The Russians...

When they first come to Russia, many find it strange, and even upsetting, that Russians never seem to smile at you when you meet them briefly or pass them by. Are they being rude, bad-tempered or simply showing their dislike of visitors? In fact, the truth is quite the opposite. Unlike people in America, Russians simply don't smile at strangers for no reason at all. It's not that they are trying to snub you. It's just that they only smile when they get to know you. And once they do, you will find their smiles as warm and heartfelt as any in the world. Russians may not be overly polite in the way Americans are used to, but they are very genuine. By the way, once you get to know them, be prepared for more physical contact, since Russian personal space is smaller than in the US!

If you get invited to the home of any Russians, you will see that Russians make the most welcoming hosts imaginable and love entertaining. It's nice to take flowers for the hostess, but make sure there is odd number of blooms - usually three is ok. An even number is for funerals! When you arrive, you'll probably be asked to take off shoes at the door (this is a sign of respect to the hostess who keeps the house clean). You may be given slippers to wear, but socks alone are fine.

Russian food is pretty wholesome and they really do like big portions! If you say "Oh no, thanks, that's enough", you may have to repeat it at least three times, because when you're offered something, it's polite to refuse for the first time. Then you'll be offered the same almost immediately again. So be prepared to say 'no' firmly but politely several times before your host realizes you mean it. You don't have to say 'please' and 'thank you' every time you want something passed to you; a simple smile is enough.

At the table, the atmosphere is usually relaxed and it's common after a glass or two of vodka (downed in one gulp!) to tell funny stories and jokes. When you are about to drink vodka, a common toast is 'Za zdorovye'!! Remember that many Russians consider themselves experts in three things: politics, economics and medicine. Steer clear of these in conversation, unless you're willing to listen to a diatribe about some burning controversial issue! Bear in mind, too, that Russians can be oversensitive to being contradicted. Good topics for discussion are culture, arts, traveling, work and hobbies. Russians are happy to chat for hours about family and some personal issues (sometimes even very personal). Be prepared for Russians to start criticizing American eating habits and junk food, by the way! They are very proud of their own cuisine.

Russians are quite superstitious people and sometimes it comes to really minor things. Don't whistle indoors or you may blow your money away. A black cat crossing your way is a bad omen. Don't sit at the corner of the table or you will end up single. If you shake hands over a threshold or drop some salt, it will lead to an argument. But not all the superstitions are so gloomy. If you call someone and they don't recognize your voice, soon you'll become rich, they say! If you sit for a few minutes before a long trip (just for minute or two to collect your thoughts), it will go better.

And if you leave something when departing from Russia, it means that you will certainly come back!