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I find it very hard to believe you would get "stern looks from colleagues" simply because you made yourself a different sandwich... It this for real? If I had

by gonzus 8y ago

I find it very hard to believe you would get "stern looks from colleagues" simply because you made yourself a different sandwich... It this for real? If I had to bring a sandwich to work, I would certainly make it with something I do enjoy eating, colleagues be damned.

lb1lf 8y ago
Stern looks is probably exaggerated, but I unusual sandwiches or toppings are likely to draw a comment or two. However, this is mostly in the context of being a conversation starter, though - at least in my experience. "Roast beef, huh? Celebrate something this weekend, did you?" I do think the Norwegian interviewed is exaggerating a bit for effect, though - several of his statement are not what I - being Norwegian - would consider normal or expected by your coworkers. As an irrelevant aside, the town in the illustration is Ålesund. I can see my old house in the photo!
- funtastique 8y ago
  While true, its the never-ending sarcasm that permeates through these idiotic questions that gets me. To norwegians: Why should anybody care what I packed for lunch, mind personal business and stop looking into neighbors sandwich. While at it find better topics as conversation starter. p.s. still while at it, the sarcasm, that most norwegians call 'humor', would be much more interesting cultural feat to explore in an article or 2.
  - draw_down 8y ago
    Yes, that sounds annoying, and honestly kind of sad that they apparently feel a need to do that.
ingenieros 8y ago
Read up on "janteloven" or Jante law and this will give you some background as to why in nordic countries standing out by doing things differently is frowned upon.
- GlenTheMachine 8y ago
  Fascinating. This attitude also permeates Appalachia, in the US. The people of which are mostly of Scottish and Germanic descent.
- gonzus 8y ago
  I live in the Netherlands, where we have the (I think) famous "doe normaal": act normal, don't stand out. Still, bringing a roast beef sandwich for lunch seems to me far from not acting normal... Oh well, vive la différence.

by gonzus 8y ago

lb1lf 8y ago

Stern looks is probably exaggerated, but I unusual sandwiches or toppings are likely to draw a comment or two. However, this is mostly in the context of being a conversation starter, though - at least in my experience. "Roast beef, huh? Celebrate something this weekend, did you?" I do think the Norwegian interviewed is exaggerating a bit for effect, though - several of his statement are not what I - being Norwegian - would consider normal or expected by your coworkers. As an irrelevant aside, the town in the illustration is Ålesund. I can see my old house in the photo!

funtastique 8y ago
While true, its the never-ending sarcasm that permeates through these idiotic questions that gets me. To norwegians: Why should anybody care what I packed for lunch, mind personal business and stop looking into neighbors sandwich. While at it find better topics as conversation starter. p.s. still while at it, the sarcasm, that most norwegians call 'humor', would be much more interesting cultural feat to explore in an article or 2.
- draw_down 8y ago
  Yes, that sounds annoying, and honestly kind of sad that they apparently feel a need to do that.

ingenieros 8y ago

Read up on "janteloven" or Jante law and this will give you some background as to why in nordic countries standing out by doing things differently is frowned upon.

GlenTheMachine 8y ago
Fascinating. This attitude also permeates Appalachia, in the US. The people of which are mostly of Scottish and Germanic descent.
gonzus 8y ago
I live in the Netherlands, where we have the (I think) famous "doe normaal": act normal, don't stand out. Still, bringing a roast beef sandwich for lunch seems to me far from not acting normal... Oh well, vive la différence.