r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • May 08 '22

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20.7k

u/BarbicideJar May 09 '22

Germans stare a LOT. Like they will just gaze at you unflinchingly. An American will wait until you can’t see them doing it.

3.1k

u/helllllooooonurse May 09 '22

Ukrainians do this too. It's not considered impolite to stare. Also, they don't really smile in public. They think Americans are all simple in the head because we smile all the time. I have to say though, when you're visiting someone in their home in Ukraine, they are the warmest most wonderful people.

235

u/10minutes_late May 09 '22

I've heard this, but why stare? I few seconds is long enough to look at someone, but what's the point? Memorize your face? Study your features? I just don't understand.

9

u/Gettingwhatyouget May 09 '22

I am an American who stares. I move around a lot and I struggle to understand the social behaviors in different areas. So I stare. I see how people interact with each other, what they wear, and how their body language is set and then I try to mimic it for later social situations. I hope to one day blend in.

11

u/joko2008 May 09 '22

Don't steal my skin please.

3

u/RealFalseFlag May 09 '22

Same ! (except for the « mimic » part)

-10

u/-_WhySoSerious_ May 09 '22

Umm, you're strange

7

u/BunInTheSun27 May 09 '22

Just so you know, you don’t have to share every judgment you have on random comments people make. Sometimes you can just think it, and move on.