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People are bringing up rare exceptions to the general culture of both places. Stereotypes are true most of the time, not all of the time.
I wouldn't say its rare exceptions that are friendly in Finland. The vast majority have been very friendly when I actually make the effort to talk to them. Just because they don't make unnecessary small talk or smile gormless smiles all the time, it doesn't mean they are a cold people.
Not really saying one is better than the other, but sayings like this do help explain the cultural underpinnings of why a people might generally see being careful with one's word is not only justifiable, but preferable.
Not really saying one is better than the other, but sayings like this do help explain the cultural underpinnings of why a people might generally see being careful with one's word is not only justifiable, but preferable.
It not all just idle chatter but being helpful and making people feel welcome. Friendliness is not a negative trait afterall.
Examples are going out of your way if people are lost and being kind and helpful.
Something positive shouldn't be turned into a negative trait.
No one who has spent any time in both Countries (Finland and Ireland) can say that the people in Finland are nearly as nice and friendly as the people in Ireland!
No one who has spent any time in both Countries (Finland and Ireland) can say that the people in Finland are nearly as nice and friendly as the people in Ireland!
They're nice and friendly in a different way. They aren't so open with strangers so on a superficial level then yes, most of the time Irish people are more friendly than Finnish people, but once you are past the complete stranger stage then I've found Finns are really nice and friendly and go out of their way to help you if you need help. One example that comes to mind, someone I barely know drove 100s of kilometres just to pick me up from the airport and drive me home - if that's not nice then I don't know what is!
No one who has spent any time in both Countries (Finland and Ireland) can say that the people in Finland are nearly as nice and friendly as the people in Ireland!
You make it sound like all irish are friendly and all scandninavians are not.
Is it impossible in your little world to think that it might not be true?
you make it sound like all irish are friendly and all scandninavians are not.
Is it impossible in your little world to think that it might not be true?
most irish are friendly and most finns are cold and distant!
Spent quite a bit of time in Ireland and in Sweden. Love the people in both places for different reasons.
I can't say that Swedes are colder (which has a negative connotation), though one might say they're more reserved than the Irish, overall.
And the Irish sense of humor and craic...well, not many nationalities can compete with those! :-)
most irish are friendly and most finns are cold and distant!
In my limited experience in Finland, I found Finns to be very friendly, and fun. (I also made a point of learning some basic Finnish before visiting. It makes a difference.) But why are we including Finland in "Scandinavia"?
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