To Laugh or to Cry?

When traveling to Russia, perhaps to, finally, meet some Russian Brides, you might be taken aback by some of differences in the way things are there. Differences nobody thought to point out to you. Here are some of my observations that come in sheer contrast.

• In the US people always excuse themselves when passing in front of you, while shopping or on streets, etc. For someone not used to that it can become annoying at some point. It did to me... In Russia often they might step on your toes and won’t say a word. Or they will yell at you to get your feet out of the way.
• Guys in the US seem bolder about inviting a girl out, no strings attached. If they like a girl they go for it, giving it a try. They are also freer in expressing their affection.
• When boarding on a public bus in the US, the driver patiently waits for people to get off and on, usually slowly. The bus lowers at the sidewalk level so that people can board easily; for invalids a ramp opens up. In Russia the driver will yell at you: C’mon, move faster, up! Hey, old lady, what’s taking you so long?
• It's been my observation in the USA that, if a person takes a dish or some refreshments when visiting another person and there are leftovers, the person who brought it will take the leftovers back. Unheard of in Russia! There, it will be considered a manifestation of stinginess and gossip will go around.
• When shopping in the US, even if you won’t buy anything you are still treated nicely. In Russia, they usually frown upon customers that don’t buy anything, often giving you the look or telling you straight forward: “If you won’t buy anything, get out of here. Stop looking through stuff!” But things change if you are a foreigner… they know you’ve got money.:)
• People in US are used to recycling everything, so, they separate glass, paper, newspaper, carton, metal, yard waste, plastic, and then, what is left goes to regular trash. Not so in Russia. There they will throw all trash all in a pile, although attempts were made to get people used to recycling it separately.
• If you happen to go to the zoo in Russia, you might be surprised to find out that animals live in cages, and not in a close-to-natural environment with beautiful landscapes, as the zoos in the USA.

Although many of these observations vary slightly from region to region, I hope you had fun reading them and that it will help you better understand and accept the culture of your sweetheart. Note that not all people are as harsh, of course, so the Russian brides you will meet here most likely will be really sweet.

Remember to always keep a good attitude – it is the key to happiness wherever you go.