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My Experiences of Finnishness

Category: Yleinen

Finnishness

The concept of finnishness is not only about nationality, language or traditions, but about behaviour and values and the way people relate to each other...

Finnishness

Finnishness - Summer, cottage & sauna

Finland, My Home

I’ve lived abroad and seen the world, but no place feels like home quite like Finland.

Finnishness

This is a blog about my wonderful thoughts about what's it like being a finn.

Finding Comfort in Finland’s Quiet Culture

Moving to Finland as an international student two and a half years back, I expected to notice the cold weather and dark winters. Instead, the biggest change I felt was something I had quietly needed for a long time: silence and personal space. I come from a culture where life is always loud. People talk over each other, public places are full of noise, and personal space is small. Community is strong, and being close to others is a sign of warmth and connection. I value that part of my background, but as an introverted person, I often felt overwhelmed. It was hard to find time to breathe, think, or be alone without seeming distant. Living in Finland has been very different. Here, silence is not awkward it’s natural. On buses, in classrooms, and even among friends, people are comfortable with quiet moments. No one feels pressure to fill every pause with small talk. At first, this felt unusual. Now, it feels peaceful. Personal space is also deeply respected. Standing a little farther apart and speaking more softly feels like a form of everyday kindness. Finnish culture hasn’t made me reject where I come from instead, it has helped me understand myself better and feel that my need for quiet is something to respect, not fix.

Finnishness

Finnishness is built on closeness to nature, quiet perseverance, and a strong sense of fairness. It is reflected in everyday actions, in the way people meet one another, and in the ability to appreciate simple things.

I'm glad to be Finnish

Let's tackle the positive aspects of Finland that make me feel glad I live here.

Finnishness

Here is a glimpse into what "Finnishness" has come to mean to me through the eyes of someone born and raised in the heart of South Asia.