The Staring Contest

Does everyone remember when you were younger and playing the staring game? Either you had to stare at someone until one of you blinks and lose, they look away and lose, or start to laugh and lose.

Well I hate to admit it, but Rob and I often feel like the Swedish people are in a constant staring contest!

Both of us have noticed numerous times that people are staring at us. I don't mean this in a vain way, although if you asked my husband I am sure that he would quote something from Zoolander about being really, really, ridiculously good looking.

I know that people naturally look at others passing by, and Rob and I do happen to be more than a foot apart in size while speaking English in another country. Honestly, I understand curiosity.

BUT, and this is where the awkwardness lies, when you catch someone looking at you, you expect them to look away. That is not how it works here! They just keep staring.

You can see the height difference!

The other day in the grocery line a woman was standing in front of us. When Rob began to have a conversation with someone else, the woman turned around and began to stare at me. I was still looking forward and caught her. She continued to stare. I couldn't keep looking at her so I looked away. A minute later I look again, and she is still staring! Rob saw the whole thing happen.

Often when walking people will stare at us from in front and when passing will actually turn to continue to look. No one tries to hide it! To them there is no shame in it! Part of me thinks it's honest, and they aren't afraid to be caught, but most of me just feels uncomfortable. Should I wave or say hello?

Just an observation that Rob and I have had a laugh about and wanted to  share!