RUSSIAN CHARACTER
Most Russians are not very different from most westerners in the way they perceive things or in their desired lifestyle. However, there are certain peculiarities.
• We are a free nation. Here we despise all the rules. It’s an honor for our drivers to move on the red light or to bother other drivers and pedestrians.
• It’s cool to do nothing and to just lie on the sofa thinking about how great you are. Really, Russia is such an amazing country and we have given the world so much that we can rest a bit.
• We value generosity. We can give you the last piece of bread we have if we believe you really need it. And we expect the same in return. If you're invited for a meal, expect that the hosts will feed you until you feel completely full and not capable of moving.
• Most of us are very proud. Don't talk to us about our vices, we won't listen anyway. And don't dare to criticize the way our country is - Russia is the best place and we will prove it to the whole world very soon.
• Some of us are quite emotional, but somehow it’s all kept inside most of the time. We may seem a bit cold and too much to ourselves at first, but when you get to know us better, we're like a volcano.
• We don't feel easy about talking to strangers on the street, but if you start conversation saying that you're from another country or ask for some help, there's a good chance we will be very open, because we are naturally curious about foreigners.
• Women and old women are very respected here. It’s considered polite if while being in the metro and seeing a woman or an old woman coming in and there’re no free seats, man offers her his seat.
• Russians are hooligans. It's not because we're bad - we just like everything extraordinary. But too often we don't express this feeling enough, so when it comes out, it's like a volcano. That's why you hear our tourists singing folk songs at 3am and that's why we make a revolution every 80 years.
• Many people have a positive attitude towards healthy lifestyle and have a daily morning exercise routine or run in the park.