Smiling in Russia usually shows the real good mood and good relationship between people, as it is not used as a form of politeness. When a Russian smiles at you, he/she really cares about you or is genuinely in a good mood.
In Russia, a smile reflects well-being, prosperity, a good mood. While this may occur to most people, in Russia everyone notices a smile. When you see people smiling at you in the western cultures, it doesn't mean anything other than an overall neutral attitude toward you.
The Russian language has a unique proverb that is absent from other languages, “A smile without a reason is a sign of idiocy.” [Смех без причины - признак дурачины.] People with a western mindset cannot understand this proverb.
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”.
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.
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.
Eye Contact: Making eye contact is a show of respect in Russian culture and is highly valued. When conversing to someone, it is considered polite to keep eye contact and direct your look at the other person.
Cheek kiss.
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.
In Russia, beauty standards are very different from what we're used to in the West. In general, Russian women are expected to be slim and beautiful with perfect skin, hair, and teeth. They are also expected to dress well and wear lots of makeup.
“Don't dig a hole for someone else or you will fall into it yourself.” “The best offense is a good defense.” “It's better to have 100 friends than 100 rubles.” “Nothing will happen in your life unless you try something.”
Sign of welcome kiss
In the Slavic culture, the long-lasting tradition of two men exchanging a kiss on the lips when they met was a sign of respect and friendly intentions.
Thailand is often referred to as “The Land of Smiles.” It got this nickname because in Thailand, a smile is much more than just a smile…it is a form of subtle interpersonal-messaging. There are at least 13 different smiles that a Thai person may use, each one having a very specific meaning.
Studies are clear about one thing: throughout the world, Americans tend to smile the most! It's not that other countries don't have plenty to smile about, it's that people tend to smile as much as they are conditioned to through socialization and culture.
Hugs, backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures are common among friends or acquaintances and between members of the same sex. Russians stand close when talking. Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.
Hugs and Kisses and Russian Leaders
It is a Slavic custom for a man greeting another man to grab him in a bear hug and kiss him three times on the cheek. Some Russian men even go as far as kissing each other on the lips.
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.
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.
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.
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.