A fellow student asked my Italian professor the best way to conceal his American identity while traveling about Europe. Waiting for an obvious answer such as, “Wear dark tennis shoes” or “Hide your fanny pack,” my chest tightened when she answered in her sweet, thick Italian accent, “Do not smile.”

To some Americans, culture shock in Italy might be the language barrier or the difference in business hours. Others are shocked at how many courses of pasta are served in one sitting. Personally, when it comes down to culture shock, the advice to not smile tops my list. For me, keeping a stern face is nearly impossible so I had to find out, “When do Europeans smile?”

The American smile oftentimes makes a European cringe. To them, our smiles come across empty, false and superficial. Notice Americans greet with a smile, and then speak. Even among strangers, smiling is polite. On the other hand, Europeans get to know someone first before showing sincere friendliness. Though American people smile with good intentions, a European stranger might begin to wonder, “What is he smiling about? Did I say something silly?” In Italy, when a woman smiles, her smile comes across as “inviting.” These types of reactions are opposite to the reactions Americans hope to receive, thus creating culture shock.

Now I know to meet the locals before flashing a friendly smile.

Stephanie Demers, Atlantic, Iowa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln sophomore, advertising major