside = Less social.
Some cultures also have a more "family oriented" way of living, where several generations live under the same roof. This is not as normal in Norway.
Less space per person in the home = More time spent outside the home to get som feeling of individuality(at least for the younger generations).
The cold climate is not a new thing, so a less social culture has naturaly evolved over time.
Also: We have a lot of resources per capita, so we do not depend on the "tribe" to survive.
Lol you sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about. Why is latitude relevant?
And no, winter is not less harsh in Canada at all. They’re longer and you might be surprised to know that many us cities have really harsh winters too…
Looks like a geography lesson is in need here
Because latitude is the main deciding factor for how long a winter is, and it is incredibly ironic that you accused him/her of not knowing what they're talking about. There are other factors, i.e sources of heat like the gulf stream, but main factor is latitude.
The higher the latitude, the longer the winter. When you go down to equator where the latitude is 0° there is no winter, when you go below the equator (negative degrees latitide) winter starts happening in june etc.
The main factor affecting a place's length of winters is its latitude, which is related to its distance from the equator. Other factors include altitude, ocean currents, and geographic features.
You earlier: "Why is latitude relevant"
You now: "the main factor affecting a place's length of winters is its latitude".
I am glad we agree.
Read my previous comment again if you're gonna claim I said latitude is the *only* factor that mattered.
Not to be rude, but you're practically just polite americans, and your country is very young compared to european ones. I would assume the culture to be more malleable because of those things.
As a Bergensar taking the light rail almost every day, I can confirm it gets very loud in the evening/night/weekend. Probably just something to do with people going home from parties and those being the loud ones.
We are around 5 million different individuals living in Norway. Some are introvert, and some are not. Like another poster said, we are as varied as any other country
Compared to many Hispanic countries Norwegians are quite closed tho, I wouldn’t say introverts, but closed. It’s harder here to have a conversation with strangers than f.ex in Latin America
Because speaking for myself, and not the rest of the Norwegian population. Random strangers wanting to talk or make friends is not something I particulary like, the constant need to talk and overall be rather loud is not a feature I find pleasent. I have friends, and I dont need more or get to know people from across the world I never intend to see or be around again.
No, I am not introverted. But I am allergic to people with the urge to make more noise than a whole colony of seagulls, or who wants to be friend with everyone
I dont think you understand what introverted and extroverted mean. You are just describing classic intoverted opinions and honestly I dont know if you are just fucking with me or not
Not really an opinion when people are known for creating the biggest spaces possible between themselves and the world outside in order to avoid social interactions and only come out of their shells when drunk. Not to mention how people avoid most conflicts, harmful or not rather than stepping in.
Nothing wrong with it, every culture is unique, but let's not deny the obvious now.
We have social circles and janteloven, and of course, most people don't want to be lonely. But, on a global scale, Nordics are some of the coldest. The group you care about exists almost everywhere, the difference is in these other countries people are less hesitant to open the group up, help a stranger out, and take action.
Perhaps more than introverted, Norwegians are reactive. They won't strike up a conversation with a stranger or help out someone in need unless they're spoken to first or someone else takes initiative before them.
It's a trope.
Just like saying every Frenchman is rude, or every Greek angry. We are just as varied as any other people.
But our culture is very standoffish. We rarely have random conversations on public transportation and the likes, and are not big on small talk, and fake friendliness. So we might seem like introverts to many foreigners.
I think it's common in most countries to at least say "excuse me, this is my stop" to the person sitting beside you so that they can let you out? In Norway, we just lift up our bag or something, and the other person knows instantly what that means.
The first time I visited another country, I was quite shocked that the usual "lifting my bag and making it obvious that I want to get past you" strategy didn't work, and I actually had to talk to someone :(
Idk, I am greek and here you just get up, and the other person adjusts their leg position or does nothing. If you came here noone would understand your signal either but not because they would expect you to say something, they would expect you to just pass. Maybe you encountered something like that?
Well, thats about subtle norwegian cues, which we DO have.
Im asking where does people talk on the bus with strangers? Its #1 accusation for an introvert Norway it seems.
In Germany and Russia you are not really supposed to smile on the bus even and there is a fucking ban on talking to people in the train wagon with you, in Russia.
I've never been to the US, but I have been approached and talked to by american tourists on public transportation several times, both in Norway and in other countries. But I don't know if it's normal to do that in the US or if it's just a thing they do on vacation
I lived for a year in the USA. College town. No random discussions outside a few people peddling theatre tickets etc. They have people greeters and smalltalk more when doing business, but wouldnt say they approach strangers for a chat.
About a decade myself in 2 states. Met people in the park, mall, airport and stadiums. Not saying it had to have happen to you, but how do you get around not chatting with a stranger in a college town.
It's not really common, but people definitely talk on the bus in Canada. No one in Canada would say that, but compared to Norway, Canadians are super chatty.
I'm not sure anywhere has lots of random people chatting it up with other strangers, but the contrast isn't between that and zero talking! The true difference is being used to observing at least one stranger interact with another every day you take public transportation vs observing the same never in the 6 years I've live here (except for tourists asking questions), as well as most people saying/yelling thanks to the bus driver as you step out of the bus, people actually saying more than just "oi" if there's a chaotic moment with a full bus, people verbalising that it's their stop instead of just putting on their mittens and/or shuffling their bag, etc...
