Sorry but I feel the same way too

I've read all the posts and have no desire to insult any Swiss here, but I've been living here for almost eight years now (which shouldn’t interest you), and there is a lot of truth in what the others are saying about the integration issue.

Now!

The point is: I've always understood that integration meant...

"The bringing of people of different racial or ethnic groups into unrestricted and equal association, as in society or an organization; desegregation."

So having previously lived for a number of years in another foreign country... I know what this means and never had any issues, be it language, customs, do's and don'ts, had girlfriends - you name it - been there done that!

The issue is you - Yes... the Swiss people!

On trains, in cities, parks, small towns etc the list goes on. No one seems interested in one another. You don't need to be a foreigner. The truth of the matter is, (which is what the others are trying to say) it's not us with the integration problem - it's yours truly!

This is the main reason why we are having such a hard time trying to get to know you.

Everyone here will have had their own experiences, but I've witnessed countless occasions of the Swiss bitching behind other people’s backs and the spreading around of unfounded stories and rumours, in the honest belief, that what you're saying is somewhat interesting and informative to those around you - it's NOT!

Your normal daily 'so-called' conversations are loaded with statistics and reports from various local/national newspapers and your ability to talk 'pausenlos' about your jobs is unmatched. It's so impersonal and boring - it's SH*T!

Your best advice to 'us' in getting to know people always seems to be... joining a verein. I have no problem with that if I'm doing it out of a hobby or a fitness interest, but I've never-ever fulfilled my social interests in any club. I prefer meeting people the old fashioned way, saying hello on a regular basis, you know... break the ice, normal chat etc, "nice weather today, how are you?"

Enjoying life in Switzerland is what's being discussed here and attending verein meetings whatever has nothing to do with integration.

And if you think we're after the Swiss pass, no way, it's going biometric any day soon now so... oopppss! That’s state stuff - won't go there.

Question for the Swiss:

On a personal level - What do you expect from foreigners living in your country?

1. Being able to speak to you in your language
2. To be polite to you and say Grüezi first (even though you don't answer back)
3. Eat Swiss food...

What else, I can't think of anything at the moment, help me here!

I'll be honest when I say that on a social level, the Swiss mentality is hard to crack.

I know Swiss people from back home; good fun, sound personalities and good friends. But as soon as they got back to Switzerland, that all changed. I just don't fully understand why that is.

The tragic thing it, is that I honestly (at this stage), don't want to get to know you anymore. Even relationship wise, I don't want to meet a Swiss girl... (wait... what age am I)a Swiss woman then. I've tried, I'm tired of trying. These things have to be 50/50 and I certainly don't feel I have to change my personality or mentality in any shape or form.

It's a shame it's come to this... but as 'you more than frequently' say... "es ist halt so!"

Pity!

:o) 17 Apr 2009, 02:45 - Report