Reverse Culture Shock USA (coming from Sweden)

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[MrAndersJensen]

In Sweden we’re tired of the 2 meter rule. Can’t wait to get back to the 10 meter rule 🤣

Great observations thanks.

[attesmatte]

So, now you understand how many of us from the north of Sweden feel when we visit Stockholm... Everyone is sooo stressed and loud! 😂😂

[eliotsalgado]

I remember when I went to Sweden, the whole plane was full of Swedes and I think we were about 4 Americans on board. And the 3 Americans that I noticed on board were talking to eachother for so long, and it was so loud... while the rest of passengers, me included, we were all quiet. I was like this is on another level! I must say that I totally loved it. It is just so cool and different the fact that they were quiet for the most part. It was kind of shocking to me.

[joeprizzi]

I lived in USA for my first 25 years, then two in Japan. 6 months of culture shock in Japan, then 3 years of reverse culture shock back in the US. Definitely not expected.

[Asa...S]

When I watch videos like this one, by Americans, I often turn down the sound to like 10 % because they speak so extremely loud. Another problem is that they often, in addition to speaking loudly, often have loud background music on as well, which makes it really hard to focus. To make Americans understand how to speak in Sweden I use the expression "Use your library voice". American library voice is close to how Swedes normally speak.

[ZenseZone]

How did your family and friends react to you when you returned to the US for the first after have been in Sweden? And how do they react now compared to the first time?

[jneiberger]

I'm in the US and all these things you mentioned stress me out, as well. The constant noise: loud cars/trucks, loud talking, etc. The constant stressful rush. The chaos and noise in many stores. It's all maddening to me.

[povelvieregg]

So much truth Andrew! Even though I am Norwegian I experience exactly the same things you point out. Perhaps the only thing I really notice that you did not mention is American assertiveness. I think Scandinavians are not very assertive in general. You notice in shops, airports or anything that Americans will kind of boss you around more. Like they will say "Please step over here sir! You need to be in that line sir!"

In terms of positives, I also appreciate striking up conversations in the US. But there is another positive I noticed too. Americans will give complements to complete strangers. Scandinavians will not even give it to friends. Like I had people tell me stuff like "I like your haircut man, " or "that is a nice watch." That is so unthinkable in Scandinavia that it really weirded me out first time I experience it. I was like "Are you gay? Are you checking me out or something?"

[demolant_lang]

This was so interesting to hear! When it comes to saying "excuse me" I think we avoid it because it can carry a nuance of anger or aggressiveness. Like "why didn't you notice me needing to pass by, you idiot, move aside!". Becasue you're really supposed to be aware enough of your surroundings to notice when people need to pass by. Having to actually say "excuse me" to someone will generally imply that that person has been rude because they weren't paying attention to the surroundings and the needs of the other people around them. It's just a cultural thing. :) You've probably noticed that if you DO say "excuse me" to a Swede, a lot of the time we'll jump and say "sorry!" like we've done something wrong. Because that's what it feels like.

Of course there are situations where it's completely natural to say "excuse me". Mostly it's when you want to ask someone about something, though. And as someone living in Stockholm and working in a shop, saying sorry/förlåt for getting too close and/or bumping in to someone is extremely common!

[gruu]

Really interesting observations man, this prepares me a bit for when I'm going to the US :P

[beorlingo]

Hey Andy!
We might not say "ursäkta" a lot. But we say "oj"!
The Swedish jury gives you 12 points!

[hn]

Uea Europeans are definitely more carefree. But shortly after stepping off the plane I got a complement from a random stranger and another asking to help me with my bags. I miss those small acts of kindness.

[annebritraaen]

As a norwegian I was told to always wear nice clothes when around other people. Even the underwear. You never know...

[mickemike]

I reckon that the loudness is a city thing.
I'm a Swede, but I've lived in the US, in smallish towns and I did not experience that folks were any louder there compared to any Swedish locations.

But that thing with saying "Excuse me" when trying to pass some one in the US, while the Swedes squeeze past in silence is spot on!
However, being proud of what I have learned in my life in the US I occasionally say "Ursäkta" when passing close to someone in a store in Sweden.
That gesture is sometimes rewarded with a baffled look on the other persons face. Like "What?!".
Since I find this mildly amusing I still do this after many years.

[jimboswe]

Talking to strangers and also talking loud are probably two very effective ways of spread certain viruses. Worth thinking about in these days...

[Blake]

It took me awhile to adjust after I came back, 3 months later I'm still talking about differences and comparing. The biggest thing I can't get over is how unhealthy the food is here and the portion sizes.

Oh, I've had a few friends notice a tad Swedish accent when I came back; you know how Swedish language all has a high note at the end ... well some of that apparently carried over to my English :D

[annarehbinder]

Our houses are smaller too so nowhere to put the stuff =)

[billienuhfer]

With Covid19 it is alot quieter here in our time. I can't help but wonder if America's are louder because of hearing loss & not being brought up properly.

[anetteholm]

I agree.. In Sweden we are more impolite, don´t says excuse when we should, and have problems to be friendly and nice among strangers, it´s something I really like about americans, they seems more positive, open, and friendly.

[richiesd]

Quiet is golden. Yes, Americans are loud.