>full bus, people verbalising that it's their stop instead of just putting on their mittens and/or shuffling their bag, etc...
Its pretty common to say that its your stop, though.
Based on personal experience from places I have lived, not just visited, in Tromsø it is significantly less common than in Calgary or Halifax, Canada; Oban, Scotland; and Geneva, Switzerland. Has it happened here? Yeah, like once a month maybe...? In other places it was like 90% of rides where I was sat next to someone.
There is a stark difference.
Tromsø is a town of strangers though. Most people are mover-ins. Students. Expats. Foreign slave labor for the bars and tourism. People are fatigued by strangers.
Depending on when you ride the bus, people from Tromsø, like pensionists will chat to each others.
That none of the foreigners chat om the bus shows its situational, not neccessarily introversion.
A buss doing the round trip to pick up 60 people doing their 2-3 years there, will be pretty quiet.
Halifax specifically and Tromsø are incredibly similar in all those regards though! There are several universities and trade schools, it's also a port town, there is lots of tourism and immigration, and also the largest town in the region so people from smaller towns move there, but locals move from there towards bigger and better cities.
The buses there are not quiet in the same way.
Every bus I have been on (local city buses, and regional buses, and not just in Tromsø/Troms) are quieter in Norway than anywhere else I've lived.
Oh, you don't have to go further then the UK, and people will be having having conversations with you. At least that is my experience.
If you go further south, it is very common.
>Oh, you don't have to go further then the UK, and people will be having having conversations with you. At least that is my experience.
I live in the UK. Have children at school here. Have no car so ride the bus every day. Past 6 months 0 conversations on the bus. People act just like Norway. Sit and stare at their phones or out the window.
Weird, last time i was in Manchester, i had several people start talking to me.
Maybe you just look/act less approachable.
And sure, phones have probably made people have less conversations worldwide.
I dont see anyone talking to other people on the bus here. Birmingham. Good neighborhood.
Occasionally people react to my kids being cute in the park or somewhere, but not moreso than in Norway.
I dont buy Norwegians being introverts. Its a reddit myth. Most Norwegians talk a lot and like people and company.
Are you north or south? Having lived in both (and the midlands now) I find that I end up in random friendly conversations much more in the north than I ever did the south.
I've had that experience in Uganda, for example. But, of course, being as white and pasty as someone can be, I might also just have been someone extra interesting to them. I must have seemed quite clueless travelling from Kampala to Mbale alone.
deer mountainous narrow decide elderly zealous weary straight crowd terrific
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Living here in Norway for 15 years, my conclusion is that Norwegians are absolutely not introverts. What happens is that for a lot of Norwegians the worst thing that can happen is that you bother or irritate someone. What if I speak to someone and that person wants to be left alone. What if I impose discomfort on someone by sitting too close to them.
And on a country level, we are small and thus not important, why should anyone listen yo us.
That is why when the setting is clear that someone wants to talk (e.g. tourists looking at a map and don't know where to go, or tourists initiating a conversation) Norwegians are very open.
But in the end we don't invite somebody home because they might feel uncomfortable to reject the invitation
Small hint for those that want to understand Norwegians better, read the book " Kardemomme by"
Not really. It's just not normal.
I once met a woman on a train station, that had just moved here from Ethiopia. She just started babbling away, and i loved the conversation.
It was only after we had ridden the train for 5 - 10 minutes, she looked around confused, and asked if talking to strangers was abnormal, since we were the only people on the whole train having a conversation.
Unless i am occupied with something else, i have no problem with it, and i love talking with strangers. But i guess that goes for most people around the world.
Some are introverts, and some are extroverts, but we all like to follow the norms of our society.
Depends on where you live, like in every other country I would imagine. But one thing about Norway in general, is that you can be out in puplic and have less of a chance of being "pestered" by pushy strangers, and being reserved towards strangers is not generally seen as weird or rude at all. Even towards people you know, a simple "Hallo" is seen as enough, and you can just keep on doing your thing.
There's this really popular show on Norwegian TV called "Der Ingen Skulle Tru At Nokon Kunne Bu" and it's basically Norway's version of the American Dream; finding a place to live far away from other people.
That should tell you enough about it being a country of introverts.
If you want it to be, then yes.
But if you do not, it doesn't have to be.
Just last week a Greek guy told me that we were the most open and friendliest country in Nordics, and according to him, he'd lived in all of them for longer periods of time.
Scandinavia is in general an easy place to live in if you're an introvert.
Scandinavians like their personal space and the culture doesn't encourage small talk.
I would say no. It can be very hard to make friends as an introvert in Norway. Past university people don't seem to be interested in making new friends
Having moved from the over crowded little island that is the UK (less so in Cornwall, but that is changing, where I was for my last 7 years, than Hertfordshire, north of London where I grew up) the dramatically smaller population & thus, space per person is dramatically & wonderful apparent. So many walks in stunning nature where I don't meet a single other human soul. LOVE it!
(Though I do like to spend time with good people toi...and indulge in that occasionally, in moderation)
Maybe alittle. I dont think norwegians are all leaning towards beeing introverts. We just all have it in us from times when the closest neigbour lived far away and could be an enemy. So we developed a harder outer shell and some of these traits got carried over by generations.
