1. They are shy at first. Swedish men are quite shy in clubs and bars. It is common for them to hang out, drink and passively wait for a girl to approach them. Of course, there are Swedish men who approach women, but don’t expect it to happen like American men. That said, Swedish men find it easier to first approach a girl in the US and abroad.
2. Drinks are required. Swedish men need their beer or alcohol to talk to women. Alcohol, for better and for worse, cushions one’s own defense barriers and shyness and makes it easier to talk to strangers. If a Swedish guy really interests you, buy him a drink.
3. You can turn Dutch on a date. It’s not uncommon for a date after meeting the Swede to be Dutch. Don’t take it personally as it is part of the Northern European culture.
4. They have difficulty communicating like any other man. Some are better at being in touch with emotions, others are just as clueless.
5. It is common to have sex first and go out later; the opposite of american dating Swedes can have sex and have it mean nothing, or have sex and then start dating. When dating a Swede, keep in mind that you can expect sex from the first date onward. It is their culture. If you’ve been propositioned and feel uncomfortable, talk to your date about your feelings towards her.
6. The Swedes are liberal. #5 proves the point. They can be direct once you get over the shyness factor.
7. Swedish guys can seem aloof. Swedes enjoy quiet, so having a conversion where there are quiet moments is not a bad thing. It simply means that he is pondering (about anything) and you too should be relaxed and enjoying the peace.
8. They are elegant. They like to be dressed appropriately. You should not pamper them for their appearance and hygiene.
9. Sometimes you have to pull teeth. Since men tend to be aloof and shy, if you have a question, ask. He can’t read your mind, no one can, so keep the relationship open.
10. Swedes can live together. If at any point, after several months of dating, he asks you if you should live together, don’t expect to get married any day. Living together is being a de facto couple, sambo. It is a sign of a serial step in the relationship, but it does not guarantee marriage. It is also acceptable to have children before marriage.
Swedish men are mysterious, but like any man, you should have a relationship based on trust and honesty. Ask him questions, learn about his culture. If he makes you angry, it might not be because he wants to, maybe because that’s the norm in Sweden.
