Lesson about Finnish People

There are many stereotypes about Finnish People around the world that maybe are a bit truth, but not always! And you mustn’t judge someone according the idea you have in your head, it is a big mistake! You must know him before! The time I’ve spent here helped me to discover how is these people, and I want to explain you some things about them by my point of view.

If you ask someone in Spain for example how Finnish People are, they say that they are cold, polite and quiet. These are three adjectives that maybe describes Finnish people for them. And it is a bit truth! And if you speak with them, they tell you they are a bit quiet and don’t like to show their feelings to the others. But it is something cultural: Finland is not an emotional society as Spain or Mediterranean countries in general. They have another way to live and they don’t give the same importance to feelings, family and friends that we do, but it doesn’t mean they are cold! They need to be comfortable, and you must respect their personal space! If you don’t do it, they are uncomfortable and they can be a bit rude with you. They are so polite between them, and when they introduce someone, they give the hand, never give them two kisses! It is shown as a threat because you are disturbing their personal bubble. There are Finnish people that speak so much and others that are quieter, like in every country. So, when I meet a Finnish person, I let him or her to lead the conversation, because in Spain we are always hugging and touching each other, but here I can’t, so I give them my hand if they want and I act according their body language.

On the other hand, they admire us so much because these social things. They say that Spanish people are very friendly and sociable, but I tell them that they are sociable too! But they need time, and by point of view they are more polite and loyal than us, you always can trust in a Finnish person!