10 things to know about Swedish men

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 being said, Swedish men find it easier to approach a girl first in the US and abroad.

2. Drinks are needed. Swedish men need their beer or alcohol to talk to women. Alcohol, for better and for worse, softens one’s 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 go Dutch on a date. It is 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 staying 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 onwards. It is your culture. If you’ve been propositioned and you’re feeling uncomfortable, talk to your date about your feelings for her.

6. The Swedes are liberal. #5 proves the point. They can be direct once you get over the shy 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 just means that he is reflecting (about anything) and you too should be relaxed and enjoying 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 some point, after several months of dating, he asks if you should move in together, don’t expect to get married any day. Living together is being a common-law partner, 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 must have a relationship based on trust and honesty. Ask her questions, learn about her culture. If he makes you mad, it may not be because he wants to, maybe because that’s the norm in Sweden.