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How often do you think Poles smile :)


SzwedwPolsce  11 | 1589  
17 Sep 2009 /  #31
it might get you into trouble

Or it might make you happy.
PlasticPole  7 | 2641  
17 Sep 2009 /  #32
Smiling is not that big a deal anyway. I don't really want to smile at people, but I do anyway because they tend to be intimidated if I don't. People put way too much into smiling. I am too serious a person to smile all the time like an imbecile, but constantly have to dumb down to the "everyman" just to get by.

You people freaking out over Poles not smiling why not do some self reflection and ask yourself why a smile is so important anyway? Does an earthquake happen just because someone doesn't smile? Just because someone doesn't is not a sure indication they mean you harm. Maybe you should get to know the person, first, and then they will smile at you? Gives you a chance to make more friends than if everyone flashed an insincere grin.
tornado2007  11 | 2270  
17 Sep 2009 /  #33
For sure it is. In Polish culture you usually don't smile at strangers. I discovered that pretty quickly when I came to PL. And I had it confirmed later as well. But when it's people they know well, I think people are smiling much more.

Well that seems to pretty much explain it then, the question posed has been answered, Poles don't smile because its not part of their culture to do so unless they know you.

For sure it is. In Polish culture you usually don't smile at strangers

it might get you into trouble

I've just helped you pick up all that shopping you've dropped, maybe you've asked me a question like 'have you got the time please?' what is wrong with expecting a smile and maybe a thank you for my assistance?? is it that much of an effort?? (of course i'm not talking about you/to you personally/only)
Seanus  15 | 19666  
17 Sep 2009 /  #34
Smiling is a big deal, PP. Intimidated if a woman doesn't smile, co ty pieprzysz? It takes more energy to frown than to smile. You can debate that one with me if you choose to do so. It's all about timing, not having a perpetual stoned grin on ya.

PP, why are icebreakers/warmers so important in teaching? Why do you think I and many other teachers choose not to skip them? It sets the tone for the lesson. Smiling makes for a good, light-hearted lesson. Not knowing the person is even more reason to smile, to alleviate any tension and get things off on a positive footing.

We are not talking about insincere American false/fake staff in customer service here. I'm talking about real people with real humanity.
ShawnH  8 | 1488  
17 Sep 2009 /  #35
We are not talking about insincere American false/fake staff in customer service here. I'm talking about real people with real humanity.

Was that a shot against Americans? It is possible for Americans to be sincere, and to really enjoy working with people, you know....
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #36
It wasn't a shot, no. It was a truism, said by almost every American I have met, that they smile falsely. I roll with that as I've never been to the States. I have no reason to doubt them as natives.
PlasticPole  7 | 2641  
18 Sep 2009 /  #37
People might be too busy thinking about other things or concentrating on what they need to do, Seanus. Smiling would be a distraction. The smiling culture is an insincere one, anyway. Sometimes,there's no reason to smile. It might seem like an "icebreaker", but it's really nothing more than a pretense, a needless social convention. If people wouldn't jump to conclusions about why someone doesn't smile, there would be less hard feelings. Used to be looking serious in photos gave one credibility and smiling an indication of insanity.
JustysiaS  13 | 2235  
18 Sep 2009 /  #38
I've just helped you pick up all that shopping you've dropped, maybe you've asked me a question like 'have you got the time please?' what is wrong with expecting a smile and maybe a thank you for my assistance?? is it that much of an effort?? (of course i'm not talking about you/to you personally/only)

i probably would smile but many people don't like to smile. in UK most people will smile but those smiles are not always 'real', so at least when a Polish person smiles at you it's special lol. but seriously, it's a different culture, people are more serious and some are just plain grumpy. if you help people out i'm sure they would give you a smile and a thankyou, unless they're really rude.
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #39
Smiling doesn't break your concentration, PP, that was a lame comeback. You may be able to live with negative energy, but I can't. I'm not saying you need to smile all the time, just put out some positive vibes. I dunno about you but I smile sincerely. I don't bow down to anyone or think I have to be sweet/false to anyone.

I'm also not saying that I should impose my beliefs on anyone. If they don't want to smile, that's their gig. Let them frown, I can ignore it.
SzwedwPolsce  11 | 1589  
18 Sep 2009 /  #40
As said, there is a big difference between a real and a fake smile.
JustysiaS  13 | 2235  
18 Sep 2009 /  #41
If they don't want to smile, that's their gig. Let them frown, I can ignore it.

and just a minute ago you seemed all worked up about people not smiling ;)

Some days you just don't feel like smiling i pozytywne wibracje masz głęboko w dupie.

pozytywne wibracje masz głęboko w dupie

sounds a bit wrong that, when you think about it from a gay perspective... ;D
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #42
I wasn't worked up about it, where did I say that? ;) ;)

Do you like positive vibrations deep in your as*, Justy? ;0 :)
JustysiaS  13 | 2235  
18 Sep 2009 /  #43
you sounded quite upset arguing with PlasticPole...

as for the vibes, probably not something i'd like to experience in certain areas.
tornado2007  11 | 2270  
18 Sep 2009 /  #44
i probably would smile but many people don't like to smile. in UK most people will smile but those smiles are not always 'real', so at least when a Polish person smiles at you it's special lol. but seriously, it's a different culture, people are more serious and some are just plain grumpy. if you help people out i'm sure they would give you a smile and a thankyou, unless they're really rude.

