In America the below items that are expected in Russia are not very often expected in America….sometimes it is proper, but most of the time not…
a. Bring a Gift: This is practiced somewhat in America, but more often than not, you just go visit and take nothing. Unless the party is BYO (Bring Your Own)…
b. Do Not Give Flowers in Even Numbers: I have talked about many things like this in the past twelve years. Do not bring even number of flowers to your girlfriend. If you want her to be your girlfriend that is… 😉 And if you want your mother and or grandma to keep you as their kin?
c. Do Not Shake Hands Over a Threshold: Never shake over a doorway threshold. Just never and just do not do it…
d. Forget Something? Look in the Mirror before leaving again and before you actually leave the first time, sit for a moment, just before you walk out the door…
e. Never Exchange Money After Nightfall: I learned this from Vova in the Tiny Russian Village. I have been taught many things living in the village. This is one very important thing to remember…
f. If Staying the Night, Bring Some Home type Clothes: Or if taking a train trip, even a car trip and or such. Russians do not sleep in their walking around clothes….Russians change clothes when they get home as a habit…
g. Keep Your Cup Half-Full and or half-empty if You’re Not Ready for More Alcohol: Bottom line in my opinion keep you glass over half full. Sip that drink, or you will find it filled and filled and filled…
h. Be Sure to Toast that drink you get: Toast and toast and toast. It is an unwritten law that every drink is toasted….maybe it is an official law?
i. Never Argue with Babushka: Argue all you want with grandpa (dedushka) he will most likely enjoy it, but forget grandma. She will argue with you against grandpa even, but try that with her and you will loose. Everyone and I mean everyone listens to grandma (Babushka)….bottom line Russians respect their elders, yes even grandpa…
j. Take Off Your Shoes: You go to someones home? Take off those nasty shoes! Very simple….remove your shoes….which means don’t have nasty dirty feet and holes in your socks… 😉
{Exception to (j.) in the villages and you have friends like Vova, you don;t worry about such things. We stomp all over each others home… ;)}
WtR