The foreigner, who for the first time came to Russia, will immediately notice how much Russian behavior differs from the behavior of people in his country. Here is a short list of what the Russians are constantly doing, and foreigners can not understand it.
1. Dress up before going to the store.
Russians, especially those who live in big cities, love to dress up. For example, many girls put on a beautiful dress and high heels when they simply go to the supermarket.
2. Be sure to sit "on the track."
Having collected all the suitcases, most Russians prefer to sit on the walkway before leaving the house.
3. They pronounce very long and invigorating toasts.
Only the most lazy of the most lazy Russians will allow themselves to quickly pronounce a toast "For health" during the celebration. Really. Basically, this is a long story or a story, with an anecdote and a conclusion.
4. Tell anecdotes at any convenient opportunity.
So, let's make serious faces.
Right in the middle of some interesting story from life, they can suddenly stop and say: "You know, it's like in that joke ..." And then they will tell him, even if he does not fit the situation at all.
5. Congratulate each other after showering.
It's hot here, like in a bath
"With a light steam!" - a rather familiar in the Russian environment, a desire that causes bewilderment among foreigners. Even translating it is not so easy!
6. The question "How are you?" Will be given an honest and detailed answer, they will tell you how the day went and what plans they have.
Because in Russia the question "How are you?" People expect to receive a full answer, and not the usual for foreigners "Everything is fine, thank you!"
7. Do not smile at strangers.
Russians are not used to smiling at strangers, who met with a look on the street or in public transport. They believe that a smile should always be sincere, so they prefer to give it only to their loved ones and friends. Therefore, many foreigners believe that Russians are a gloomy nation.
8. Give more preference to celebrating the New Year, rather than Christmas.
Christmas tree - for the New Year. Gifts - New Year. And no mention of Christmas. Even holidays and holidays are New Year's and not Christmas.
9. Constantly reviewing the old Soviet cartoons.
"Well, wait!" (Analogue of the American "Tom and Jerry"), "Bremen Town Musicians" and "Snow Queen" are just a few examples of the most beloved domestic cartoons.
10. All girls are called "girl".
Hey, girl!
In Russia, if you want to call a waitress, then shout "girl!" If you are addressing a middle-aged woman, you also call her "girl". To young girls, of course, apply accordingly. In general, any woman who can not be called a grandmother, called a girl.
11. Sit for several hours in the dining room during the lunch break.
When Russian, working or studying together, decide to have dinner, they go to the dining room, eat, then talk a little. And then a little more. And a little more. And so it takes several hours.
12. Store packets with packages.
Really. The Russians never and never forsake the packages, because "they need to be left, it's not enough." In America and Europe with packages it is customary to return from stores, and then they are simply thrown away.
13. If they know that guests will come to them, they will certainly prepare a bunch of food.
And, of course, abundantly flavored with mayonnaise.
14. They live with their parents for a long time.
The Russians do not see anything strange in living with their parents, grandparents under one roof. Which is completely unacceptable for, say, an American.
15. Very quickly and easily find a common language with strangers and immediately become friends.
Can calmly call a person to have a cup of tea or coffee on the first day of dating.
16. And, of course, they will never come to visit without a present.
It can be anything: a bottle of good wine, a box of chocolates, flowers (always an odd number). It does not matter what you take with you, any gift will be pleasant to them.