Yes Stockholm is cold

Standing outside my home by my car with the hood open. A man living across the street starts his car and passes me. A woman does the same thing. Where would that happen except in Stockholm? It takes 5 minutes to help someone with an empty battery to get started. To just ask what the problem is takes no time.

I don't have a job. People trying to help me are with few exceptions not born in Sweden. I come from Stockholm. I know hundreds of people, not close friends but acquaintances. One old friend I've known for almost 30 years has given me some invaluable help. Otherwise, it is clear to me that when I ask friends with a non Swedish background for help they do all they can to assist, while most Swedes expect me to get all the help I need from the society.

Once at work I got sick and needed medical care. I called an ambulance since none of my colleagues offered themselves to drive me to the hospital and I didn't have time to find some friend. Afterwards they felt very stupid and showed that they cared, but when I explained the situation nobody offered to help.

Many years ago when I was traveling on public transportation with a pram I usually managed myself but sometime I needed a hand from someone. I noted that men from other countries were most eager to help, next came Swedish women. Swedish men were the least helpful. Being pregnant you sometimes need to sit down on the bus. It didn't happen often, but when it did, I only remember a woman who realized the situation. I could have fainted before anyone noticed.

I don't think it is a general Swedish phenomenon not to help each other. Once when I had a car accident in northern Sweden completely strangers helped me out. They did much more than anyone could have expected.

I've also seen that people coming from southern part of Stockholm are more eager to assist than in the rest of Stockholm. So if you're planning to get into trouble on the street, make sure you have neighbors from other countries and live in southern part of Stockholm!

I do hope I'm not like the rest....