Well it is nearly Friday...

And a very merry Thursday to you Mr Dog. I confess I do lose some, how you say, "contextual awaremess" after 11pm. But, you know, I'll, like, live with it. Or something.

I have lived here now for 10 years. The Swiss are a very conservative. I now just this year became Swiss and finally feel welcome. My partner is Swiss so I'm accepted automatically. Why because I'm white and American. I've seen definitely some racism in this country but for every bad one you find many more nice ones. Don't let the bad ones turn you off. They love to tell you how you should act in their country. You should read the new book the Naked Swiss. It gives you insight into the 10 myths about Swiss people.

It was late. I was on my second Aperol. At least I asked for clarification.

You know our problem? We are just not entirely perfect all of the time. Must. Do. Better.
How's the kitchen coming along btw?

This thread is not complete without Ariaz complaining about the snobbish, cold, selfish etc etc Russian women. 'cause it's always women's fault, apparently.
It would be a perfect circle.

All booked in for 19-22 December when my OH will be in the UK for a few days thanks, and the kitchen fitter still ends his texts and emails with 'xx' He's doing this job as a cash in hand foreigner whilst he's on his Christmas holidays from his full time job, which is fitting kitchens for one of the biggest UK suppliers. He's a friend of a friend...

The plumber's team are in this week doing the new central heating system and bathroom, much to the consternation of my mate who looks after the house. He's in the habit of calling round on his way home from dropping his kids off at school, and 'uses the facilities' whilst he's there, except yesterday he was met by an empty, newly plastered bathroom

I thought her comment was rather amusing too. BTW, it matches a friend's tales - he spent a lot of time in Moscow and hated every moment of it.

It took you 10 years to feel "welcome" in the country. That should speak volumes.

There are many foreigners who feel unwelcome here, myself among them.. but when we try to voice our opinions and concerns there's an enormous backlash, as if what we are uttering blasphemy. Even as a white, well-educated, well-off, married, decently attractive American, people here are still cold, distant and generally unpleasant (I have many anecdotes to support this over the years I've lived here if anyone cares to hear them).

The reality is: Switzerland is not known for its welcoming nature or its hospitality The Swiss are not known for their warmth, open-mindedness, wit or charm. The biggest sacrifice one has to make to live here is in the social dimension. Even if you speak all of the official languages, are well-educated, hard-working and so forth and so on, you will still not be accepted.

My experience? Learn the specific regional, bastardized flavor of German (but still pretend Schwiiizertüüüütsch is an actual language, and one that becomes more regal with every special-snowflake hard guttural CHHHHHKKKK clearing of the throat), do exactly what every Swiss person tells you to (as if they were your mother/father), be completely neurotic about every detail and subservient to every Swiss person you meet... and you'll get along great.

*Addendum: none of the above applies if you are rich. The Swiss will smile and nod and wipe your ass no matter how many rules you break as long as you are shooting money from every orifice.

Nah, if you're talking about EFers they just enjoy feeling superior. Must be some sort of compensation..If you're complaining to a Swiss they'll try to convince you that whatever you think it's against foreigners they too have experienced...and many a time at that.

Attachment 120694

Entitlement, I haz it.

It's not the 'Swiss' (whatever they are), it's YOU!

Tom

FTFY.
Just because Switzerland does not live in a constant cheer spirit, "awards for even the most mundane stuff", instant but superficial friendship sort of way, you feel put out? Your statement about money just shows how very little you have understood about this place. I feel sorry for you.

SoundOfMusic reaching the source of Rhein and bringing civilisation light and wisdom to barbarian Alps tribes.

THERE'S your problem! Foreigners ought to look different, be naturally intelligent and witty, ingenious and full of bright ideas how to have fun on little money, single, sexy and a knock-out on the eye.
We got tons of people like you here, why import any more? <yawn>

Most of which, on the forum.

When I moved here, I was invited to attend an imigration meeting where the migration office would discuss your responsibilities and rights as a newcomer.

There were at least forty people in attendance ( maybe more, I can't remember ). Anyhow, near the midpoint of the meeting, the migration official said that Swiss people are seen as cold and unwelcoming, and they wanted to change that image .

Afterwards, they had an African man come out and tell his story of how he had been living in Switzerland for 20-25 years and integrated successfully, and he played some drums as a half-time show.

Then after the whole meeting was over, attendees were welcomed to join an apero that the migration office had set up.

True story.

My suggestion to the OP is that it's easier to change your own thoughts, feelings, and behavior than it is to change other people's ( even if the other person is wrong ).

HTH
TheLaughingCow

Which ones, the ones I described or the ones who get the Swiss passport just by looking at them?