u/sugarapple_

Edit: ok nvm wtf

I recently started working at a museum, so I meet tourists from all around the world everyday.

I keep hearing the same two main “advice” from my colleagues 1) “Americans are naturally loud they’re not necessarily trying to be rude” 2) If they’re Russian leave them alone.

The second one was strange it sounded like the stereotypes I hear on social media all the time so I didn’t really listen, but now I know if they’re Russian leave them alone lol (not even a smile?)

It’s been two weeks, it’s not like I had a terrible experience but if we made eye contact I would smile (its literally my job to keep smiling) they never smile back and its seems like they get uncomfortable when we accidentally make eye contact I’m assuming because they don’t want me to offer them a walkthrough (which I understand) but I can tell if you need help, I wont bother you of you don’t.

No judgment here, but why?

I want to hear more input. Is it really just that they think smiling back would make me approach them? Is it the culture? What are things that surprised you in other cultures?