GALLERY: 12 top tips on how to snag a Norwegian

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GALLERY: 12 top tips on how to snag a Norwegian

GALLERY: 12 top tips on how to snag a Norwegian

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<strong> The Look of Love. </strong> Norwegian men are shy, so the closest they often come to seduction is staring at women across a crowded bar. "Have a good and intense eye contact," says Espen Korsvik, Norway's top dating instructor, who demonstrates the required gaze above. "Eye contact is very attractive when you are holding it, and don't flinch.” Some foreign women may feel surrounded by creepy stalkers. But in Norway, this is Romance. So smile back. Photo: Dating-Adventure.com

<strong> Women make the first move.</strong> To foreigners, Norwegian women often seem forward, and men quite timid (although they're probably just a bit more equal than elsewhere). Either way, Norwegian women might walk up to a man and say “I like you, call me”. If you're a woman, this is your competition. So get with it. And if you're a man, be prepared. Photo: Screenshot from Spartacus

Norwegians love the great outdoors, or <strong>FRILUFTSLIV</strong>, and so must you. If you happen to be an excellent skier, hiker or climber, great. But if not, make sure to refer in passing to the odd hike or cabin tour, and post photos of yourself on Facebook doing things like canoeing in the Lofoten Islands. On the plus side, Martin, from Sweden, says three of his best dates ever were Norwegians. “It’s their love of nature, if you know what I mean,” he says.Photo: Stromborg

<strong> Speak English. </strong> If you speak Norwegian, it will get you brownie points. But for God's sake don't try and use it on a date (unless you're really, really good, and if you are you've probably been shacked up with a Norwegian for years anyway). Speak English and things will go a lot more smoothly. Photo: PPhoto: CGP Grey/Flickr

If you want to impress a Norwegian, do not, we repeat, <strong>DO NOT BRAG </strong> about your salary. In fact, if you can help it, don't ever brag. Norwegians are programmed to reject it according to the famous Janteloven and they are anyway more impressed by success outside of work. If you're a qualified ski instructor or mountain guide, it's worth a mention. But drop it in casually. Photo: planeta/Flickr

What impresses Norwegians the most is Norway, it's as simple as that. If you make as many compliments as possible, you're on a home run. You must <strong> LOVE NORWAY</strong> and all things Norwegian. Don't criticize the country, or make fun of the people. And never, ever make fun of the language -- either form of it. That means, if you're Swedish, you shouldn't tell them any of your hysterical 'Norge historier' jokes. They won't laugh and, anyway, all their jokes are about you. Photo: secretlifeofnorwegianteenager.blogg.no

<strong>Touch</strong>. 'Norwegians might not be known for being touchy-feely, but the country's self-proclaimed 'top pick-up artist' Espen Korsvik writes writes that that shouldn't put you off. "!!!Touch people. Touch because you will get much more closer to people," he suggests. "And they will fell more relaxed around you. And it will be a sexual tension.!!!!" We advise you to proceed at your own risk. Photo: Elisa Lehitraanen/Flickr

<strong>Don't Touch.</strong> Kenneth, originally from Norway but now living in Sweden, advises getting the hang of the <strong>Norwegian 'hello hug'</strong>, as performed here on a surprised Donald Rumsfeld by former Norwegian defence minister Kristin Krohn Devold. "You hug more with your chin than with your body," he says.Photo: Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby

<strong>Don't mention the war</strong>. If you happen to be Swedish, don't mention the war. Best avoided for Germans too, although we don't imagine the issue will arise. Photo: Screen Grab: Fawlty Towers

<strong>Do mention the War</strong>. If you happen to be British, or even American, mentioning the war might work quite well, as the British are still seen by many Norwegians as liberators, as shown by this statue of Winston Churchill in Central Oslo. Photo: History Society

<strong>Humour</strong>. Be funny. Norwegians have a strong, if slightly absurdist, sense of humour, and appreciate someone who can make them laugh. The Norwegian sense of humour is much closer to the British one than what you'll find to the east in Sweden. Photo: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Like the Brits and Irish to their west, without <strong>ALCOHOL</strong>, Norwegians would probably die out. It all happens in that brief moment when people are as drunk as they need to be to overcome that powerful Nordic reserve, but not yet actually unconscious. Alcohol, unfortunately, is famously expensive in Norway. "Just stand outside of any pubs and bars during weekends after 3am , and you will get your catch," says Kenny from Malaysia. "Be prepare to pay the taxi fare though".

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March 2012 party pics by Hipster

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