Finland is one of the few countries that has not been influenced by American, European or Eastern culture. For the most part, conservative people live here, in a sense, even old-fashioned people who sacredly honor their traditions and customs.
Finnish temperament
Finns are calm and sedate, they never rush anywhere. Their speech is slow, they do not like high-pitched conversations and loud laughter. Disputes and disagreements are resolved exclusively at the negotiating table. If the interlocutor looks around or averts his eyes, the Finn will consider him crafty and insincere, and if he speaks loudly or laughs uncontrollably - an ill-mannered commoner.
In addition, it is not customary to cross your arms over your chest or keep them in your pockets, so you can demonstrate your arrogance and disrespect towards a proud Finn. Familiarities are also not accepted here, everyone's personal space is very valuable and, for example, patting on the shoulder while talking is not a desirable gesture. When meeting or greeting, men shake hands discreetly. Women do the same. Getting acquainted with several people at once, it is customary to shake hands first with women, then with men. Otherwise, modern Finnish culture is imbued with the spirit of gender equality.
Representatives of this people are very responsible and balanced in their words and deeds. “They take a bull by the horns, a man by words” is an old Finnish proverb. And if in Russia the interruption of the interlocutor, although not decent, has long been commonplace, in Finland such antics can seriously damage the reputation.
Finnish friendship
Based on the distinctive characteristics of the temperament of this people, we can say that they also make friendships neatly. Personal space is very much appreciated here, the Finns are in no hurry to write everyone and everyone as friends. Finns are friends very tactfully, even somewhat detached. In their opinion, asking for help is a sign of weakness. Therefore, they rarely offer help to a friend, and even more so, ask for it. The Finn is more likely to share his problems and experiences with a psychologist than with a close friend. Accordingly, giving advice or asking questions is bad form.
When dealing with Finns, it is best to avoid direct contact. If you often call a Finn by his first name, he can take it as a hint of intimacy. It is not customary to discuss personal matters here. When they meet, they talk mainly about any positive things of a general nature.
Gossip is not tolerated in Finland. Even with a friend, the Finn will not discuss a stranger. And it doesn't matter about censure or praise. It may seem strange, but the compliment about the appearance of the Finnish person can be regarded as an insult. That is why the Finns do not know how and never say compliments.
It is also not customary here to run into a friend's house just like that, because we passed nearby. It is necessary to warn about the visit in advance, preparation for receiving guests for the Finns is akin to a ritual and can take more than 2 weeks. They think over to the smallest detail the menu, evening program and gifts for guests.
But, no matter how paradoxical it may sound, one should not talk about the coldness and indifference of the Finns to each other. These are features of temperament. Yes, making friends with a Finn is not easy, but real Finnish friendship is very strong and durable. They value loyalty and consistency very much. By the way, even when the whole world celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14, Finland celebrates Friends' Day, congratulating each other with toy hearts, postcards and sweets.
