If staring becomes an Olympic sport, the gold medal goes to Germany.
When walking down a German cobbled street, the hairs on the back of your neck stand-up.
Someone is staring at you.
Why do Germans stare? Why do we feel uncomfortable under their gaze? Glotzend is the German word for staring.
The cold and un-blinking gaze may be generational.
Staring at strangers is more the hobby of the Deutsche elderly.
Spiegel's theory in their article, 'Whatcha Looking at Granny?' is "Germans will make sure that not only their own, but everyone else's space, is in perfect Ordnung.
" This may especially be true with the veterans of East Germany, where watching neighbors was a communist requirement.
Others believe staring at people is a national pastime, like a live reality television show.
The cold gaze is also part of the young at heart.
In another Spiegel article, 'Flirting with Fräuleins, Hunting for Herren,' "Interest is indicated by way of a studied, concentrated look on the part of the man -- a gaze which may, but often doesn't, include a smile.
" Speaking of romance, the legend of Deutsche staring morphed into a reported study by a German scientist, Dr.
Karen Weatherby, claiming that gazing at women's breasts helped male circulation.
According to Dr.
Weatherby, "Just 10 minutes of staring at the charms of a well-endowed female, is roughly equivalent to a 30-minute aerobics work-out.
" Reported around the world, men dropped gym membership, and women protested.
Dr.
Weatherby, who sounded more British than German, turned out to be a hoax.
As the targets of stares, tourists feel uncomfortable.
From the blog, 'Why Germans Stare,' "Walking down the street you gather stares from people in their windows, people sitting at cafés, people walking the other direction.
" Psychologist Jacques Duncan theorizes a staring victim, "...
loses some sense of autonomy upon realizing that he or she is a visible object.
" A controversial scientist, Dr.
Rupert Sheldrake argues humans posses a sixth sense that tells them a person is staring at them.
"Many people have stared at other people's backs, for example in a lecture theater, and watched them become restless and then turn round.
" Before we seek medication, consider the following.
Germans are direct communicators with unflinching eye contact.
In addition, it is a cultural taboo for Germans to smile too much in public, or others see them as mentally challenged.
Some cold and smile-less gazes are cultural norms.
Yet my own travels in Germany reinforce the belief that some, but not all, Germans stare at strangers.
Perhaps it is for security or just a hobby.
Maybe they are flirting or they did not hear staring, as an exercise option, is a hoax.
Regardless, ignore them.
Germany is a wonderful place with beautiful vistas, historic destinations, great beer, and nice people.
When stared upon, stare back.
Consider it Olympic training.