I mean don't get me wrong, i'm not asking/expecting the earth but i just think its polite to say thank you and if your happy with it a smile. I understand that there are cultural differences and this probably is the answer i was looking for, i can't help been dissapointed when i go to an eatery and the waitress does not smile or have manners.

I have my culture too :):)
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #45
Not really, I was just making points sternly. Sincere smiles serve as an indicator that all is well. It's not hard to do.
tornado2007  11 | 2270  
18 Sep 2009 /  #46
listen people it is not hard to smile

1: A smile you may give to a stranger; maybe they have helped you out, maybe your work includes a lot of customer/consumer interaction
:):):):):):):):):):):)

2: A smile you give to somebody you know or somebody you like/fancy/admire/family
:)):)):)):)):)):)):)):)):))

3: A fake smile saved for those times when.............
:))):))):))):))):))):))):)))

thats my culture, lol.

If your Polish it goes a little something like........................???????????????
JustysiaS  13 | 2235  
18 Sep 2009 /  #47
waitress does not smile or have manners.

ahh sounds like home lol but seriously not all people are like that over there, it has a lot to do with their upbringing and environment, wheteher they're happy with their lives or not etc. or maybe the waitress just got PMS ;). either way, there are smiley people in Poland but they must be in the minority i suppose, it's the opposite of that in the UK, but many people here are too fake about it...

I have my culture too :):)

the vulture culture ;)
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #48
I think you can bring out smiles in Poles with relative ease, the ones that are receptive to it, I mean.

I have no problems in doing this. I'm not trying to be funny either ;)
PlasticPole  7 | 2641  
18 Sep 2009 /  #49
If they want to smile, but what does it matter...is the point. If someone doesn't smile, why does someone always say "SMILE" as if the sky will fall if said person doesn't smile right then and there. What is so important about smiling. People don't care if the smile is meaningless or fake, so long as it's there. People need to get over their smile addictions. A smile can mean nothing. Someone can absolutely hate you and look at you with the biggest, cheesiest grin. It's sickening. I'd rather them give me a dirty look and let me see their true colors.
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #50
You're very into this fake thing, PP. I steer well clear. I'm talking about raising people through a soulful smile. Ach, let's not go round in circles :)

The Poles smile under the right circumstances for sure. They just need more of an incentive than most. They smile much more than the Japanese.
tornado2007  11 | 2270  
18 Sep 2009 /  #51
I think you can bring out smiles in Poles with relative ease, the ones that are receptive to it, I mean.

i got a good plan, fill um up with wodka, lol :):):) if that does not get them smiling, then you probably have a dead body on your hands!!! Well or a teetotaler, lets be honest though do they exist in Poland??

but seriously not all people are like that over there, it has a lot to do with their upbringing and environment, wheteher they're happy with their lives or not etc.

of course i know there are smiley Poles, i would never say that 'No Poles smile' that would be silly.

ahh sounds like home lol

dentists must not get much business in Poland then :)

or maybe the waitress just got PMS ;).

that has spoilt my next meal, i'm sitting there just about to tuck into my food and the waitress comes back and says 'would you like anything else with your meal' i say 'no thank you' and she walks off, i wonder why she seems unhappy and then suddenly remember what JustysiaS said on PF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but many people here are too fake about it...

i don't know about many but there are people who like to flash the fake smile
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #52
Drink certainly helps but I hate the fake 'I like you know when sozzled' approach. There are teetotallers here, yes. Don't forget that some see it as moral not to drink. Even Ozzy espoused the virtues of being clean.
PlasticPole  7 | 2641  
18 Sep 2009 /  #53
I'd rather people be true to themselves. If they are overjoyed, yeah, smile. It's irritating when people want others to smile all the time just for the sake of smiling. I've known people who nag others like that.

If someone is in a bad mood quit tickling them to get them to laugh.
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #54
Fine, have it your way :( :( :( Happy? ;) ;)
PlasticPole  7 | 2641  
18 Sep 2009 /  #55
What about :[ ?
It's not a frown or a smile, either one.
Yes, a compromise. Any of the mouth lines can be interpreted as such...even the slanted ones :/
Mouth ramps.
:\
Seanus  15 | 19666  
18 Sep 2009 /  #56
OK, compromises are good :] ;)
Krystal  5 | 94  
18 Sep 2009 /  #57
It is okay to smile all the time. I always get trouble when I smiled at people and they think I want something from them in public place.

At work, I am not allow to smile because my boss think I am goofying around and talking too much. I tried not to smile at work but I had to look serious business face when come to talk to my boss. Then I smile and he smiled back when we are done talking. Whew!

At bus I smiles at little kids and mother or father think I am after their child. So I just say hello little baby and walk away from them.

When I smiled at new men and they think I wanted sex from them. I had to leave them otherwise one of man will follow me.

At club, I look at President and he think I want to do something for him like putting placemats and silverwares on tables. I got stuck and had to do it. Good things other people offered to help me. So I walked away. Whew!

See what Smile can do!
LAGirl  9 | 496  
18 Sep 2009 /  #58
When they have sex or talk **** about someone else or they win a soccor or sport games.

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