While each one of us is different, there are certain approaches to life and dating that come from our culture and our background. That’s part of what makes dating someone from a different nationality or culture fun.
We get to see things from a different perspective, have a new experience, and go on an adventure together.
Dating a Norwegian man is an enjoyable but unique experience. They tend to have particular characteristics, some bad, and some good. Not all of these traits will be found in every man, but it’s best to know a little about what you are getting into before dating Norwegian men.
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Things to Know When Dating a Norwegian Man
There aren’t many well-known stereotypes surrounding Norwegian men. Perhaps the most common is how blunt they can be. Some people may perceive this as a positive, whereas those who are used to being polite or using more words to express themselves may see it as a negative.
Dating introduces you to new experiences, and when someone shares their culture, their food, and their history with you, then you’ll be benefiting in more ways than one. At the end of the day, the pros and cons of any man you date will depend on the values and personalities you are attracted to.
Pros of Dating a Norway Man
There are plenty of positive sides when it comes to dating Norwegian men. Here are just a few that you might notice:
Pro 1: They Are Supportive and Responsible
Norwegian men are known for how seriously they treat their role as a partner. Whether it is as a boyfriend, husband, or father, they will not neglect their duties. Dating someone who takes care of their responsibilities means you know where you stand. Generally, they will be reliable but will honor all of their commitments, not just to you.
They also have a good understanding of the need for freedom in a relationship. You should both be able to pursue your goals and have interests outside of the relationship. They will support you in climbing the career ladder and anything you set out to achieve.
Pro 2: They Love Nature
Perhaps it is because they grew up in spectacular surroundings, but many Norwegians have a love for nature. This means they are likely to want to participate in outdoor activities. Be prepared for some amazing dates hiking in stunning scenery and stopping to appreciate the beauty of a lake, forest, or mountain.
As well as a love for adventure in the great outdoors, this respect for nature can also be expressed as a passion for the environment. You can’t enjoy your mountain ski and sauna afterward if you don’t look after the natural assets of your country.
Pro 3: They Have Respect For Both Genders
Men from Norway have grown up in a society that sees the value of women as equal to men. This comes across in many things that a man will say or do. From cooking and cleaning to childcare, there won’t be any roles assigned because of gender, which should be one less argument.
This also opens the door for women to be more forward in a relationship. There won’t be any issues over making the first move, taking your time to work on yourself and be independent, or speaking your mind when it comes to your opinions.
Pro 4: They Are Handsome
This is something that can be taken for granted by people who live in Norway, but anyone from outside the country might be struck by how many handsome men there are. The capital, Oslo, is multicultural, which means you will find lots of different looks too.
Thanks to the love of nature and outdoor activities, many men are physically fit. This is combined with a tendency to take care of their appearance. The result is muscular men who are clean, well-groomed, and usually tall. It’s not the only factor in a relationship, but it can’t hurt.
Pro 5: They Aren’t Superficial
It will take more than good looks to impress a man from Norway. You won’t get very far with expensive things, either. The quality of life in Norway is high, which means most people can enjoy the good things in life. They don’t feel the need to show it off, though.
Instead, the deeper and more personal things are valued. If you are genuine, you’ll stand a much better chance. Other desired characteristics are honesty, respect, and having interests and passions.
Cons of Dating Norwegian Men
There is always the other side of the coin, which means it’s time to look at the negatives.
Con 1: They Can Be Blunt
Norwegian men are known for not sugarcoating their words. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be upfront with you about complicated feelings, but they will tell you if they don’t like your haircut. It isn’t usually meant with any malice, but it can come across as impolite.
While some people might find this refreshing, there are times when tact and diplomacy could spare your feelings. They can often get straight to the point, which can catch you off guard. Hearing please and thank you might not happen very often, either.
Con 2: They Are Shy With Strangers
Although they are direct in telling you if something isn’t right, it can take quite a bit of time to get to know a Norwegian man. They remain reserved around strangers for a long time, and it might seem like they’ll never warm to you and become a bit more open.
This means you will need to put more effort into gaining their trust. You may want to avoid discussing heavy or very personal subjects earlier on, but make sure you keep the conversation flowing with lighter interesting topics.
Con 3: They Aren’t Romantic
Norwegian men can be romantic, but not in a traditional way. Don’t expect to receive a lot of flowers and gifts, or be picked up for your date. Traditional dates won’t happen very often either; an exhilarating activity will be more likely than dinner and drinks.
As you are both equals, he won’t feel the need to put on a show to impress you. This may suit your dating style, especially if you prefer genuine connections to the feeling of first date excitement.
Bottom Line
You can’t assume that every Norwegian man that you meet will have these character traits. However, it is useful to anticipate any differences in culture. The information around these stereotypes stems from real encounters. People tend to find Norwegians to be handsome and outdoorsy.
If you have a Norwegian boyfriend, you might find that he is reserved at first and takes some time to open up. He will also tell it to you straight, which may not always be what you want to hear.
Don’t get your hopes up for romance or big gestures, but you’ll be happy if you like to keep things down to earth and honest. There are lots of positives to look forward to when dating a man from Norway. You’ll get to spend some time appreciating nature, and he’ll support and respect you.
He’ll take care of his appearance and value you for who you are. Communication about your relationship and an understanding of each other’s expectations will help in any relationship and are especially useful here.
