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.
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.
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.
Russian Internet Slang: How to Text Like a Modern Russian
The more brackets you use, the more positive the emotions you express are. While one bracket means just a light smile or an expression of friendliness, using three or more brackets represents laughter.
Stereotypical physical characteristics of Russian people include a broader nose, dark blond eyebrows, fair skin, and a round face. There are a number of factors that contribute to these characteristics. In cultural stereotypes, Russian people are also seen as being individualistic, hard-working, honest, and generous.
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.
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.
One parenthesis ")" means a friendly smile, for example, when you share good news or just say "hi". ( duty smile)
When you want to chat with a Russian girl, try to look for something interesting about her in her account. If you want to win her heart, speak about something in her profile or a prevalent interest you may have. This will show her that you are enthusiastic about her.
"Tak" is a word used to buy time or give the impression you are thinking deeply. A Russian will often pause and say "tak, tak, tak" and then respond. It is the equivalent of hmmm in the English language. You can use it to sound intellectual or during negotiations over a purchase.
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.
Some Russian cultural considerations
First, how should you greet a stranger? A common greeting is a firm handshake, with direct eye contact. If it's winter and you're wearing gloves, these should be removed before shaking hands.
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.
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.
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.
?? — Shy, nervous (usually in the context of flirting)
Ellipsis points are periods in groups of usually three, or sometimes four. They signal either that something has been omitted from quoted text, or that a speaker or writer has paused or trailed off in speech or thought. That's the basics.
Australians uphold “fit, healthy, and natural” as the attributes that make you beautiful. Vibrancy, warmth, and self-confidence also top the list of qualities deemed important. Healthy skin and beautiful eyes are seen as the most desirable physical traits.