A Cuban woman who has been living in Sweden for eight years shared her initial cultural shocks upon arriving in the Nordic country on TikTok. In her video, she explained how one of the most noticeable differences was the virtual absence of compliments. "I was like, am I really that ugly? I don’t understand why these people don't even give a compliment or anything," she remarked in the clip uploaded to @cubans.shopp.
Additionally, she was surprised to learn that, quite often, it is the women who take the initiative in relationships. Another shock came when she discovered that, when going out with someone, the bill is typically split evenly, which she described as a true "shock."
Followers quickly reacted. One user commented, "That's just how it is; humans adapt to everything, and we Cubans adapt even more." The creator responded that while she has adapted to many things, she still struggles with the winter darkness, which only provides three hours of daylight per day. Another follower, recalling shared moments, said, "Ha! The video is great! I will never forget those big black eyes full of questions and uncertainty." Another person from Germany added, "Greetings from Germany, new follower here, the Germans also say 'halbe halbe' when inviting someone out."
Stories like these often spark debates on social media among those who have faced similar experiences. Have you encountered cultural shocks while living abroad? What do you think about this young Cuban woman's experience?
Cultural Shocks Experienced by Cubans Abroad
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the cultural shocks experienced by Cubans living abroad, especially in countries like Sweden.
What are some common cultural shocks for Cubans in Sweden?
Common cultural shocks include the lack of compliments, the fact that women often take the initiative in relationships, and the practice of splitting the bill evenly when dining out.
How do Cubans adapt to the winter darkness in Sweden?
Adapting to the winter darkness, which only provides three hours of daylight, can be challenging. Many find it difficult to adjust to this significant change in their environment.
Why do these cultural differences cause such a shock?
These cultural differences cause a shock because they are vastly different from what Cubans are accustomed to in their home country, making the adjustment process more challenging.