(edit title) What's the deal with Swedes and their bad manners? And their lack of communication skills Options

[vicky7]

So what's the deal with swedes and their bad manners? I was under the impression that Swedes were honest and straightfoward both socially and professionaly. But that does not seem to be the case in my dealings with them. They don't even seem to have any concept of common courtesy for small things such as seasons greetings, returning calls and such...

Heck, even 3rd world countries are more refined in these arts as compared to Swedes...

[icedearth]

With all respect, you are confusing two different things. The developed countries might have the technological infrastructure but that does not mean they do have civilization.

Same with the third world countries you are mentioned. Though they do not possess the technological advancement, they are more civilized then the developed nations because their values and morals are more important than tech advancement.

[Coolrunnings]

This is partially due to the Swedish job market. The ones who have jobs are often over burdened and don't have time for small things such as thanking you for a postcard or replying to unimportant e-mails.. or maybe they are just being Swedish.

[jostein]

50 years of socialism will do that to people.

[NyDag]

What are you talking about? This happens everywhere, not just in Sweden.

[Migga]

So what's the deal with swedes and their bad manners? I was under the impression that Swedes were honest and straightfoward both socially and professionaly. But that does ... (show full quote)

So what's the deal with swedes and their bad manners? I was under the impression that Swedes were honest and straightfoward both socially and professionaly. But that does not seem to be the case in my dealings with them. They don't even seem to have any concept of common courtesy for small things such as seasons greetings, returning calls and such...

Heck, even 3rd world countries are more refined in these arts as compared to Swedes... ... (hide full quote)

Could you be the reason? Is it only Swedes who have acted in a bad manner towards you? Have you met all Swedes?

[Mark249]

Probably because sweden is such a large country with a sparse population without much integration with each other over the centuries and bad weather. Alsom, majority of Swedes only 2 generations ago were poor rustic farmers. Try finding an educated Swede with continental taste in culture, history and music. Hard to find.

[Yorkshireman]

They don't even seem to have any concept of common courtesy for small things such as seasons greetings

Hmmmm ... 2012 ... 28 Million Christmas cards, 60+ Million SMS on Chrstmas day & 60+ Million SMS on New Years Eve ...suggests otherwise

[Seamus Sean]

Could you be the reason? Is it only Swedes who have acted in a bad manner towards you? Have you met all Swedes?

Most of your replying to posters is a perfect example of bad manners...ironic that you try and defend when you do more for proving the opening post correct time and time again!

[byke]

Migga, do you work for the tourism board or something?

[chazza]

So what's the deal with swedes and their bad manners? I was under the impression that Swedes were honest and straightfoward both socially and professionaly. But that does ... (show full quote)

So what's the deal with swedes and their bad manners? I was under the impression that Swedes were honest and straightfoward both socially and professionaly. But that does not seem to be the case in my dealings with them. They don't even seem to have any concept of common courtesy for small things such as seasons greetings, returning calls and such...

Heck, even 3rd world countries are more refined in these arts as compared to Swedes... ... (hide full quote)

Honesty and straightforwardness socially and proffesionally are not synonomous with social skills so get rid of that expectation

I am married into a swedish family and am boggled by their lack of social skills. Totally boggled !

In business I am boggled how no-one bothers to return calls or e-mails unless it advantages them directly. Boggled !

However, I've given up expecting anything different and now it just amuses in some sick kind of way but I do doggedly model these courtesies myself as my contribution to society I can't help it if it sometimes comes with the death stare. .

[Gamla Hälsingebock]

Migga, do you work for the tourism board or something?

No BYKEISM here...STFU!

[John.Smith]

Migga, do you work for the tourism board or something?

*snort*

+1

[AW1]

Migga: take a chill pill and stop biting at everything that sounds remotely "anti Swedish".

To the OP: I can't speak for the entire population, but people are in general well mannered and show common courtesy to their fellow man / woman. People are not necessarily rude or lack manners just because they don't act in the way that you are used to from back home. Different country, different way of social interaction.

[Migga]

Most of your replying to posters is a perfect example of bad manners...ironic that you try and defend when you do more for proving the opening post correct time and time again!

Migga, do you work for the tourism board or something?

*snort*. +1

Migga: take a chill pill and stop biting at everything that sounds remotely "anti Swedish".To the OP: I can't speak for the entire population, but people are in ... (show full quote)

Migga: take a chill pill and stop biting at everything that sounds remotely "anti Swedish".

To the OP: I can't speak for the entire population, but people are in general well mannered and show common courtesy to their fellow man / woman. People are not necessarily rude or lack manners just because they don't act in the way that you are used to from back home. Different country, different way of social interaction. ... (hide full quote)

I`m sorry if I come of as harsh, it`s not my intention. I don`t wish my tone to be misunderstood.

My advice to the original poster is not to label an entire countrys population based on personal experience or opinions. If you feel that everyone is treating you bad then perhaps you should look to yourself for answers and a solution to the issue. Is there something you can do to improve the situation?