Source: "The Social Guidebook to Norway"
Many Norwegians have a "hytte" (cabin)
If they make friends at the hytte these are hyttevenner (Cabin friends)
It means that they are friends with them at the hytte
Only at the hytte
They cannot invite them for dinner when they are in the city
Even if they live in the same city
Or the same neighborhood
You both own a hytte next to each other
There is a reason to create a social connection
And you have a frame to socialize and common things to talk about
How to renovate the hytte, clean the garden, etc.
It is safe when you are at the hytte and talk about the hytte
If you sit in silence at the hytte
It will not be an awkward silence
Because you are hyttevenner at the hytte
This is a good example of a Norwegian social bubble
In town, Norwegians are outside that secure hytte framework
The risk is high for potential awkwardness with hyttevenner
It is much better to hang out with city friends in the city
Norwegian friendships are often linked to an activity or a setting
Social bubbles that form around such frame activities are rigid
Meaning that you can interact with others part of the same bubble at a specific time, place or setting
Usually the whole group will need to be invited
You cannot invite outsiders, nor can you meet with just part of the group
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Read more about our amazing Norwegian friends in Our Social Guidebooks to Norway
By Julien S. Bourrelle
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