Are Russians very affectionate?

Friends may hug or kiss on the cheek to greet, but Russians are generally limited in their physical contact. Strong physical affection is generally only seen between couples of opposite genders.

Do Russians avoid eye contact?

In short, when meeting a Russian for the first time, male or female, good etiquette is shaking hands firmly while retaining eye contact. Looking away is rude and shows indifference.

Can you smile in Russia?

In Russian communication, a smile is not a signal of politeness. Russians consider a perpetual polite smile an “servant’s smile.” It is considered a demonstration of insincerity, secretiveness and unwillingness to show one’s true feelings. In Russian communication, it is not acceptable to smile at strangers.

Why do Russians hug?

When it comes to body gestures in Russian culture, hugging is very common in Russia. It’s used as a warm greeting, especially between family and friends.

Why are so many Russian women not getting married?

They just have no option. Russian women want to marry good men and have a normal family and children, and it’s not always possible in Russia for all of them. There is huge demographic disproportion in Russia with only 88 men for 100 women. It means 12\% of women have no chance to find a husband or be married.

Why are so many Russian women looking for a partner abroad?

It is really the Russian family culture that pushes those women to look for a partner elsewhere. If they could find a good partner in their own country, they would choose this option any day of the week! They are modern educated women who want to have a modern family life – not more, not less.

What is it like to be a woman in Russia?

In Russia, the cultural paradigm for a woman is to achieve happiness in her family, having a stable marriage and kids – if she does have marriage and kids, a woman feels left out and unhappy; similar to how a western woman may feel if she never had a job, as if she is not worthy.

What is it like to live in Russia?

Whilst Russia is advanced in education, culture, science, industry and many other “work” fields (Russians sent the first man into space and the first space ship, this stands for something) and could for a long time play parity with the west, Russian social structures are totally outdated and hardly changing.