Expat Jon takes on the world (well... Sweden)

Definition of   POLITICALLY CORRECT :  conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated (also referred to as "PC") One thing that I've noticed since becoming familiar with Swedish culture is they don't want any problems.  People are generally kind and go to great lengths to not offend.  You won't find many people saying offensive things in public.  If someone falls, no one laughs!  Except me, and then I'M the asshole.  Political Correctness is in full effect over here. Once I was at a grill spot after a night out trying to get some fried food in me while I wait for the bus.  There was a drunk, English speaking guy trying to be loud and funny.  People were doing their Swedish thing (looking straight ahead and ignoring the world) until the guy started mocking the grill worker.  He was speaking with an exaggerated Indian accent and ba...

It always feels good to know that someone is interested in you.  That's why we all take time to look good before we go out.  I've been married for years now, and plan to stay that way, but it's still nice to know that I "still got it".  As I mentioned before, people don't even look at each other here, so I figured the club scene must be weird.  How could you interact with each other if everyone is looking straight ahead and avoiding eye contact like the plague?  My first weekend out, I quickly learned that alcohol is liquid courage x10 here!  People partying are having a good time.  The DJs have an engaged crowd here.  Most people are dancing.  That impenetrable circle of girls "just hanging with my friends and dancing" that is so prevalent in the US is virtually nonexistent here.  I mean, sure you'll have that poor guy walk up to dance with a chick that isn't feeling it and he gets shot down.  But it's not with the maliciousness of...

    One of the things that's made the transition here easier is the fact that I have been plugged in to my own circle of friends.  I think that's important for my sanity.  I mean, Sandra's cool and all; but I think it's healthier for our relationship if I can hang out with my own friends.  I was very honored when I was invited to one of my new friends' wedding recently.  And if that wasn't enough, I was even invited to the bachelorette party.  I had never been to a bachelorette party before, so I didn't know what to expect.  The invite and follow-up information was all in Swedish.  I was able to follow along.  There was something about a boat and a sauna and everybody was to bring snacks.  Simple enough.     So the day came around and I was ready to party.  It just so happened to be the most beautiful day of the year so far.  It was hot out with a gentle breeze.  Not a cloud in the sky.  I would gue...

I recently had my 31st birthday.  I'm officially into my 30s.  I'm not one of those people scared that I'm getting too old or anything like that.  I've embraced my age.  I'm proud of the years I've lived and the things I've learned.  However, I am attentive;  and one thing about me that has been a nagging reminder that I'm getting older each day is my body hair situation.  It's not just on the top of my head, either.  No.  That would be too simple for this body.  It's different areas that throw little hints at me that things are changing and I have to deal with it. When I was in high school I had a huge afro.  It was my thing.  My mom used to braid my hair at night and I would undo it in the morning to give it that blowout effect.  I always got compliments on my big ass afro.  My hair used to grow straight out, too.  I got that from my momma.  What came later (pattern baldness), I presume I got from my dad...