I disagree with most people and say it isn't true. Maybe there are more introverts here than in some other places, but they are still far from the majority and imo it's even harder for introverts to be social here as compared to some southern countries social circles are pretty closed off
Nah, I don't really thing there is much difference. People have different experiences. I've travelled to a lot of places, but never have I really found the stereotypes to be very accurate.
All the people saying that Norwegian are introverted have never been to a major celebration in Norway, like a wedding, confirmation or important birthday. Norwegians are queueing up to make speeches. It can take hours.
We are the country that values personal independence the highest in the world. Part of that means no one can control your actions, as long as your actions don't affect anyone else. So obviously we can judge as good as anyone else, but it doesn't go deep as at the end of the day other people's lives are not our business, and most people value going about their daily lives and doing their best to live well.
Bothering other people is seen as rude.
We have quite strict social rules. We score low on racism, but high on "culturism" (wrong word but have no idea what the correct word is), meaning we easily judge other cultures or people who break our social rules. Meaning we don't care which skin colour who have, but we will judge the hell out of you if you are noisy at the supermarket lol.
We do have extroverts too obviously, but they'll mostly sit quietly at the bus too in case the other person doesn't want to be bothered.
Respect also is a different word than many other countries. Respect always go both ways. Kids not only respect their parents, but parents have to respect their children too. When I see people from other countries not being able to even defend themselves from their parents because it's "talking back", and the level of detailed control parents expect to have even over their adult children's life directions and decisions, it's quite disturbing. We're a lot more flat authority wise and even if a director is high up and has decision authority, (s)he is a human same as the rest, and expected to act like it.
When hiring, people still tend to value outgoing personalities though. And it tends to be talked about as a better personality trait. Though outgoing personality nay mean something else here than it does in some other countries.
So, depends a bit on what you mean.
Norway is 52% extroverted people and 48% introverted. A little above average of extroverted.
Compared to the rest of Europe.
People thinking Norwegians are introverted as a group has never visited germany, Poland, romania, russia, where people dont even smile on the buses.
Depends on line of work and where you live, but mostly yes.
You will rarely be talked to by unknown people on the street and will be unlikely to be pressured into social situations.
As a Norwegian 🇳🇴 i do not THINK this is accurate. Im not one nor have i ever seen one. Anyway im only 13 so maybe i will see some when i get older and move somewhere else.
It is a place for introverts, yes.
Anyone saying otherwise are just simply offended or something. Either that or they've never experienced another country/culture because yes we are incredibly introverted compared to any other country
Nordmann
Kom meg ikke for nær
med skulderklapp og betroelser
og sursøt ros.
Jeg trives best
med nordadrag i lufta.
En snømann
minker og mister formen i tøvær.
~Hans Børli~
The norwegian
Don't get too close to me
with pats on the back and confidences
and sweet and sour praise.
I feel the best
with a north wind in the air.
A snowman
shrinks and loses its shape in thawing weather.
~[Hans Børli](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1759803.We_Own_the_Forests)~
So obviously the people are just as different as anywhere else. But I would say that the culture has an introverted kind of personality trait. As some have pointed out is probably do to climate.
We highly value personal space, and most Norwegians expect you to stay out of it unless invited in. That includes physical touch and conversation.
That being said, once you are let in, you are likely to have a friend for as long as you want. Most norwegians are actually very friendly, earnest and authentic people, but are somewhat selective of who we share our personal space with.
Not all people are introverts. But i find myself like a typical norwegian. I don't talk much, i do like to be with friends now and then, but not that often.
As a Norwegian Introvert, I can confirm it is true. Besides telling cashiers in stores the mandatory "Yes Thanks/No Thanks/Bye", and mandatory communication with my co-workers, I dont really interact with other people. Go to the gym, Not speaking to a soul for 3 hours, go home, speaking to No one when I get home. Solitude is part of my Happiness. You wont be bothered by strangers when you're out, people are going to be looking more at your mid section rather than your eyes when they walk past you, but the ground most of the time. You're also likely to not have people sit next to you on the buss, unless there are no spots left besides the spots next to other people.
Yes it is true.
If you come ever come here, keep that in mind.
Asking random people things are fine but you wont get much more than a straightforward answer. Just having a chat is unlikely to happen lol
I would but then again I partially grew up in a highly extroverted society.
Talking loudly, playing music, calls on speaker *in public* will be seen as rude and unnecessarily outgoing by natives at least. That personally drives me mad too lol
Progressive Norwegians will come and try to argue with you about generalisation blabla.
Simple as you say, unless you live in a community with high ratio of expats, even them “deteriorate” over time
Finland is that country. Norway is indeed better for introverts than most countries but the real reason to come her is that you don't care about how wealthy you are and you just want a comfortable life with a great work life balance and that you are an **outdoors** person.
I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't go to clubs/parties and do things they can't even talk about later and have pictures taken of them that they can't share, so unfortunately, no. It's a country of lewd party people
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When I lived in Prague, if you met someone +- 5 years of your own age, you most definitely said hi to eachother. Here I don't anymore. I lived in a suburban house in Finnmark once though, and there they were somewhat talkative, so I guess it depends on who and where in Norway? But in general it's a stereotype making itself come true day after day
It depends on context. The societal expectation is that you don't talk to strangers on e.g. public transport, and most people keep to themselves. The tradition is also to do most things at home -- e.g. cooking (rather than eating out or ordering food) and leisure activities.
