50
What is the difference between men and women in Sweden and ours?
Sweden is an amazing Scandinavian country that we don’t know much about. What does the average person say about Sweden? Name the capital, list a couple of famous Swedes, remember the high standard of living. That's it. But how they really live SwedishNot many people will say.
Therefore, today we offer to hear interesting comparisons from the Swedish businessman Eric, who managed to travel a lot in the CIS. And for the last couple of years he lived in Russia. So some of his comments are really interesting to hear.
When I first visited Moscow in 2004, I immediately felt that people felt more free. In Sweden, everyone is worried about what others will think of them, they look at society differently. Any, even the smallest, decision is made with an eye on how others will perceive it.”
“The Russians think first of all about themselves. For example, in a traffic jam, few people will give way, even if it will benefit others. Each driver will try to get ahead at least half a meter, will not let others pass, and everyone will stand because of him. Yes, this is only an example, but it is typical for business and for many other areas.”
“Moscow differs primarily in size from Stockholm. You can walk after work and meet someone you know. Everything is close, everyone lives very close. You don't even have to go down the subway.”
“What I don’t like about Stockholm is how carefully you plan your life for the years ahead. People get used to the comfort zone and do not want to leave it. It's pretty boring. In my entourage even joke about the tables in “Ecel”, where the Swedes put all their plans for each month.
“In Sweden, taxes are much higher. We give away about half of what we earn. Instead, the state provides everything it needs: infrastructure, education, medical services. If you live with your family, Sweden is certainly the best choice.”
Recently, I have noticed more and more Scandinavian restaurants in Moscow. Yes, now the world is booming in our cuisine, and Swedish cooks take first place in various serious competitions. Although a hundred years ago, the Swedes lived very poor - all year round they ate only potatoes.
I still have a vague understanding of what Russian cuisine is. It's probably borscht, shy, salt and mayonnaise salads. We don't eat anything like that in Sweden.”
“But it is even more incomprehensible to us how it is possible to drink vodka over food. No one drinks this drink in its pure form. Vodka is only added to various mix-drinks, mixed with sprites or phantasy.
“In Sweden, all urban buildings are owned by collectives. If you live in a house, you’re in a community anyway. So every couple of months, we, the owners, get together and talk about what needs to be repaired, what needs to be fixed. The costs are shared. You have to put money into the general budget every month.”
“It is different in Moscow. The elevator can work disgustingly, and the facade looks terrible, plaster can fall from the ceiling ... But no one knows whose responsibility it is and who is responsible for it. People only take responsibility for what is outside their door. No one is interested in the common.”
“What I really don’t understand is the relationship between men and women.” We have absolute equality. If I open the door to a woman, it will hurt her. She can even hit me. In Russia, on the contrary, they will express discontent if you are not polite with a girl.”
In general, I noticed that Russian girls are not very eager for equality. Many people dream of getting married and having a child. And the child care you almost completely fall on the woman, which is amazing. But in general, girls in Russia are more interesting. They get a good education and build a career. Swedish women, on the other hand, are less purposeful, domestic, even a little predictable and boring.”
“As for the difference in mentality, people in Sweden are very afraid of cheating. The tax authorities receive the most information from their neighbors. It is normal for a Swede to call the tax office and ask them to check on their neighbor if they suddenly buy a car or something.
“Modesty is encouraged. But it is not accepted to brag about success, as, for example, in the United States. That's why so many of our officials ride bicycles to work, without sirens or flashing lights. In Russia, it is important to show that you have power. The same principle holds true in business, where the boss in a Russian firm has to tell everyone what to do.
Therefore, today we offer to hear interesting comparisons from the Swedish businessman Eric, who managed to travel a lot in the CIS. And for the last couple of years he lived in Russia. So some of his comments are really interesting to hear.
When I first visited Moscow in 2004, I immediately felt that people felt more free. In Sweden, everyone is worried about what others will think of them, they look at society differently. Any, even the smallest, decision is made with an eye on how others will perceive it.”
“The Russians think first of all about themselves. For example, in a traffic jam, few people will give way, even if it will benefit others. Each driver will try to get ahead at least half a meter, will not let others pass, and everyone will stand because of him. Yes, this is only an example, but it is typical for business and for many other areas.”
“Moscow differs primarily in size from Stockholm. You can walk after work and meet someone you know. Everything is close, everyone lives very close. You don't even have to go down the subway.”
“What I don’t like about Stockholm is how carefully you plan your life for the years ahead. People get used to the comfort zone and do not want to leave it. It's pretty boring. In my entourage even joke about the tables in “Ecel”, where the Swedes put all their plans for each month.
“In Sweden, taxes are much higher. We give away about half of what we earn. Instead, the state provides everything it needs: infrastructure, education, medical services. If you live with your family, Sweden is certainly the best choice.”
Recently, I have noticed more and more Scandinavian restaurants in Moscow. Yes, now the world is booming in our cuisine, and Swedish cooks take first place in various serious competitions. Although a hundred years ago, the Swedes lived very poor - all year round they ate only potatoes.
I still have a vague understanding of what Russian cuisine is. It's probably borscht, shy, salt and mayonnaise salads. We don't eat anything like that in Sweden.”
“But it is even more incomprehensible to us how it is possible to drink vodka over food. No one drinks this drink in its pure form. Vodka is only added to various mix-drinks, mixed with sprites or phantasy.
“In Sweden, all urban buildings are owned by collectives. If you live in a house, you’re in a community anyway. So every couple of months, we, the owners, get together and talk about what needs to be repaired, what needs to be fixed. The costs are shared. You have to put money into the general budget every month.”
“It is different in Moscow. The elevator can work disgustingly, and the facade looks terrible, plaster can fall from the ceiling ... But no one knows whose responsibility it is and who is responsible for it. People only take responsibility for what is outside their door. No one is interested in the common.”
“What I really don’t understand is the relationship between men and women.” We have absolute equality. If I open the door to a woman, it will hurt her. She can even hit me. In Russia, on the contrary, they will express discontent if you are not polite with a girl.”
In general, I noticed that Russian girls are not very eager for equality. Many people dream of getting married and having a child. And the child care you almost completely fall on the woman, which is amazing. But in general, girls in Russia are more interesting. They get a good education and build a career. Swedish women, on the other hand, are less purposeful, domestic, even a little predictable and boring.”
“As for the difference in mentality, people in Sweden are very afraid of cheating. The tax authorities receive the most information from their neighbors. It is normal for a Swede to call the tax office and ask them to check on their neighbor if they suddenly buy a car or something.
“Modesty is encouraged. But it is not accepted to brag about success, as, for example, in the United States. That's why so many of our officials ride bicycles to work, without sirens or flashing lights. In Russia, it is important to show that you have power. The same principle holds true in business, where the boss in a Russian firm has to tell everyone what to do.
Why in Italy, housewives make dumplings from pumpkins, not from potatoes
Should I forgive my husband if he apologizes and begs to forget everything?