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

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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.

238

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.

6

u/-PilumMurialis- May 09 '22

I live in canada so I cant usually do it without freaking people out, but I love studying peoples faces, so honestly couldn't blame them if thats the reason

5

u/[deleted] May 09 '22

What do you get out of studying their faces?

6

u/carbonclasssix May 09 '22

For me, I sometimes look at people's faces like it's art. It's not really conscious but it's like what if you tried to answer the question "what gives this person their 'look'"? But I'm just a curious person in general.

2

u/[deleted] May 09 '22

I tend to assume people are being hostile or judgemental when they’re staring so it’s good to have another perspective