Levels of relationships in Sweden
This might come as a shock for you, if you have been living in a society where you are either single or in a relationship with someone. In other words, you either have a boyfriend/girlfriend, or not.
Now, in Sweden, it’s getting a little more complicated than that. As we learned in an earlier post, Swedes are a little more individualistic and want to live independently as long as possible. To guarantee a smoother transition from single life to a more stable long term relationship, they have established steps in between, which make it easier to come over their fear of commitment.
- Level 1
Seeing someone. You just saw someone some time for a date or two. But you’re not exactly sure whether you really have interest in that person.
- Level 2
Dating. You dated a person several times and believe you have feelings for the other person. Potential partnership prospect.
- Level 3
Exclusively dating. Now, you both really have feelings for each other and say that you won’t mess around with others any more.
- Level 4
Unofficially together: You both are in a relationship, maybe your closest friends know, but still, you want to wait to see whether the bond is strong enough, because you don’t want to embarrass yourself, in case you break up after a little while.
- Level 5
Officially together: Time to update your social media profile and let your parents know that you’d like to introduce someone at the next family gathering. Serious stuff.
- Extra level
And of course there is the KK-relationship. KK stands for knull kompis, which means f*ck friend. Not rarely a KK-relationship can outlast the length of a typical Swedish love relationship, by some margin.
So, welcome to Swedish dating and mating life. You will love it! Unless… well, ask your non-Swedish spouse. ;)
Understand Swedish culture & quirks, read my book: “How to be Swedish – A Quick Guide to Swedishness – in 55 Steps“, here on Amazon
More about (weird) Swedish behavior
- Swedes on the dance floor – an observation
- Flirt like a Swede – Mysterious Dating Culture in Sweden
- Nightlife Guide Sweden – How to blend in with Swedes on a party
- Swedish women: myths
What are your experiences when you dated a Swedish girl or boy? Any differences you found strange or exciting?
I would say this is surprisingly familiar. Even more, I’d say it’s the same in Spain. As for my experience.