When I tell Americans I live in Sweden, they often assume I wanted to live here with no hesitation. On the contrary, though, I feel like I have sacrificed living in my beloved home country, the United States of America, to do a favor for Americans by becoming an “ambassador” of sorts for Sweden, and sharing what it is like living in a country that many Americans think is the “greatest country in the world.”
The primary reason why I moved to Sweden was for love. I was not exactly overjoyed that I was drawn to a Swedish man, to be frank. I had studied Swedish culture for a good part of my life, and even lived in Sweden for ten months as a foreign exchange student, so I knew what I was in for if I moved to Sweden. After years of becoming more acquainted with my Swedish partner, however, I decided to give Sweden a chance.
As expected, living in Sweden has not been easy. I experienced extreme loneliness and many moments of doubt wondering how long I could continue living in this country. Do not underestimate the impact cold weather, dark days, anti-social society and lackluster communities can have on one’s morale. After six months in Sweden I was ready to throw in the towel and give my partner an ultimatum. I returned to the US for a couple months to become grounded, and then returned to Sweden thinking I’d soon be packing my belongings to ship back home.
I knew I had an opportunity not many Americans have, which made me think more critically of my decisions. A friend recommended that I “change my thinking” in order to cope with Sweden, which was something I decided to experiment with. I had to give myself purpose for being here, other than being with my partner. A primary purpose for staying in Sweden, I determined, was to be an ambassador.
I realized Sweden is praised by many Americans for being “the greatest country in the world.” They will say Sweden is great because of free education and universal healthcare, but do they know that Sweden is one of the most anti-social countries in the world? Are they knowledgeable of the demographics of the Swedish society and how this plays a role in Swedish culture? Are they aware of the challenges of immigrating to Sweden?
They tend to know nothing about these questions I ask. This lack of knowledge regarding Sweden has become more concerning to me over the years because I have noticed the US has become increasingly similar to Sweden, which is something I am cautious of. It is important that Americans do not sell out the United States for ignorant utopia visions of socialist-leaning countries like Sweden.
While I wonder when I will return to the United States, I have acknowledged living in Sweden, or even in Europe for that matter, is an opportunity few Americans have. It is important at this time that I am an ambassador of Sweden who educates Americans about what life is like in Sweden. I hope this information resonates with Americans, and people all over the world. I am doing this as a favor for America, my home country, which I have much admiration for.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.