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Swedish dating culture 101 for foreigners.
When it comes to dating, Sweden is a bit different than other countries. If you’re new to the Swedish dating scene or just curious about how it works, here’s a guide to help you out.
Swedes are pretty formal when it comes to dating. There’s a lot of etiquette and ritual involved, and first dates can be quite nerve-wracking.
But don’t worry, with a little understanding of the culture, you’ll be able to navigate your way around just like a pro.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when you’re venturing into the Swedish dating scene.
How to Date in Sweden.
If you find yourself drawn to that blonde Swedish girl/guy across the room, there a few things you should know before you make your move.
Dating in Sweden can be a bit different from dating in other countries, so we’ve gathered some important information for you about how to do it right.
From casual flirting to serious relationships, these tips will help you navigate the dating scene in Sweden.
Flirting.
In general, Swedes do not like to make too much eye contact, so try not to stare! The best way to catch someone’s attention is with a smile.
This could be at a bar, on the street, or even while walking past them on the escalator.
Once you have their attention, try striking up a conversation by asking them for directions or about what they think of the book they are reading.
Swedes are typically very polite and responsive, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a conversation going.
The First Date.
If you’ve managed to snag a date with someone, congrats! The first step is always figuring out where to go.
A lot of people say that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.
Therefore, even if it’s freezing outside, don’t suggest going for coffee or ice skating. This will make your date think you don’t have any imagination.
Instead, try something active like cross-country skiing or bowling. This way you can spend time together while also getting some exercise!
And if all else fails, there’s always Fika – which we will get into later.
Fika.
No matter what stage your relationship is in, Fika is always an important part of Swedish culture.
Fika roughly means “coffee break” and refers to having coffee (or tea) together with a pastry or something small to eat.
This is usually done with friends as well as with romantic interests and is seen as a way to get to know each other better without the pressure of a formal dinner setting.
Fika can be done anywhere, at a café, at work, or even at home!
Dating in Sweden can be challenging at first since Swedes can appear shy and reserved.
However, once you break through that initial barrier Swedes are actually very warm and friendly people!
Just remember to take things slow and enjoy plenty of Fika along the way.
After all, that’s half the fun of dating in Sweden.
Swedish Dating Customs.
So you’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to move to Sweden.
Congratulations! Now that you’re here, you might be wondering about the dating scene.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the world of Swedish dating.
Swedes can be more reserved.
The first thing you need to know is that Swedes tend to be a bit more reserved than other cultures when it comes to showing affection in public.
So don’t be offended if your new Swedish friend gives you a hug instead of kisses when you meet for the first time.
Swedes take their time.
If you’re used to instant gratification, you might not find the Swedish dating scene to your liking. In fact, one of the biggest turn-offs for Swedes are those who try to rush the process.
Swedes like to take their time getting to know people before they open up, so don’t try to force anything. Just let things happen at their own pace and you’ll eventually find your perfect match!
Don’t worry, in Sweden, there’s no such thing as “the friend zone”. If you’re on a date with someone, it’s assumed that you’re interested in them romantically.
Swedes tend to take their time when it comes to getting into a relationship. So don’t be surprised if your new Swedish friend doesn’t want to make things official after just a few dates.
Swedes tend to be more casual.
When it comes to dating, Swedes like to keep things casual at first.
You might go on a few dates before you’re officially considered a ” boyfriend/girlfriend.”
That being said, once you are exclusive, things tend to move quickly.
It’s not unusual for a couple to get engaged after just a few months of dating.
Meeting the parents.
When it comes time to meet the parents, don’t be surprised if they invite you over for dinner instead of coffee or drinks.
This is just their way of getting to know you better. And speaking of dinner, if you’re planning on going out for a nice meal with your date, make sure you pick up the tab!
In Sweden, it’s always the man who pays on the first date.
Dating in Sweden can be a bit different than in other countries, but don’t let that discourage you!
Just remember to take things slow at first, keep things casual until you’re exclusive, and always offer to pay on the first date.
With these helpful tips in mind, you should have no trouble navigating the world of Swedish dating.
Online Dating in Sweden.
You might be surprised at how popular online dating is in Sweden. Over half of Swedish households are connected to the internet, which means there are plenty of opportunities to find love online. But where should you start?
How to Get Started with Online Dating in Sweden.
First things first, you need to find a dating site that suits your needs.
There are a lot of Swedish dating sites out there, so it can be hard to know where to start.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular Swedish dating sites to help you get started.
Tinder.
Obviously. One of the most popular dating apps worldwide, Tinder is also very popular in Sweden.
The app is free to download and use, but you can upgrade to Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold for extra features like unlimited swipes, rewinding your last swipe, and more.
Motesplatsen.
Motesplatsen is one of the most popular dating sites in Sweden and there’s a good reason for that.
The site offers a wide range of features, including video chat, message boards, and an developed search function.
You can even take personality tests to find matches that are truly compatible with you.
Match.
If you’re looking for something serious, then Match is one of the best dating sites in Sweden for you.
The site has been around since 1997 and has been a leader in online dating ever since.
With over 20 million registered users, there’s a good chance you’ll find someone who catches your eye.
Badoo.
Another popular dating app is Badoo, which allows you limited access to its features for free.
You can upgrade to Badoo Premium if you want access to more features like swiping through profiles anonymously and unlimited messaging.
Now that you’ve found a few potential sites or apps to try out, it’s time to create your profile.
Make sure to include a few pictures that really show off who you are – after all, that’s one of the main reasons people use online dating!
Once your profile is complete, it’s time to start swiping (or messaging). Don’t be afraid to be proactive, reach out and make the first move!
So there you have it, online dating in Sweden.
With so many options available, it’s no wonder that more and more people are giving online dating a try.
Whether you’re looking for something casual or serious (or somewhere in between), there’s sure to be a site or app that’s perfect for you. So go ahead and give it a try, what have you got to lose?
Conclusion.
Swedish dating culture can be a little different than what you’re used to, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be able to navigate it like a pro.
Just remember to take things slow at first, keep things casual until you’re exclusive, and always offer to pay on the first date.
With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble finding love in Sweden!