As my colleague pointed out in his last blog post there are some prejudices about us Swedes, and well, some are true. At least the one about queing.
I really never tought about it, our way of standing in proper lines. Not until the other day when I went to catch the bus to KTH. As I walked to the bus stop I noticed two persons standing there. They didn’t know each other, nor had they had any conversation at all (believe me, you don’t chat with strangers early in the morning unless there is an emergency, e.g the bus not coming). But instanly I knew who had been there first, as I always do. Only I never tought of it until now. The person who arrived first had a look of determination, a look which told the rest that this person is stepping aboard first. These “first-people” always do. Now, the second person stands slightly skew from the line that will form. This is to signal “I’m the second in-line!!!” (Yes, the signal is so hysterical it deserves three exclamation marks).
So, as the third person arrives it is custom to notify these silent signals and then stand properly behind the second person. But if you are confused some morning, or just brave, try standing on the wrong side of the queue. For this you will obtain the evil eye bye all who saw you preform this, very upsetting Swedish sin.
To compensate your poor fellow travellers, give them the puppy eye. Or just play stupid. Or you could even pretend you didn’t know of this Swedish custom, by calling someone you know and talk another language.
Truly,
Elina
This is so true! Living in China I often had to restrain my aggresive emotions against the chinese who (alot of times) cut queues (that I created). Culture shock – big time!
haha,I am chinese who had been living in Stockholm for two years. You are lovely, that is a so vivid and exact description of this scene.