I was once told that there are three points in life when Norway is the best country to be in.

– When you are a child

– When you have young children

– When you are retired

I am awed by the professionalism shown by teachers working at my son’s kindergarten.

With regards to your British husband and children…well, I guess it comes down to what they enjoy. The Norway (and world) I wrote about a couple of years ago is very different now.

Some people come to Norway and LOVE it. Those are people who enjoy the security of walking safely in the evenings, Norwegian activities such as cross-country skiing, an advanced-tech society, watching English football, Netflix shows, US politics, eating pizza etc. etc. A lot of people who are naturally introverted feel relaxed and at home in Norway. Younger, single people (pre-restrictions) seem to enjoy the nightlife. But my experiences of living in Norway are restricted to Oslo, and before arrival I expected an open way of thinking typical of most European capital cities. Obviously, I have not experienced this.

Language (or desire to learn) would definitely be a bonus for your teen-aged children, but in fairness I haven’t felt any closer to Norwegian culture through language, which is the opposite of my experiences elsewhere. In other places, English can be a struggle, so an effort from outsiders is appreciated. I don’t need to tell you that English is an issue for Norwegian people, for as you know, many Norwegians speak better English than those raised in English speaking nations.

It could be a nice change from the stress of the UK. It’s the starting from scratch which could be a put-off…

Good luck!

How did he make thes points in a self centred way? Your comments seem to prove his points?

While I would like to refrain from having to defend myself from writing this article, let me get a few things straight.

This essay is NOT about every single Norwegian. It is about my personal experience as a creative trying to do something here, and about the constant backhands I received via observation. I am actually fond of Norwegian culture in many aspects, just not fond of the sheep mentality which discriminates against anyone who wants to improve or do something better – a sheep mentality which only belongs to people like you, Jan, who are unaware that Aksel Sandemose was a SATIRIST.

Many Norwegians I have spoken with, particularly younger Norwegians, well-travelled Norwegians, working class Norwegians and rural Norwegians DO NOT BELIEVE in Janteloven.

So, I have written 3 books, a fourth on the way. And I have given you an article about my experience as a creative here, an experience which affects any ‘ethnic’ Norwegian as much as it does myself as an outsider.

And what have you given us, Jan, as readers of lifeinnorway.

3 lines of your lack of ability to think critically including the generalisation of a whole region in the world as ‘morons’ – c’mon, if you’re smart enough to finish the article, I expect a more decent rebuttal than this.

You can do better.

There is no YOU in Janteloven.. It is about WE as a nation. NOT allowed to think WE are better than ANYONE else ! Typical moron from down under.. They get everything upside down..

I agree that the writer comes across as whiny in this weak article, but to say ‘l have not read anything more “American” recently’ means you’ve just exposed yourself as the most ignorant human being on the internet – well done.

And the irony of him labelling (directly or indirectly) Norwegians as a self-centered and judgmental culture, and then judging the Norwegian culture as he does here, in a very self-centered manner… oh well.