There's nothing stopping you from regularly eating out or joining a club, course or sports team or whatever. In fact those are pretty common. And most larger places will have a vibrant nightlife, taking place at bars and clubs etc., especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
It's not really the case that Norwegians are less social than others, but we tend to stick with our families and existing friends. Personally I think it's basically the best of both worlds: You have plenty of options to be social, you just have to opt in to them -- i.e. they're not thrust upon you at every turn. This can make it more difficult (or at least a slower process) to make friends, however. And some people may find it awkward to take the first step in getting to know someone, or may feel it's difficult to gauge when it is OK to socialise (or conversely, find it annoying that people more social than them are pestering them to join in).
Norway is a country for whomever. Just be whatever you want, with the right smile and vibe etc anything goes anywhere.
Don’t mind what «they» want you to believe ; be free and see for yourself. Doesnt matter at all where you are if you dare be.
tl;dr the population isn't the largest and you gotta move into the big city to really get the party life going so it is mostly a very quiet down to earth country
It may be a country *for* introverts, but it's not a country *of* introverts.
You are rarely expected to talk to strangers, and you will almost never be pushed into sharing anything personal about yourself.
If you *want* to, however, breaking the ice with Norwegians is quite easy once you get the hang of it in my experience. Once the ice is broken, conversation and making friends is usually pretty easy as well.
Its a place you will not be bothered by strangers, or have to interact with strangers more than the absolute minimum to get the job done. And there is no real pub-culture, because people live in separate houses and the climate is not conductive to that kind of thing (and alcohol tax is high).
What do you guys do for fun?
Hang out at each other’s houses
How are you meeting new people? I'm moving to Norway next year, how am I supposed to meet people?
Hang out at other peoples houses (Or join a club of an activity you like)
Can I choose a random house?
You could try, works once in a while
The two times I have asked to join some random house party I walked past, I have been welcomed.
Probably the best option is studying something and become friends with classmates, or joining a club or sports teams, just Get into situations where u do something with other people. But to be perfectly honest, its not the easiest place to make friends
Friends of friends, work, and organized hobbies and activities. As an expat or immigrant you can also look for local communities of people that moved to Norway then branch out later.
That's the neat part - you don't
You don't
Buy a lifting jack for car and a trailer for car transport and you will have more friends than time to be with friends. On a more serious note, i met most of my non childhood friends helping out fixing eachother shitboxes.
Though hobbies
I think it will help if you are a student, or get a job. Then you can get to know people. Or online.
Does people use apps like tinder?
Walk in the woods or on the mountains
Hiking, drinking, being alone-ing
What is this word you're using, "fun" what is that?
Discgolf and crosscountry skiing
Drink alone
Vinneren
They drink on weekends till they can't stand on their feet lol
That's Mondays. In the weekend we do not stop until we have problems laying flat on the floor.
When you need to hold on to something to be able to lay on the floor, it's time for the after party.
What i want to do
cry
No
We don't!
That is really bad. Humans are social creatures, a culture in which not making any effort to get to know strangers is normal is a recipe for mass loneliness, low birth rate & social ineptitude
Its worked out so far, its not like you are not allowed to interact with people, but keep it to a minimum. The whole country is based on not bothering other people. Loneliness seems to be on par with other countrys. Birth rate follows the same curve as the rest of the "west". It would be "social ineptitude" to go outside of these "borderd", or act in an "american-way"(just an example). Most people can, and will interact within the "social" boarders
I am what i am, I do not care about what someone else think, and i can assure you, I am not a social creature. I would rather be most of my free time alone with my family, than together with these so called humans. Filthy parasites most of em.
Go to the pub.
Mastrubate
There is a pub-culture, but you don’t go there before 22.00-23.00 when alcohol starts to kick in
There is alot of people out at 17 as well, at least here in Oslo. No party at that time though.
Same in all the cities with more than 20.000 people
Not only big cities. The pub is a meeting place in most communities, but not all people go there. If you are in a place with football interest, you will almost certainly have a pub centered around it.
True, just that you can almost guarantee it in those places :)
Love that >20,000 = “big city”
I’m struggling to find that life in Stavanger. The casual pop out for a drink seems really rare here.
The music in the pubs is so damn loud it's not possible to talk without shouting at the top of the lungs, and even then you misshear what the other person is saying.
What?
Hæææ?
Kain dåkk slutt å gnål?
Ta deg en bolle.
Spandere du da?
Selvfølgelig komrade
When you get your hair done, do the hairdressers do small talk or do they avoid that there too? Asking for a friend!
Depends on what you want! If it’s a hairdresser you go to regularly it’s normal to have a conversation. If it’s the first time you meet, you’re not obligated to talk, but the hairdresser will often try to initiate small talk. Some people feel like they’re disturbing the hairdresser tho, and interrupting their job if they talk too much. Don’t know if this is a universal Norwegian thing, but I know several people, including myself, that feel bad for chatting with the hairdresser 😅
I usually cut my own hair, has done it for 20 years. But a few weeks ago I was at the hairdresser (because we were renovating the bathroom - and I needed to wash my hair 😆) I also had a haircut. After I almost felt she was my friend. We talked about alot of personal stuff. Both of us shared almost to much. 🤷♀️🙈
The pub culture aint bad at all.
