First and foremost, the Swedes are folks who prefer to blend into their surroundings. Unlike Americans, it doesn’t seem to be as important to them to “stand out” or “be heard”; thus, if you’re an extreme extrovert, you may need to tone down your natural ebullience during your stay in Scandinavia to better fit in.

Given this desire to keep a low profile, Swedish persons also aren’t fond of extravagances. Therefore, if you are being “hosted” by someone and want to provide that person with a present as a “thank you”, choose something modest rather than making what will seem a garish display of insincerity by spending too much.

However, there is one area where excessiveness is embraced, and that’s at the dinner table, especially when there’s a smorgasbord. Akin to an American buffet, it’s a groaning board packed with all sorts of Swedish delights to tempt the palate; but exercise caution. The Swedes don’t eat until they are bursting at the seams, so pick small portions rather than packing it all in.

Finally, Swedish men and women are generally very liberal; hence, their unequivocal acceptance of other cultures and sexual leanings. Hardly prudish, they embrace tolerance, so if your lifestyle might seem “alternative” in the United States, you’ll be treated much differently from the accepting Swedes.

All in all, the Swedish people are warm with hearts the size of their Nordic landscape. No doubt you’ll fall in love with their style and charm as so many others have done over the years.