When you live abroad for so many years, it’s pretty weird: as if you’ve developed a third identity.
It’s like being able to see both worlds from above (or from the outside), and it’s incredibly valuable as we can understand different POVs.
I find that I have become much more open. I often ask myself: Why do things happen this way here? What can I do about this or that? What are the norms here? And what about unspoken norms?
Because what is right in Denmark can be perceived as different in my home country. And the opposite is also true.
Rude or to the point?
Here is a story that a Brazilian living in Sweden recently shared on Insta.
She and her (Brazilian) friends were talking before the hot yoga class started when an elderly gentleman suddenly said, “Shut up!”
She and her friends were startled and immediately went into radio mode.
Was he rude? Maybe. But he also drew a line and set clear boundaries.
Depends on your culture
Historically, Brazilians tend to avoid confrontation.
In Scandinavia and even more so in the Netherlands, people are embracing confrontation. It’s part of their culture to be brutally direct.
It can sometimes seem like ‘hard’ or even rude, but it all depends on where you come from.
Talking about and debating culture is fascinating. In a borderless world where we can work with people from just about any country, it is a hugely important topic.
Exchange of POVs
As for the Brazilian lady, we exchanged messages and I shared my POV.
Being perceived as rude can sometimes have a lot to do with your background and what you consider to be right or wrong.
I would love to hear your opinion on how to deal with different cultures and POVs?
Source: The Nordic Page