that's how they are...

• hey,
  I'm Swiss and spent my life there until I was 20 - I'm now living in Scotland. Very ashamed to hear about one of my countrymen treating you like this! But then, thinking about it, this is probably part of the Swiss mentality.
  To give you an example: when I visited my family a few months ago we went to one of the local pubs. Since the "paying rounds" thing has become quite normal for me, I went and bought drinks for everyone - only to be stared at with big eyes and expressions of disbelieve. I said not to worry and reminded them that it would be quite common in the UK. However, if you now think the penny had dropped, you're wrong. After this first round I still had to introduce them to the idea that it would probably be appropriate for another person to buy a couple of drinks now... I then still had to explain that I didn't chose a CHF 1.50 more expensive drink in the next round on purpose when another person was buying it. Just a little example...
  So, coming from another country where people are generally less concerned about such (unnecessary really!) money issues might probably make life quite difficult at first in Switzerland. Just try to understand them and maybe you manage to convert one or the other to think less about money and more about enjoying life and having fun!

  Sash 06 Apr 2009, 03:51 - Report

Swiss dating/relationship etiquette