The saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” has been around since ancient times and is still a good reminder that customs and habits vary wherever you go. One of the best things about traveling to another part of the world is discovering how things you think are normal or standard are not universally so, and seeing how different cultures function broadens your ideas of the human experience.

That’s why a woman from Denmark explaining “normal” things that are considered rude in Nordic countries has caught people’s attention. People are often fascinated with Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway, largely because they regularly top lists of “happiest countries in the world” (which is always a little surprising considering the weather in that part of the world alone).

Here are the 13 behaviors and habits Kelly Louise Killjoy says Nordic countries consider rude in her experience:

Here are all 13, in her experience

1. Being late to anything

Of course, being late is rude in a lot of places, so this one may not be surprising, but punctuality is a culturally specific expectation. There are places where it would be considered rude to show up early, and other places where “fashionably late” doesn’t exist. In Killjoy’s experience, Nordic folks like to be as close to exactly on time as possible. “Like five minutes early or five minutes late, no more, no less,” she says. “Preferably exactly on time.” And they will often apologize for even being one minute late.

2. Showing up unannounced

Some countries have a distinct “dropping by” culture, but the Nordic nations aren’t among them. Even close friends and family call or text before arriving at someone’s house, as it’s considered rude to just show up. “With Nordic people, it’s all about respecting our time,” Killjoy says. “We often plan our time very carefully,........

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