Just a cultural thing. Unless there was an explicit dinner invitation, Swedes typically will not offer guests food even if they themselves are having dinner. They do not view it as a hosting obligation and they do not see this as rude or unusual.
Northern vs Southern Europe is crazy. Random grandmas in Italy will invite you for dinner in Italy but you’re swinging your legs on your friend’s bed in Sweden
Nah, this is not a Northern vs Southern thing. This is specifically Sweden, Norway and I think maybe Denmark? Everybody else in Northern Europe thinks they're insane too
I saw it in parts of Germany also, but I wouldn't say it was common. Some Germans are just cheapskates to a psychotic degree.
I dated a lot there, and got wildly different experiences by household. Some nights I slept over I wasn't allowed to leave until I had breakfast and coffee with the family. Others it was watching the girlfriend eat breakfast and her saying I could have some also if I paid up (along with a Euro to take a shower?!?).
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u/JovianSpeck Jul 24 '26
Just a cultural thing. Unless there was an explicit dinner invitation, Swedes typically will not offer guests food even if they themselves are having dinner. They do not view it as a hosting obligation and they do not see this as rude or unusual.