Quotes from Helen Russell

guided towards the writings of a 1930s Danish-Norwegian author, Aksel Sandemose, for a better understanding of how best to 'integrate' into the workplace in Denmark.

The Danes, I've noticed, love an emoticon, especially to dilute the impact after saying something that could be construed as confrontational, critical or rude.

If anyone plays the martyr card, staying late or working too much, they're more likely to get a leaflet about efficiency or time management dropped on their desk than any sympathy.

Fewer new shiny things = fewer hours overtime = happier life.

You know you're going to get taxed a lot anyway, so you may as well just focus on doing what you love, rather than what's going to land you a massive salary.

A woman who's clearly had too much sun in her time and now resembles a mahogany-hued marmoset

When we surround ourselves with quality design, it influences our mood. If our surroundings are nice, we feel cosy and safe. It makes us happier.

They don't choose a profession based on how much they're going to earn. They choose it based on what interests them. Education is free so anyone can train in whatever they want. You know you're going to get taxed a lot anyway, so you may as well just focus on doing what you love, rather than what's going to land you a massive salary.

Just as London is not really England, Copenhagen is not, I am reliably informed, 'the real Denmark'.

there's a difference between eager-to-please nice-girl syndrome and feeling genuinely good about yourself.

I Google 'new country, Denmark, culture shock' on my phone and drink coffee furiously. I learn that Danes drink the most coffee in Europe, as well as consuming eleven litres of pure alcohol per person per year. Maybe we'll fit in just fine after all.

looking at something beautiful really can make us happier, by stimulating dopamine in our brains.

Research shows that great art and design can even induce the same brain activity as being in love – something Denmark cottoned on to 90-odd years ago.

having grown up with the mantra of, 'if you're cold, put another jumper on until your arms can no longer touch your sides',

It becomes clear that cleanliness is next to Danishness ... from an early age they develop an understanding that functional yet beautiful design is essential to realising the good life.

At a time when most countries are reneging on their environmental promises, Danes are setting themselves tougher and tougher targets, and they're on course to meet them.

After two weeks of paternity leave post-birth, (my husband) goes back to work before tying up loose ends to take ten weeks off to care for his baby. He has a big shiny job at one of the country's most profitable companies, but a dad taking time out, fully paid, to look after his child is recognised as something that's important and so is encouraged.