We all know many non-Mediterranean countries in Europe have this stereotype of the locals there being cold, emotionally unavailable, reserved to outright rudeness. Germany, Netherlands and Sweden are some of the most commonly cited ones by expats. Then Austria, Denmark, France, the Czech Republic. Sometimes even Madrid and Northern Italy + Rome come up. I've heard fellow Balkan people mention anything that's not Mediterranean or Balkan as being harsh for making friends. I hear the phrase "Oh, they're cold there" way too often. 😂

But are there stories of people who found that they actually attract friendly people in such a country? I want to hear some success stories of people that discovered that you can be very emotionally happy and fulfilled in a supposedly cold culture. Even better if you can contrast with a stereotypically warm European country. As in my experience Slovaks are more introverted and reserved than Bulgarians in Sofia Bulgaria but also friendlier and it's easier to befriend them. But what about the most commonly cited ones like Germany, the Scandinavian ones, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.?

BTW let's be honest - without knowing the local language even in Southern Europe you'll most likely have mostly expat friends and not local ones. Most Europeans from countries where EN isn't official don't really like speaking English all the time and if they assume you're not going to stay long most don't bother. Yes, even in the South. Hence why it's easier to befriend Europeans when they themselves are tourists or expats. But now please share some happy "I feel like home" stories about the places people often bitch about. Thanks!