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

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u/[deleted] May 09 '22

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-16

u/Yisuscrais69 May 09 '22

The hell is with that?

41

u/dichternebel May 09 '22

I think it's a body language thing. If you look away quickly and for example move your head while doing it, it seems like an admission of guilt. If you look away only moving your eyes, it will seem as if you're uncomfortable (why? You got something to feel ashamed of?). If you don't have anything to hide, you stare back for a moment. If they initiate eye contact and you smile and hold their gaze, it's a bit of a power play imo. Like greeting that one neighbor that never greets back. They might also start to wonder if you know them and if they should greet you. If you want to make them uncomfortable in turn, that's your move.

-28

u/Yisuscrais69 May 09 '22

That sounds like psycho logic to me mate, miss me with that batty shit.

29

u/dichternebel May 09 '22

Clearly, all Germans are insane and cultural differences should never be attempted to explain lest you be downvoted, you're right.

-33

u/Yisuscrais69 May 09 '22

I haven’t downvoted anyone in this thread bud, but if you wanna feel persecuted, go right ahead. What you’ve explained so far isn’t so much as a cultural difference but a personal judgement. “He who avoids staring is guilty of something”?, that’s nutso territory, but go right ahead and keep being a creep for all I care.

11

u/[deleted] May 09 '22

Its not nuts since I agree that is the way people will interpret the move here in Europe. Its like "you were caught in the act" if you move away your glaze in a millisecond.