SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

This is not to say that he doesn't master Prekmurian, on the contrary; he's excellent at it. However, he cannot and does not want to deny his roots, which is also right. 

By nature, he is a calm and more reticent person. However, it sometimes happens that something or someone scale his peace. At these times, it's best to step back a few metres and calmly wait for him to utter all the words from his repertoire of curses, which you certainly won't find in any dictionary. That's just our Marko. Now, let's get to the heart of the story. In fact, this isn't just a story, but an illustration of Marko's way of life. 

As a diligent worker, he has been earning his living in neighbouring Austria for many years. The alternating work, which is quite strenuous, doesn't stop him from lending a hand with work around the house and on the farm at home. However, he has always been willing to help others, both with physical labour and in other ways. 

That's how it was the year before last too, when my sister and I wanted to attend a special course in Bled. Since we couldn't afford it financially at all, we had almost given up on the idea, but then Marko approached us and said: »Go on this course, I'll lend you the money. I hope the course will be beneficial for you.« Wow, that was a moment of great joy and happiness for us and the fulfilment of a heartfelt wish. I am still grateful to Marko for this today. I believe he is one of the few people willing to help in such a way. 

Last winter, Marko and his partner Sabina went to Celje to visit a friend who was off work sick due to an injury. As soon as they turned into his driveway, they could see that it was completely covered in snow and difficult to access all the way to the house entrance. Marko quickly greeted his friend, then asked him, »Where do you have a shovel so I can clear your driveway for you?« It probably goes without saying how pleased his friend was to receive such a kind offer of help. He hastened to thank him, but Marko, quiet and simple as he is, just humbly replied, "You're welcome.".

Marko is a generally helpful person and I'd like to mention another example of this in this story. Last year, he lent his car to a friend who was in a difficult situation due to car trouble. And not for a few days, but for a whole few months. 

As we have already learned, there are very few people among us who are willing to share certain things with others. Therefore, let us respect and appreciate people like Marko, as they can be an example to us. We all know the famous saying that still waters run deep. With it, we could describe Marko's quietness and reticence, while his actions speak louder than many loud people who just shouting, and do very little.

May this story serve as a reminder to us all that Sometimes it is better to be quiet and listen, so that we can detect when someone needs help. Then, of course, we do something for them that we can and that is right..

Jožica Kous, 23 March 2026