In Norway
A dinner is not a means of getting to know people
But the result of an established relationship
This is one of the main inversion in the way people socialize
While in many countries around the world
Friendships often start with "giving" and "receiving"
You invite someone for dinner
You have a good time together
The other person invites back a few weeks later
There is always someone owing the other
And this role switches back and forth
In Norway
We do sport together
We work voluntarily in an organisation
We socialize in well-defined organised settings first
Then after a few weeks
Or a few years
We may have dinner together
Some even share the cost between everyone attending
Friendships in Norway are equal
Norwegians do not like to owe to anyone
And are not comfortable if they feel like they need to see someone again because they owe that person something
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