Question: In Swedish there is a term called *självdistans*, which would be directly translated to "self-distance", which means possessing a certain objectivity towards yourself, to be ego-less or not taking yourself too seriously. In other words, it's a quality in a person that would be modest and not too egoistic. Important thing to stress here is that an apparent lack of "self-distance" is a negative thing while too much self-distance can also be seen as a negative trait as it would been that you are actively trying to avoid giving yourself credit for something you have done, or dismiss any praise you might get from others.

I am not sure if what I am trying to get at is clear enough or if I should try to explain it better. At any rate, I am trying to find a word or expression to express the same quality but I can't seem to find "self-distance" in any English dictionary. Is there a good, semi-formal word that fits in this context?

Answer: 
**self-possession**

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> [Merriam-Webster](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-possession?show=0&t=1364577607): control of one's emotions or reactions especially when under stress : presence of mind, composure
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> [Oxford](http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/self-possession): the state or feeling of being calm, confident, and in control of one’s feelings; composure: *an air of self-possession*
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> [FreeDictionary](http://www.thefreedictionary.com/self-possession): Full command of one's faculties, feelings, and behavior. See Synonyms at [confidence](http://www.thefreedictionary.com/confidence): ... *Self-possession* implies composure arising from control over one's own reactions: *"In life courtesy and self-possession . . . are the sensible impressions of the free mind, for both arise . . . from never being swept away, whatever the emotion, into confusion or dullness"* (William Butler Yeats).
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Although less literal a match than the other answers, I think you may want to consider this term for the purpose you intended, or the person you intended. It seems *självdistans* emphasizes inner perspective while self-possession is about inner behavior, but they may converge on the same character trait: not being ruled by one's own emotions. After all, which emotion is more remarkable to be free of than self love? I wonder if this distinction may reflect culture, Swedish emphasizing self-image, English self-control. Almost thought versus action.

Whomever deserves this description in your book, I like them already.
Self-effacing is the closest thing I've found. **Self-effacement** is the act or fact of keeping oneself in the background, as in humility. You could also use the word **withdrawn**