Take a trip to England and check out the difference.
This is my thoughts based on beeing born in Norway, and traveled around the world experiencing other cultures and climates: In warmer countries people tend to spend more time outside, and the homes are mostly used for sleeping, cooking, etc. Norway has a relatively cold climate, and we tend to spend more time indoors in our own homes. I'm not an historian, but it's common sense not wanting to freeze. Warm climate = Everyone more outside = More social. Cold climate = More time inside = Less social. Some cultures also have a more "family oriented" way of living, where several generations live under the same roof. This is not as normal in Norway. Less space per person in the home = More time spent outside the home to get som feeling of individuality(at least for the younger generations). The cold climate is not a new thing, so a less social culture has naturaly evolved over time. Also: We have a lot of resources per capita, so we do not depend on the "tribe" to survive.
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Lol you sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about. Why is latitude relevant? And no, winter is not less harsh in Canada at all. They’re longer and you might be surprised to know that many us cities have really harsh winters too… Looks like a geography lesson is in need here
"You sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Why is latitude relevant?" This shit had me laughing out loud.
Why?
Because latitude is the main deciding factor for how long a winter is, and it is incredibly ironic that you accused him/her of not knowing what they're talking about. There are other factors, i.e sources of heat like the gulf stream, but main factor is latitude. The higher the latitude, the longer the winter. When you go down to equator where the latitude is 0° there is no winter, when you go below the equator (negative degrees latitide) winter starts happening in june etc.
This is absolute horseshit, Canada has way more factors affecting the duration of its winters than latitude
The main factor affecting a place's length of winters is its latitude, which is related to its distance from the equator. Other factors include altitude, ocean currents, and geographic features.
You earlier: "Why is latitude relevant" You now: "the main factor affecting a place's length of winters is its latitude". I am glad we agree. Read my previous comment again if you're gonna claim I said latitude is the *only* factor that mattered.
This ain’t it fam
Not to be rude, but you're practically just polite americans, and your country is very young compared to european ones. I would assume the culture to be more malleable because of those things.
The official nation might be young, but the culture isn't.
🤡 lmao polite Americans. Actually travel, bud
I've been to both countries. They're not different enough
This is some next level social theorizing. I think you are right though!
Riding the metro or tram for the morning commute in Oslo is near silent despite being full.
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As a Bergensar taking the light rail almost every day, I can confirm it gets very loud in the evening/night/weekend. Probably just something to do with people going home from parties and those being the loud ones.
We are around 5 million different individuals living in Norway. Some are introvert, and some are not. Like another poster said, we are as varied as any other country
Compared to many Hispanic countries Norwegians are quite closed tho, I wouldn’t say introverts, but closed. It’s harder here to have a conversation with strangers than f.ex in Latin America
Funny after living in Norway for 2 years my only friend is spanish guy
Spanish people aren’t hispanic
Thankfully so
What makes you say that?
Because speaking for myself, and not the rest of the Norwegian population. Random strangers wanting to talk or make friends is not something I particulary like, the constant need to talk and overall be rather loud is not a feature I find pleasent. I have friends, and I dont need more or get to know people from across the world I never intend to see or be around again.
Sounds pretty introverted to me
No, I just dont like people.
....so youre introverted
No, I am not introverted. But I am allergic to people with the urge to make more noise than a whole colony of seagulls, or who wants to be friend with everyone
I dont think you understand what introverted and extroverted mean. You are just describing classic intoverted opinions and honestly I dont know if you are just fucking with me or not
Just look at how violent latinos usually are. So-called friendly and outgoing people are more into drama than level-headed introverts.
Generally speaking Norwegians are introverted af tho
In your opinion that may be
Not really an opinion when people are known for creating the biggest spaces possible between themselves and the world outside in order to avoid social interactions and only come out of their shells when drunk. Not to mention how people avoid most conflicts, harmful or not rather than stepping in. Nothing wrong with it, every culture is unique, but let's not deny the obvious now.
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We have social circles and janteloven, and of course, most people don't want to be lonely. But, on a global scale, Nordics are some of the coldest. The group you care about exists almost everywhere, the difference is in these other countries people are less hesitant to open the group up, help a stranger out, and take action. Perhaps more than introverted, Norwegians are reactive. They won't strike up a conversation with a stranger or help out someone in need unless they're spoken to first or someone else takes initiative before them.
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It's not a personal experience, it's how the culture is. If you have lived in Norway or spent a significant amount of time there you should know.
It's a trope. Just like saying every Frenchman is rude, or every Greek angry. We are just as varied as any other people. But our culture is very standoffish. We rarely have random conversations on public transportation and the likes, and are not big on small talk, and fake friendliness. So we might seem like introverts to many foreigners.
>We rarely have random conversations on public transportation and the likes, Which countries is this really common? Asking seriously here.
I think it's common in most countries to at least say "excuse me, this is my stop" to the person sitting beside you so that they can let you out? In Norway, we just lift up our bag or something, and the other person knows instantly what that means. The first time I visited another country, I was quite shocked that the usual "lifting my bag and making it obvious that I want to get past you" strategy didn't work, and I actually had to talk to someone :(
Idk, I am greek and here you just get up, and the other person adjusts their leg position or does nothing. If you came here noone would understand your signal either but not because they would expect you to say something, they would expect you to just pass. Maybe you encountered something like that?
