10 reasons why Russians don’t smile much
In the Russian communicative consciousness, there is a rule: the smile must be a genuine reflection of a good mood and a good relationship.
For many centuries, everyday existence in Russia was a strenuous battle for survival; the life of the common Russian was grueling, and worry became entrenched as a standard common facial expression. Given this situation, a smile reflects an exception to the rule — well-being, prosperity, a good mood — and while all of this may occur to some people and in exceptional circumstances, it is noticed by everyone. Sincerity and openness are hallmarks of Russian culture, which is why Russian smiles are rare and expressed only in contexts where they are appropriate and express an honest emotion of ha… Continue Reading (3 minute read)