Life /
Cultural readjustment... returning to Poland from the West. [58]
I have lived in Warsaw almost 11 years now and quite agree that Polish are not friendly.
They mostly feel that they should mind their own business but in the bargain have become a very unsmiling and uncaring lot!
Look around at people waiting at an airport, train or bus.Rarely do they even nod at one another or make eye contact.
Hell even in my gym which I have been going to for almost 6 years now its me who has to wish my trainers and the receptionist!!
Then they just wish you back --No one bothers to yak a bit about mundane issues!!
But then they behave in the same manner towards the polish members also.
Magdalena -In my opinion a smile is a great thing as it breaks so many barriers.
In Uk when you go to a post office or bank even if you dont speak the language you know people will smile and attend to you politely.
This takes away a persons fear.
Here in Warsaw even though I speak Polish there is no smile or friendliness in my post office.
And sadly my local grocery store lady will never chat or smile with me even though she knows me since 6 years.
So do remember smiling at a foreigner helps them get a bit confident and takes away a bit of the lonliness inside.