Anna Matea demonstrates how Finns respect the property of othersCredit: TikTok Anna Matea
TikTok user @anna.matea, a Spanish lady who now lives in Finland, has been using her social media platform to highlight the cultural differences between the two countries.
As reported in the Euro Weekly News, she has already set out how much easier it is to start up a business in Finland than it is in Spain. In fact, she uses video to share how Finns are not required to pay Social Security quotas every month, and are supported with a government subsidy, encouraging entrepreneurship.
Finnish people are very big on trust and respect
Now, in her latest TikTok video, she has shared just how much the Finns respect other people’s property. This feels reminiscent of the stories of ‘days gone by’ where it was ok to leave your door unlocked as there was no fear of a break-in.
@anna.matea Da igual si es el casco de la moto, tu bolso, un teléfono o un libro. Cualquier cosa que te dejes o se te caiga, la vas a encontrar justo en el mismo lugar. No hay excusa: lo ajeno se respeta. #finlandiaenespañol #finlandia #español #vidaenfinlandia #viviendoenfinlandia #vivirenfinlandia #vivirenelextranjero
♬ Bridgerton Main Title – Soundtrack from the Netflix Series – Kris Bowers
In this instance, she is talking about property that is left outside of the parking area of a high school or in front of the ice hockey or training rinks. She asks: “What do you think would happen if you did this in Spain? ”. She is referring to the fact that those with motorcycles will happily leave their helmets on the handlebars, confident in the fact that their property will still be there when they return.
Spanish TikToker highlights how belongings are safe in Finland
She delights in telling her followers how she lives in a place where respect for others’ property is a priority and comments on how she feels this should still be the case everywhere. She goes on to explain that it could be a helmet, a book, a phone or even a bag that has been left; Finns would feel safe doing so because it is their culture not to touch what doesn’t belong to them.
Unfortunately, the comments reaffirm her fears that this should be the last thing anyone should do in Spain. Let’s be honest: This applies as much to the UK as it does to Spain and probably other European countries. Unlike in Finland, that level of respect for the property of others appears to have somehow been lost, and we now live in a world where this level of trust is mostly considered ‘naive’.
For example, one follower shared a particularly incredulous story about just what people will steal given the opportunity. In this instance, they described how their son had dropped a violin bow on the street while heading to class. Less than ten minutes later, when he went back to retrieve it, it had already gone. As they said in the comments: “Surely whoever found it did not even know what it was for.”
Over to you – Would you feel safe to do this where you live?
