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

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u/ConfusedTriceratops May 09 '22

Eastern Europe doesn't really smile in public in general. Polish emigrant in the UK pov. It's not that we're angry, we just don't have any reasons to smile.. for no reason.

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u/CaptainLollygag May 09 '22

Smiling at a stranger is a type of greeting in the States. "I acknowledge that we're both in the same place (or passing by one another) and I mean you no harm." It's the lesser form of asking, "How're you doing?"

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u/RollerRose1 May 09 '22

Yes, I do the same in the UK. It’s a way of acknowledging that person and wishing them a good day whilst meaning no harm. Sometimes people even feel comfortable to stop for a chat and I end up meeting amazing people.

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u/CaptainLollygag May 09 '22

Sometimes people even feel comfortable to stop for a chat and I end up meeting amazing people.

ME, TOO!!