1. She’s probably a better drinker than you.

Drinking is common in Sweden, so you’re Swedish girlfriend is most likely used to be drinking wine, vodka or any other beverage with an alcohol percentage higher than five on regular basis. Embrace it and go out partying together, but don’t feel that you’re male pride is hurt if you pass out before her. Just be grateful that she safely brings you back home.

2. She can be slightly formal.

Swedish culture is subtle and expressing emotions overtly as people do in more fiery countries is most likely not a part of her nature. She’s not prone to declare her love for you anytime between your first and twentieth date, but don’t panic and call the whole thing off because you think she’s not into you. Be patient. Don’t expect a two page long letter with ten different metaphors of ‘I love you,’ but when she finally tells you those three words, know that she really means it.

3. She’s most likely a feminist.

Don’t be scared or think she hates men, but she does take gender quality seriously. Most likely an advocate of paternity leave, women being financially independent and an equal representation of women and men in politics, she is not afraid of calling herself a feminist.

4. She doesn’t expect you to always pay.

Your Swedish girlfriend doesn’t automatically consider you the breadwinner just because you’re a man. She values financial independence and has no problem of occasionally picking up the check when you are out and about. Although having said this, chivalry is not completely thrown out the window — sending her flowers or opening up the door for her is still appreciated.

5. She speaks great English.

Having an intercultural relationship can sometimes be tricky because of the language barrier, but if you’re fluent in English there’s not much of a communication issue dating a Swedish girl. Learning English from the age of six, watching a lot of English movies with subtitles and speaking it daily on her gap year in Australia and backpacking trip in Thailand has left her proficient in the Indo-European language.

6. She takes her personal space seriously.

Raised in a country where people don’t sit next to each other on buses unless necessary, she is most likely an advocate of the distance of a handshake when interacting with people. Don’t be intrusive and throw yourself at her the first time you see her. Give her the space she needs and make your move only when you feel she’s comfortable with having you around.