Life / Why are Poles always so miserable? Why do they never smile? [512]

This is an interesting thread.I work with many Poles and am surprised how much they seem to like living and working here (England)-they almost seem too enthusiastic! This is mostly the younger ones and I too have noticed that those aged over 40 seem very different-very serious.As other people have mentioned this is probably due to their upbringing and experiences under the old communist system and the relative poverty.From what I have seen with the younger Poles in the UK things are getting better and they seem to smile,laugh just like everyone else.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


This is just a normal part of British culture/English language.In traditional times when a 'gentleman' met someone he might say "How do you do?" (How are you doing?).The modern more informal version is "You alright?" (Are you alright/ok?).This is just considered a more friendly way of saying "Hello".People usually respond by saying "I am very well/fine thanks/not bad" etc. I really don't see what the problem is!

It is different to the American automatic "Have a nice day" etc.
I think perhaps the Polish language/culture is more formal and less fluid than Britain.Try and enjoy the better differences.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


Some of what you say is true but much is absolute nonsense.Observe the murder rates for Brazil,the percentage of black prisoners in Brazil and how many of the thousands of poor people killed by Brazilian police and death squads are black.Open your eyes.