The part of Swedish culture that I had the hardest time getting used to was definitely the Swedish love for planning ahead, especially when it comes to social events.
Among my friends in the United States, if you want to make plans for the weekend, you can start discussing it on Wednesday. Any earlier than that and you’re kind of pushing it. It’s definitely not a problem to call around on Saturday morning to see what people feel like doing later that evening.
Not so much in Sweden.
Plans for the weekend (at least among my friends) are almost always made in advance, and if you want to throw a party, you need to give all your friends at least two weeks’ notice. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this, but they are far outnumbered by the people with their day calendars and a pencil within reach and ready for action.
Don’t believe me? Check out our condominium association’s laundry schedule. Read more » >>
