[koevet]

I'm married to a Finn woman and I have lived in Helsinki for about 3 years.

The lack of small talk is the norm in Finland, and, as a south-european, it takes a while to get used to.

The article doesn't mention that there is a noticeable difference between boys and girls though. My experience is that girls are much more willing to engage in small talk in social situations.

Men, including colleagues, can be really difficult to crack. Some men really open up only when alcol is involved - another aspect of Finnish society that the article overlooked.

[Balgair]

The old 'peach vs. coconut' cultural modes: https://x-culture.org/peach-vs-coconut-cultures/