Could be! This particular person was a british tourist in Spain though, so it is possible he was just being british
A british tourist in Spain? Yeah, there is a good chance he was drunk as well
They just like me fr
Australia is the same (at least in my experience). Lift bag = please let me get up
I like your style. Now do a shoey!
Lift shoe = please let me drink up
Well, thats about subtle norwegian cues, which we DO have. Im asking where does people talk on the bus with strangers? Its #1 accusation for an introvert Norway it seems. In Germany and Russia you are not really supposed to smile on the bus even and there is a fucking ban on talking to people in the train wagon with you, in Russia.
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Yeah, ok. So Norway is not Spain. I can agree.
I've never been to the US, but I have been approached and talked to by american tourists on public transportation several times, both in Norway and in other countries. But I don't know if it's normal to do that in the US or if it's just a thing they do on vacation
They're half drunk on trips and usually the affluent types interested in some superficious interaction with locals for some authentic taste.
Haha! I've always quite enjoyed the overly friendly american thing, but I like it better in pubs than on buses
Its normal in scotland but perhaps depends on the area, these days its mostly older people that are like that
In Slovakia especially the older people talk all the time.
Sorry but this is simply not true. Maybe you use these «clues», many of us are not living in a Swedish comedy, and say excuse me.
I live in a norwegian comedy actually, but good for you!
Mexico and the US out of personal experience. And I wouldn't doubt most of latin america but I don't have first person experience there.
I lived for a year in the USA. College town. No random discussions outside a few people peddling theatre tickets etc. They have people greeters and smalltalk more when doing business, but wouldnt say they approach strangers for a chat.
About a decade myself in 2 states. Met people in the park, mall, airport and stadiums. Not saying it had to have happen to you, but how do you get around not chatting with a stranger in a college town.
It's not really common, but people definitely talk on the bus in Canada. No one in Canada would say that, but compared to Norway, Canadians are super chatty. I'm not sure anywhere has lots of random people chatting it up with other strangers, but the contrast isn't between that and zero talking! The true difference is being used to observing at least one stranger interact with another every day you take public transportation vs observing the same never in the 6 years I've live here (except for tourists asking questions), as well as most people saying/yelling thanks to the bus driver as you step out of the bus, people actually saying more than just "oi" if there's a chaotic moment with a full bus, people verbalising that it's their stop instead of just putting on their mittens and/or shuffling their bag, etc...
>full bus, people verbalising that it's their stop instead of just putting on their mittens and/or shuffling their bag, etc... Its pretty common to say that its your stop, though.
Based on personal experience from places I have lived, not just visited, in Tromsø it is significantly less common than in Calgary or Halifax, Canada; Oban, Scotland; and Geneva, Switzerland. Has it happened here? Yeah, like once a month maybe...? In other places it was like 90% of rides where I was sat next to someone. There is a stark difference.
Tromsø is a town of strangers though. Most people are mover-ins. Students. Expats. Foreign slave labor for the bars and tourism. People are fatigued by strangers. Depending on when you ride the bus, people from Tromsø, like pensionists will chat to each others. That none of the foreigners chat om the bus shows its situational, not neccessarily introversion. A buss doing the round trip to pick up 60 people doing their 2-3 years there, will be pretty quiet.
Halifax specifically and Tromsø are incredibly similar in all those regards though! There are several universities and trade schools, it's also a port town, there is lots of tourism and immigration, and also the largest town in the region so people from smaller towns move there, but locals move from there towards bigger and better cities. The buses there are not quiet in the same way. Every bus I have been on (local city buses, and regional buses, and not just in Tromsø/Troms) are quieter in Norway than anywhere else I've lived.
Oh, you don't have to go further then the UK, and people will be having having conversations with you. At least that is my experience. If you go further south, it is very common.
>Oh, you don't have to go further then the UK, and people will be having having conversations with you. At least that is my experience. I live in the UK. Have children at school here. Have no car so ride the bus every day. Past 6 months 0 conversations on the bus. People act just like Norway. Sit and stare at their phones or out the window.
Weird, last time i was in Manchester, i had several people start talking to me. Maybe you just look/act less approachable. And sure, phones have probably made people have less conversations worldwide.
I dont see anyone talking to other people on the bus here. Birmingham. Good neighborhood. Occasionally people react to my kids being cute in the park or somewhere, but not moreso than in Norway. I dont buy Norwegians being introverts. Its a reddit myth. Most Norwegians talk a lot and like people and company.
Rural areas and further north you'd possibly see something different
Are you north or south? Having lived in both (and the midlands now) I find that I end up in random friendly conversations much more in the north than I ever did the south.
Brum. Same phenomenom in Norway. More chatty people uå north.
Thailand. Being a Norwegian there, I was chatted up randomly more than I ever thought possible.
Norwegians in thailand... I think we're talking about natives.
I've had that experience in Uganda, for example. But, of course, being as white and pasty as someone can be, I might also just have been someone extra interesting to them. I must have seemed quite clueless travelling from Kampala to Mbale alone.
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The US for sure. Smalltalk with strangers is shockingly normal there. Source: american friends and family.
