I was playing Monster Hunter with a friend today, talking about my new friends from Sweden. Talking about how they, regardless of the fact that I technically work for them, have extended so much kindness and hospitality towards me, and encourage me, and are really just in my corner. So much so that it’s inspired me to pivot from learning Norwegian (not currently practicing mind you) and instead learn Swedish.
I joked that if it ends up anything like the plot of the movie “Midsommar” (2019) that I would happily join their cult and not even think to look back.
Ultimately I compared it to you, how instead of friendship you’ve just frozen me out, called the cops, have told me you want nothing to do with me for as long as “forever” lasts. And for a minute, recalling that, I felt a pinch of the heartbreak. How could people from countries so close together be so different?
That heartbreak is washed away by waves of elation as I think I have a new reason to visit Northern Europe, and I will.
I don’t want or expect you to read this and turn the other cheek or anything, I know I’m writing for myself, and maybe I always have been (not true) but man, I am stunned.
🇸🇪