Why that Swede glaring at you on the street might be trying to be polite
The Local Sweden - News and practical guides in English [Unoffi…
April 16, 2026
It can feel very rude to foreigners, but if you've had the experience in Sweden of a stranger looking coldly at you, only to look away when you return the look with a smile, try to take comfort in knowing that it might actually be Swedish politeness, writes The Local's Mandy Pipher.
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