Perhaps in Finnish it limits the room for imagination?
Because you wouldn't miss as many nuances?
For sure... "they would never" and "they never said" - while strangers knew they were unhappy. Perhaps the strangers assumed they had someone to talk to, a big assumption these days.
You can't get a neutral opinion from any of your nearest and dearest. Firstly, they may have become accustomed to whatever signs there may be and not be alerted by them. They may also be plagued by wishful thinking, denial stemming from guilt or fear or any other baggage preventing them from seeing the situation objectively.
Maybe that, or it is that Finns tend to be quite literal and explain everything without leaving room.
History plays a big part in those close relationships and endure at times more strongly than the current moment. Perhaps strangers don't know the history don't color as much.
Or just do not explain anything. All or nothing. :)
Possibly.