People feel inhibited around others one doesn't know well, and one is very observant on one's own behavior since it is regarded as very important to control which impression others get of oneself. Among less well known people, one gets extra careful since it is harder to anticipate their perceptions and reactions. Another reason to not visiting others and not inviting others is the high requirement one wish to comply to regarding food and cleanliness when foreigners visit one's home. To feel comfortable with foreigners at home, one needs a long time for emotional and practical preparations. A sign of the borderline between the private sphere and work is the Nordic resistance against small talk about private matters with strangers, which has been reported to be a great hinder in business contacts in foreign countries.
Rational reasons have a strong precedence over for emotional reasons.
Quietness is regarded as the commonly accepted norm, and noisy fellows are strongly disapproved. Vociferous stubbornness is deemed as very ill-mannered. As is interrupting and talking in the mouth of others. The Nordic ideal is to think twice before one speaks, and to utter only one's most firm beliefs, and only when there is a considered intention. To be kind and good-natured is important.