Something to talk about...

Weather! You know it: Swedes LOVE to discuss the weather.  

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  Magdalena Ribbing, expert in manners, lets us know it is OK to indulge in our favorite topic of conversation: the weather.

• It's always 'safe to bring up the subject of weather but try to avoid too many complaints... And all Swedes seem to be in agreement when it comes to what constitutes good weather. But why is it so important for us to talk about the weather? Magdalena Ribbing, expert in manners at daily Dagens Nyheter explains it all:

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  Advice to travelers going to Sweden: Don’t talk about salaries, religion or God. But feel free to talk about the weather – at all times!

• “It’s neutral, it’s simple, and it can never be seen as impolite or embarrassing to talk about.” But Ribbing has a few pointers: “Before a party or a meeting, think about a few topics of interest to talk about. Then you won’t be stuck only talking about the weather. But remember that the weather is always a good topic to start a conversation with. Remember also to say something positive about the weather. If it’s raining, you can say it’s cleansing or good for the harvest, or the skin. If it’s sunny you can always comment how it lessens brittleness of the bones, and how great that the kids don’t have to wear their raingear.”

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  Wallander's cases oftentimes bring him out to the powerful landscape just outside Ystad, the Österlen area and surrounding villages and farms. Photo: Andreas Hylthén

• When asked how often Ribbing herself talks about the weather, she says: “Quite often. It’s a matchless entry to a conversation that can become amazing.” And her own favorite weather? “Drizzling rain on a summer day.”