Swedish men...

There are lots of interesting things about Swedish men.  They are metro-sexual for one.  Super stylish, borderline vain and have very few manners.  Now this isn't their own fault, its mainly in my opinion with all the equality, that Sweden is so famous for.  Women equality is way ahead compared to other countries and although that is a good thing, it has got in the way of what roles each gender takes on.  Some women are offended when a man opens a door because they can do it themselves.  Well of course they can and the man knows that too, but isn't it pleasant with a little common courtesy?  There's a lot of obsession with gender in Sweden and truthfully it drives me nuts.

But one of the good things that has come out of all of this is that men are expected to, encouraged and enjoy being dads.  Parental leave is big - a whopping 480 days between both parents, 60 of which the man must take.  This is brilliant in so many ways and the proof is in the pudding in my own life.  Tilly has an amazing connection with her dad and he has had to experience all the shit mothers deal with while looking after small children.  And it ain't easy to juggle the household, cooking, entertaining and stimulating a small person on your own.

So minus the lack of manners, I am truly grateful for the bond our daughter has with both of us - equally.

Here is a Swedish photographer Johan Bävman who has documented this bond so well in these surprising and typically Swedish photos.

Enjoy.