Source: "The Social Guidebook to Norway"

Norwegians are very independent

Owing to someone is uncomfortable

Especially if you do not know the person very well

Norwegians will rather manage by themselves

“Jeg klarer det selv”

Norwegians may actually prefer to endure physical pain and sufferance

Rather than living with the feeling that they owe something to someone

If you want to offer your help

Contribute with something

Invite for a dinner or a drink

Or whatever that requires either time or money

Find a reason

Tell that it is more “efficient” or “practical”

That it is on your way

Say something that make Norwegians feel comfortable

Feel like they do not owe you anything

In many cultures

Friendships are built by giving and receiving

In Norway

It is more about doing practical things together

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Read more about our amazing Norwegian friends in Our Social Guidebooks to Norway 

By Julien S. Bourrelle

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