In Germany (and Austria), it’s just curious or neutral stares. Poles (and Ukrainians) are different. They stare as if you are doing something wrong and they judge you. Just like the guy above described.
Exactly. Very judgemental, scanning (literally eyes going up and down) looks. And the stare doesn't break even if you catch them and stare back. Like you're a character on a tv screen, unable to perceive the audience. It might sound dramatic, but it often feels downright violating. Especially if you're a girl/woman. The onlookers have no gender, though. Everyone does that.
It happens to me quite often when I encounter a creature called stara baba, and I'm from Poland. It's easy for me to imagine that people will stare at you if you also say something in Ukrainian/with an accent.
It's actually a bit weird staring too long at a stranger (probably still acceptable for longer in Poland than in most places) but if you look back then it's mutual and you can stare with no time limit (and no expectation to smile lol)
50
u/TorrentsAreCommunism 2d ago
In Germany (and Austria), it’s just curious or neutral stares. Poles (and Ukrainians) are different. They stare as if you are doing something wrong and they judge you. Just like the guy above described.