W always say that I am my own worst enemy, I have such high standards on myself. Is this the effect of Jantelagen? I know a lot of other Swedes in the US have mentioned Jantelagen and its effect on their personalities before. I don't know how we got into this culture in Scandinavia, it doesn't make sense at all, but at the same time it totally does (since this is what we are used to). I can never give myself a break, every time something good happens or I am successful at something I always add...but...and then list all the negatives surrounding the success.
A couple of years ago I got a big Swedish fellowship that was handed out by the Swedish Crown Princess. I went back to Sweden to receive it and for some reason I didn't tell any of my friends that this was the reason, so crazy, I just didn't think about it, and certainly did not want to brag about it.
I am slowly learning to broadcast my success and to feel good about it though. I think all Scandinavians could learn from some of the American culture to a certain extent :)