Source: "The Social Guidebook to Norway"

It is always nice to compliment Norwegians

I was once at a concert with a lovely Norwegian girl

it was difficult to not let my French side take over

So I said:

She did not really know how to react

She got a little shy

The compliment was somehow too direct 

She also wanted to express that she really enjoyed the evening on my side

And gave me a beautiful Norwegian reply

"Det var ikke så verst å sitte ved siden av deg heller!" 

Giving direct compliments

or feedback

May make Norwegian shy

Compliments, feedback and the showing of interest towards someone

Is done carefully in Norway

In an indirect manner

Often implied rather than directly

Also at work

We have a new member in the series of "The Social Guidebook to Norway" 

Just on time for Christmas

Enjoy!

By Julien S. Bourrelle

Watch him on TED

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