Dating Finnish men, or more specifically, dating a Finnish man, can be nothing short of miraculous! Are you hoping for a meaningful connection with him but feeling unsure about how to move forward? You’re not alone.
Fortunately, the incredible power of the internet—and of course, my perspective as a Finnish woman—can guide you through this journey.
Psst… Embellish your life with a touch of Finland by following me on Instagram!
But don’t worry—I’ve had my fair share of experiences with Finnish men and I know what I’m talking about! (A slight word of caution: that sentence might not have landed quite as I intended!)
Now, here’s what I plan to cover in this post.
The Best Guide to Dating Finnish Guys
I’ve taken the liberty of claiming a modest title for this post, mainly because there’s just not enough material out there on this important topic.
Now, a little disclaimer: Finnish women often admit they don’t fully grasp Finnish men either.
Some challenges stem from cultural differences, while others are universal struggles in any relationship.
That said, there are certainly moments when the cultural divide feels quite substantial.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate things from his perspective before rushing to conclusions. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I jump to conclusions faster than lightning! (A special shoutout to my husband, who graciously endures my whims 24/7!)
How to Get Started with Dating a Finnish Guy
Here’s the unfortunate reality: if you’re waiting for your Finnish prince to pick up on subtle hints, you might be left waiting for a while. Finnish men are not renowned for deciphering intuitive clues!
Here are a few engaging opening lines to break the ice:
- Hello! What’s the best beer to try around here?
- Hello! Do we attend the same gym/class/school?
Keep in mind that he might respond with a simple “yes” or “no.” That’s perfectly normal in Finland. Try following up with a question that invites a more elaborate answer, like:
- What’s your favorite thing to do in this city?
- Can you recommend any Finnish dishes I should try?
You’ve got this!
What’s It Like to Date a Finnish Guy?
Since we’re on the topic of Finnish men, it only made sense to create a tutorial video featuring one! Meet Aleksi, a tall, charming Finnish vlogger whose humorous content explores facets of Finnish culture. You can subscribe to his channel here.
Check out our video to discover what it’s really like to date a Finnish guy—and what pitfalls to avoid along the way!
How to Connect with Finns
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Five Tips to Remember When Dating a Finnish Man
Now that we’ve heard from a Finnish man, let’s dive into my own tips to ease your worries. Finnish men have their unique charm!
He Wants to Get to Know You
A Finnish man doesn’t carry the weight of exaggerated cultural expectations about how a woman should behave. In Finland, women can forge their own paths and define their own identities. Personally, I believe that the only limits are the ones we impose upon ourselves.
So, share your dreams, aspirations, and even your quirks. Whether it’s a guilty pleasure or a quirky habit, he’s genuinely interested in getting to know the real you!
Suggest Things
Be proactive! You’re both unique individuals with intriguing ideas, so don’t always leave the planning to him. In Finnish culture, the expression “to be followed” describes someone being towed along instead of taking charge.
You want to be an active participant in the journey, not just a passenger!
Don’t Mope
Sulking is draining, both for you and for others. It’s exhausting to be around someone who is perpetually gloomy. Most women, including many Finnish women, seem to excel in this area, but it’s a huge turn-off. If you feel blue, either discuss it openly or take some time to recharge so you can return with renewed energy.
Be Genuinely Interested
Show curiosity about his background, traditions, and hobbies. If he loves spending time in nature—be it fishing or hiking—consider joining him. Even if it’s unfamiliar or intimidating, you might discover a new shared passion. Worst case, you enjoy fresh air!
Finns are often perceived as quiet or reserved—a reflection of their cultural norm and a complement to louder, more extroverted styles. There’s nothing wrong with either approach.
Much of Finnish culture embraces the need for personal space, even among families. I know couples who meet their families just a few times a year, and adapting to a more communal culture can be a challenge for them. Your understanding and support will mean the world.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Dating Finnish Guys
While girls in some countries might be taught to look their best at every errand or outing, the Finnish mindset is quite different. They believe that the man of your dreams will most likely see you at your worst—maybe when you’ve got a cold, after a night out, or during the chaos of childbirth.
This means that a Finnish man will love you for who you are, sans makeup or a couture wardrobe. Many Finnish men find their partners most beautiful right after a sauna, glowing and natural.
Long-Distance Dating
Even in a long-distance relationship, many of these tips for dating a Finnish man remain relevant. Long-distance can be overwhelming, often requiring a little extra creativity to keep the flame alive.
My friend Jasmin has devised incredible virtual date night packages to assist couples separated by distance. Having previously navigated a long-distance relationship with a Finnish man, I can attest that solutions like this could have made a world of difference for us.
Remember, while suggesting a structured or creative date might feel like a departure from the norm for him, encouraging an open mind will lead to new and rewarding experiences.
Are you in search of more relationship insights related to us Finns? Check out some of my other posts:
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