Why do many Europeans seem grumpy or unfriendly at first glance?

[danielamontoya06]

I have visited Europe and I noticed that almost everyone I encounter in Europe look angry on the surface. I felt like when I walked in streets I was in a hostile environment because European people looked grumpy and sour faced. It is very difficult to overcome this sensation.

[Levin]

Just involved in the grind and their ego.

If you're working 8 hours a day, travelling another 2 hours to and from, it leaves you little time to breath and relax.

I think it's also the nature of the city and lots of people around. You naturally have to have your barriers up because there is always some scumbag around trying to fleece you. And it's probably the brains way of handling the mass of information you're flooded with in the city. You have to filter it out because you're walking by so many people.

People are friendlier in less urban areas.

[4ngelic]

You probably went to a big city, it can be like that. They're not actually mean or anything, it's just in Europe, especially big cities, people really keep to themselves and don't feel the need at all to have this superficial veneer of happiness and friendliness. They don't act super enthousiastic about random strangers or come talk to you unless they're a grandma or hitting on you. They're more private. If you have a reason to talk to them or you're introduced to them via friends or people they know, they are a lot more friendly and warm. People in more rural areas or smaller cities are a bit more 'American' in their behavior towards strangers. They'll say hi to you when they walk by, smile warmly, do small talk, etc.

[purplepoppy]

Because we don't feel the need to put on a fake smile.

[KostasKouvalis]

WHY though?

[purplepoppy]

It feels insincere. Plus we know what people really love is a good moan. If you want people to like you join them in a good moan about some. It makes them feel you understand and you're on their side.

[strateguy632]

due to lots of recent rapes going on there.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I honestly didn't know people in the streets could look friendly

[Sickworld]

They were nice to me. They are old fashioned. But who knows? Everyone is selfish deep inside

[DryGermanGuy]

That's because you can't speak European! 🤔

[Levin]

I speak European and English.

[jahaims]

Different culture