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. Kiss. One kiss on the cheek is the typical way that Russian girls greet each other.
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.
There's a well-known Russian greeting tradition: the triple cheek-kiss. It's usually common between close relatives. Sometimes, it's shortened to two kisses. One cheek kiss is often used by girls to greet friends, or even close female coworkers.
Always show heightened respect to those who are older than you. It's common to adopt a more formal demeanour. Offer your seat to an elderly person, pregnant woman or woman with a small child if they do not have one. Men are expected to open doors for women, pay for their food, help them carry items, etc.
Show Some Affection
Traditionally, Russians would kiss three times on the cheek when meeting. Now, one kiss is more common, but a hug will also be expected. This might not be such a strange act for women, but men from other countries sometimes find it odd. Don't fret.
If you smile at a stranger in Russia, he/she can smile back, but it can already mean an invitation to come and talk. Russians take smiling as a sign that the person cares about them. To smile at a stranger can raise the question:” Do we know each other?”
People give the appropriate formal greeting depending on what time of day it is: “Dobroe utro” (Good morning), “Dobriy den” (Good afternoon) or “Dobriy vecher” (Good evening). A more casual greeting is “Privet” (Hi).
Russian families are generally hospitable and open-minded. They really like to spend time together, so it's not common to spend evenings sitting alone in one's room. Families in towns and cities tend to live in apartment; single family homes are more common in rural areas.
Russian etiquette: greetings
Close male friends hug and pat each other's back. 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. Men should wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
Russian women appreciate it when men go the extra mile to dress nicely and are well-groomed. Compliments and romantic gestures such as opening doors and giving her unexpected flowers, especially roses are great ways to catch her interest.
Russian dating practices are similar to those in English-speaking Western cultures. However, Russians generally approach dating with the prospect of a long-term relationship in mind. Marriage is the ultimate goal; thus, dates are less casual than what Australians are accustomed to.
In Russia smiles are reserved for family members, friends and colleagues at work. It's just a typical Russian thing, and it's recommended you don't smile randomly at strangers while riding on public transport or going shopping. Russians have a saying “to smile without a reason is a sign of a fool”.
Gentle and romantic
Despite everything, Russian men are very romantic at heart. They are capable of experiencing deep feelings and know how to be loyal and faithful. When a woman awards her beloved one with affection the man becomes caring and gentle, gives flowers and presents to his darling.
They generally smile and emote very little in public. This is mostly because formal behaviour signifies respect, particularly when interacting with strangers or those who are older or of higher social status. As such, public behaviour is typically reserved and open complaint or anger is uncommon.
The Russians still celebrate pagan holidays, many people believe in numerous omens and legends. Christianity gave Russians such great holidays as Easter and Christmas, and Paganism – Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) and Ivan Kupala. Old traditions are passed on from generation to generation.
Russian culture is non-individualistic. The power of an individual in Russia is much less than in the west and most deals are pushed through family, friends and acquaintances. A famous Russian saying is, "One is not a soldier in the battlefield." In Russia, it is necessary to know people in power to make things work.
How do you say “No!” in Russian? No! = Нет! The word "нет" is pronounced like "nyet" in English or /njet/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
As we already mentioned, the phrase ' love you in Russian can be used to express your love not only to your partner but to family or friends as well.
Pet Names for Your Loved One in Russian
Some of the most common pet names include: (Моя) Любимая / (Мой) Любимый — My love (for a woman/for a man) Дорогая / Дорогой — My dear (for a woman/for a man) Милая / Милый — Sweetie or sweetheart (for a woman/for a man)
By the way, young Russian guys often use бро (bro) or “bro” the same as it's used in English..
m} pukka (also: actual, arrant, genuine, honest, natural, practicable, present, proper, real, regular)