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'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)
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u/divadschuf Baden-Württemberg (Germany) 2d ago
Hey, it‘s the same over here in Germany. Americans make videos about the German stare.