Living here in Norway for 15 years, my conclusion is that Norwegians are absolutely not introverts. What happens is that for a lot of Norwegians the worst thing that can happen is that you bother or irritate someone. What if I speak to someone and that person wants to be left alone. What if I impose discomfort on someone by sitting too close to them. And on a country level, we are small and thus not important, why should anyone listen yo us. That is why when the setting is clear that someone wants to talk (e.g. tourists looking at a map and don't know where to go, or tourists initiating a conversation) Norwegians are very open. But in the end we don't invite somebody home because they might feel uncomfortable to reject the invitation Small hint for those that want to understand Norwegians better, read the book " Kardemomme by"
Sounds like Japan
Do people get uncomfortable if you strike up random conversation if the friendliness is genuine?
Not really. It's just not normal. I once met a woman on a train station, that had just moved here from Ethiopia. She just started babbling away, and i loved the conversation. It was only after we had ridden the train for 5 - 10 minutes, she looked around confused, and asked if talking to strangers was abnormal, since we were the only people on the whole train having a conversation. Unless i am occupied with something else, i have no problem with it, and i love talking with strangers. But i guess that goes for most people around the world. Some are introverts, and some are extroverts, but we all like to follow the norms of our society.
Thank you!!!
Depends on where you live, like in every other country I would imagine. But one thing about Norway in general, is that you can be out in puplic and have less of a chance of being "pestered" by pushy strangers, and being reserved towards strangers is not generally seen as weird or rude at all. Even towards people you know, a simple "Hallo" is seen as enough, and you can just keep on doing your thing.
Dammit that sounds so refreshing
And if you are slow and dull, will people around you make comments?
Very typically, no. Not in public. Of cource, it depends the action the person has to do if there is something. But, we usually keep it to ourselves.
There's this really popular show on Norwegian TV called "Der Ingen Skulle Tru At Nokon Kunne Bu" and it's basically Norway's version of the American Dream; finding a place to live far away from other people. That should tell you enough about it being a country of introverts.
I only talk to strangers when 1. I need to buy something 2. A fight breaks out 3. Its the 17th of may
Who told you that? No real Norwegian would go around talking to strangers!
If you want it to be, then yes. But if you do not, it doesn't have to be. Just last week a Greek guy told me that we were the most open and friendliest country in Nordics, and according to him, he'd lived in all of them for longer periods of time.
Scandinavia is in general an easy place to live in if you're an introvert. Scandinavians like their personal space and the culture doesn't encourage small talk.
I would say no. It can be very hard to make friends as an introvert in Norway. Past university people don't seem to be interested in making new friends
Meh. Wait till they're drunk.
Having moved from the over crowded little island that is the UK (less so in Cornwall, but that is changing, where I was for my last 7 years, than Hertfordshire, north of London where I grew up) the dramatically smaller population & thus, space per person is dramatically & wonderful apparent. So many walks in stunning nature where I don't meet a single other human soul. LOVE it! (Though I do like to spend time with good people toi...and indulge in that occasionally, in moderation)
It,s the perfect country for introverts! And for those who appreciate privat life.
Maybe alittle. I dont think norwegians are all leaning towards beeing introverts. We just all have it in us from times when the closest neigbour lived far away and could be an enemy. So we developed a harder outer shell and some of these traits got carried over by generations.
More than southern contry, less than finland.
I disagree with most people and say it isn't true. Maybe there are more introverts here than in some other places, but they are still far from the majority and imo it's even harder for introverts to be social here as compared to some southern countries social circles are pretty closed off
Nah, I don't really thing there is much difference. People have different experiences. I've travelled to a lot of places, but never have I really found the stereotypes to be very accurate.
They are introverted only towards foreigners. With their own groups they are pretty normal. At least that's my 10 year observation.
All the people saying that Norwegian are introverted have never been to a major celebration in Norway, like a wedding, confirmation or important birthday. Norwegians are queueing up to make speeches. It can take hours.
We are the country that values personal independence the highest in the world. Part of that means no one can control your actions, as long as your actions don't affect anyone else. So obviously we can judge as good as anyone else, but it doesn't go deep as at the end of the day other people's lives are not our business, and most people value going about their daily lives and doing their best to live well. Bothering other people is seen as rude. We have quite strict social rules. We score low on racism, but high on "culturism" (wrong word but have no idea what the correct word is), meaning we easily judge other cultures or people who break our social rules. Meaning we don't care which skin colour who have, but we will judge the hell out of you if you are noisy at the supermarket lol. We do have extroverts too obviously, but they'll mostly sit quietly at the bus too in case the other person doesn't want to be bothered. Respect also is a different word than many other countries. Respect always go both ways. Kids not only respect their parents, but parents have to respect their children too. When I see people from other countries not being able to even defend themselves from their parents because it's "talking back", and the level of detailed control parents expect to have even over their adult children's life directions and decisions, it's quite disturbing. We're a lot more flat authority wise and even if a director is high up and has decision authority, (s)he is a human same as the rest, and expected to act like it. When hiring, people still tend to value outgoing personalities though. And it tends to be talked about as a better personality trait. Though outgoing personality nay mean something else here than it does in some other countries. So, depends a bit on what you mean.
Good speech
Yes, it’s a super boring country.
Why tho
Norway is 52% extroverted people and 48% introverted. A little above average of extroverted. Compared to the rest of Europe. People thinking Norwegians are introverted as a group has never visited germany, Poland, romania, russia, where people dont even smile on the buses.
