That's because Europeans come across as cold and rude because Americans have a perpetual smile plastered on their faces. This causes Americans to come off as mentally deficient to Europeans.
Here in the US, radio stations treated citizens to decades of Tony Bennet singing the song "Put On a Happy Face". It was from a 1960 musical called 'Bye Bye Birdie'.
By some magical coincidence, just a year later the black-on-yellow 'Happy Face' (Smiley) was introduced by the 'Good Guys' on NYC radio and used on badges for an insurance company.
Because it's early in the morning, I also wonder if there are other countries where the phrase "wipe that smile off your face" means you're in danger.
Yep. European’s view the perpetual grin dimly, and doubly so in Poland where direct communication is how things are done. It’s honestly nice because in general people there mean business and don’t care to save face. don’t think you’ll be catching west coast vibes from anyone!