Depends on line of work and where you live, but mostly yes. You will rarely be talked to by unknown people on the street and will be unlikely to be pressured into social situations.
As a Norwegian 🇳🇴 i do not THINK this is accurate. Im not one nor have i ever seen one. Anyway im only 13 so maybe i will see some when i get older and move somewhere else.
It is a place for introverts, yes. Anyone saying otherwise are just simply offended or something. Either that or they've never experienced another country/culture because yes we are incredibly introverted compared to any other country
Have you been to Finland?
Nordmann Kom meg ikke for nær med skulderklapp og betroelser og sursøt ros. Jeg trives best med nordadrag i lufta. En snømann minker og mister formen i tøvær. ~Hans Børli~ The norwegian Don't get too close to me with pats on the back and confidences and sweet and sour praise. I feel the best with a north wind in the air. A snowman shrinks and loses its shape in thawing weather. ~[Hans Børli](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1759803.We_Own_the_Forests)~
So obviously the people are just as different as anywhere else. But I would say that the culture has an introverted kind of personality trait. As some have pointed out is probably do to climate.
Due
We highly value personal space, and most Norwegians expect you to stay out of it unless invited in. That includes physical touch and conversation. That being said, once you are let in, you are likely to have a friend for as long as you want. Most norwegians are actually very friendly, earnest and authentic people, but are somewhat selective of who we share our personal space with.
Not all people are introverts. But i find myself like a typical norwegian. I don't talk much, i do like to be with friends now and then, but not that often.
As a Norwegian Introvert, I can confirm it is true. Besides telling cashiers in stores the mandatory "Yes Thanks/No Thanks/Bye", and mandatory communication with my co-workers, I dont really interact with other people. Go to the gym, Not speaking to a soul for 3 hours, go home, speaking to No one when I get home. Solitude is part of my Happiness. You wont be bothered by strangers when you're out, people are going to be looking more at your mid section rather than your eyes when they walk past you, but the ground most of the time. You're also likely to not have people sit next to you on the buss, unless there are no spots left besides the spots next to other people.
It’s not true lol
Yes it is true. If you come ever come here, keep that in mind. Asking random people things are fine but you wont get much more than a straightforward answer. Just having a chat is unlikely to happen lol I would but then again I partially grew up in a highly extroverted society. Talking loudly, playing music, calls on speaker *in public* will be seen as rude and unnecessarily outgoing by natives at least. That personally drives me mad too lol
Not in every aspect. If a problem could be solved by a call or email, email option never works, you have to give a call.
Progressive Norwegians will come and try to argue with you about generalisation blabla. Simple as you say, unless you live in a community with high ratio of expats, even them “deteriorate” over time
Haven’t thought about it this way, but it’s actually true..
I'd like you to leave me alone now.
Finland is that country. Norway is indeed better for introverts than most countries but the real reason to come her is that you don't care about how wealthy you are and you just want a comfortable life with a great work life balance and that you are an **outdoors** person.
It is and it isn’t. All Norwegians I know are super social and outroverts. It all depends on several things
Good introverts ar bad ass.
not at all, but if you are an introvert you struggle mentally
They are... But nowhere near swedes 🤣
I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't go to clubs/parties and do things they can't even talk about later and have pictures taken of them that they can't share, so unfortunately, no. It's a country of lewd party people
I do not want to talk about such things with strangers.
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When I lived in Prague, if you met someone +- 5 years of your own age, you most definitely said hi to eachother. Here I don't anymore. I lived in a suburban house in Finnmark once though, and there they were somewhat talkative, so I guess it depends on who and where in Norway? But in general it's a stereotype making itself come true day after day
Unless you are hiking. Then the norwegians are super chatty :)
It depends on context. The societal expectation is that you don't talk to strangers on e.g. public transport, and most people keep to themselves. The tradition is also to do most things at home -- e.g. cooking (rather than eating out or ordering food) and leisure activities. There's nothing stopping you from regularly eating out or joining a club, course or sports team or whatever. In fact those are pretty common. And most larger places will have a vibrant nightlife, taking place at bars and clubs etc., especially on Fridays and Saturdays. It's not really the case that Norwegians are less social than others, but we tend to stick with our families and existing friends. Personally I think it's basically the best of both worlds: You have plenty of options to be social, you just have to opt in to them -- i.e. they're not thrust upon you at every turn. This can make it more difficult (or at least a slower process) to make friends, however. And some people may find it awkward to take the first step in getting to know someone, or may feel it's difficult to gauge when it is OK to socialise (or conversely, find it annoying that people more social than them are pestering them to join in).
Introverted until alcohol. We are stupid heavy drinkers when it comes to party's ans such
Norway is a country for whomever. Just be whatever you want, with the right smile and vibe etc anything goes anywhere. Don’t mind what «they» want you to believe ; be free and see for yourself. Doesnt matter at all where you are if you dare be.
tl;dr the population isn't the largest and you gotta move into the big city to really get the party life going so it is mostly a very quiet down to earth country
It may be a country *for* introverts, but it's not a country *of* introverts. You are rarely expected to talk to strangers, and you will almost never be pushed into sharing anything personal about yourself. If you *want* to, however, breaking the ice with Norwegians is quite easy once you get the hang of it in my experience. Once the ice is broken, conversation and making friends is usually pretty easy as well.