CULTURAL SHOCK or returning to Russia after the US / Why Russians don't smile?

A year ago I went to the United States due to the exchange program. It was a cultural shock for me because people there were very smiling and polite, while I was used to more reserved behavior in Russia. After 8 wonderful months in America I returned to my homecountry and then I had the reverse cultural shock. My compatriots seemed to me extremely sad, dull and rude. In this video I'm reflecting on my American experince and I am trying to understand the differences between Russian and Western cultures. Why Russians don't smile? Are they really so rude to strangers? I'll try to answer these questions in this video.
#Russia #USA #smile

*About myself* My name is Natasha, I live in the Far East of Russia in the city of Khabarovsk, but originally I'm from a small town Spassk-Dalny. Currently I'm studying Linguistics in a university in Khabarovsk. I like languages and learning about different cultures. On this channel I'm making videos about life in Russia, our traditions and my traveling in Russian cities. Subscribe to my channel, and let's explore Russia together!

[Marva]

You were in Minnesota, if you were living in Mississippi or Louisiana people will tell a complete stranger their entire life story. That would have been a real culture shock

[juliecollins]

When people would ask my Grandpa how he was doing, he said “Fine, unless you want to know the details”! I thought that was a great answer.

[sugarbomb]

I'm a British/Indian Londoner who has lived in the USA, (close to NYC), for 20 years now. I absolutely love the fact that American's are so friendly. At first, I was shocked that you could be walking down the street and a passer by will say 'hi'!! I have become just like them and I believe it has enriched my life immeasurably. I never pass by someone without saying hello or asking how they are. In fact many people that pass my house and see me gardening, have become good friends. This is a magnificent characteristic of the American people and I think they genuinely want to know how you are. It does not feel fake to me at all:)

[edwinholcombe]

As an American I had similar experiences. My job transferred me to Hong Kong and I already had a functional level of the Cantonese language. On one of my first few days I was in a bank facing the entrance door. A guy abruptly entered the door and I looked up to see. My eyes locked with the guy's eyes. I gave him a polite smile and returned to filling out forms. I was aware that people around me were looking at me suspiciously. One person asked the guy if he knew me and why did I smile at him. He said he didn't know me and maybe I was some kind of pervert. Nobody realized that I understood what was said but I thought "Can't these people recognize a civilized polite smile". Later I realized that people of Hong Kong just don't smile at strangers. They can't. It is just too crowded to smile at everybody who crosses your path.
Later I transferred to the Philippines where every one smiles at everyone, everything all the time - more than the Americans. Anyone who doesn't go around smiling all the time is considered a deeply emotional troubled person.

[craigh.]

As an American, I don't feel the smile to strangers is fake. It's just a way of being polite and friendly to others. We are raised that way.

[InGratiaDei]

I was at an intersection one warm day with my windows rolled down. I let out a good sneeze, and a Brothuh two cars over belted out a robust, "Bless you!" I had no choice but to be blessed. Made my day.

[fouglasdir]

Very true about the smile. I had the reverse culture shock when I returned home to the states after being in the Soviet Union in '84. One thing though that I'll never forget is the Russian tradition of hospitality. The Russians may not smile on the street but on the inside, as a guest, you are treated so well, spoiled even. It is a wonderful thing. Russians have a very warm and welcoming side.

[Gia_Mc_Fia]

I love smiling at people because it is like giving a gift, like silently saying that you appreciate that person’s presence. Love the video! Thanks a ton Natasha

[nickaustin]

I'm English and had an American friend. It took me some time to understand that "what's up?" just means "hello" and I didn't need to tell him what was up.

[gregweeks]

Hello Natasha,
My wife and I visited Russia back in the time when President Putin first became your leader. We flew into Moscow on Swiss Air. Stepping off of the plane and walking into the Moscow airport there was a huge difference. We had read about the differences in our cultures, so my wife and I knew what to expect from the people that we would meet in Russia. It seems like everybody knew that my wife and I were American. I figured it was the countenance on our face. We are Texans through and through. Walk around with a goofy grin on our face, always trying to make eye contact with the people that we pass on the street. The people in Russia didn't seem to be sad to me, but more solemn. We stayed with a Russian family in Moscow and they were actually quite friendly. Although when they guided us around Moscow, acting like our tour guides, they took on the more solemn role that we were used to seeing in Russia. But in their apartment we laughed and laughed.
To me it is just cultural differences. Not that big a deal from someone from Texas. None of this stopped us from adopting our 14-year-old daughter from Russia. She was 13 when we met her and she seemed to smile all the time here in Texas. She came to visit us here in Texas with a group from her orphanage. All of those children seemed bright-eyed and happy. My daughter is now 31 years old, married and happy, smiling like a goofy Texan.
I figure if you cannot smile on the outside you can at least smile on the inside. Even on your video, I can see that happy glint (twinkle) in your eye beaming outward from your eyes.
I am now an old man. You spoke of my country with a smile, I am very proud that you spoke of an american smile with a smile on your face.
By the way, my daughter's name is Natasha.
I still have great memories of your country and always will. Times may be tough, but I will always have those happy memories of Russia. I saw no difference in our peoples, just different cultures. There is plenty of room for differences.
Keep a twinkle in your heart.

[yiyangdallaird]

Interesting how much I can relate as a Chinese that’s lived in the US for 10 years. Ever time I visit China I experience the same reverse culture shock. Chinese people don’t smile at strangers either and I think for some of the same reasons you mentioned why Russians don’t do it. But if you smile at them you’d usually get a smile back, at least that’s my American husband’s experience. I remember one time I had to take a photo for my Chinese ID, and I was smiling at first while taking the photo, just like I would in America. But the Chinese government employee who was taking the photo scolded me to not smile, LOL. I was so shocked why I wasn’t allowed to smile… Here in the US I can smile as much as I want when taking photos and no one stopped me… As for the American people and friendliness, I absolutely love it here! I really love that people are so kind, polite, sweet, happy, and genuinely wanting to help. I love my new country!

[tjairicciardi]

The honesty in these videos is priceless

[C.Chandler_May]

Young lady. As a 50yr old American man. I've throughly enjoyed seeing your country & your impression of mine. Well done videos!

[julierauthshaw]

You were fortunate. They don't call the American Mid-West "The Heartland" for nothing. People actually are friendly and happy to help you, and for the most part, their smiles are genuine.

[opheliasoto]

Hi Natasha, I really enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am a Native American Indian born and raised in California, just north of San Diego. I am one of those Americans that smiles and talks with everyone I encounter. I never realized how odd that was to people from Russia. My mother used to say "smiling is a contiguous happy moment you share with other people." Keep smiling Natasha 🤗

[pamelagraeter]

A smile also means “I see you” it’s an acknowledgment. You are not invisible.

[Lisa-pbqp]

I just have to say your English is almost perfect. What a lovely girl. So thoughtful, beautiful and sweet. 🌸 America gained so much for having you in our country. Wishing you and yours well.

[AMorgan]

You're a sweetheart, and sweethearts lighten up the world everywhere.

[kathrynejohnson]

I’m from Canada and I smile at everyone I pass and it makes me feel good knowing that I might be making someone feel good even if only for a minute. A friendly face is always nice to see!! Smile sweetheart smile! Be kind to one anouther and help each other!

[lucidny]

I'm from NYC and was dating a Russian woman in the late 90s who was in the USA as an art teacher. She and I met at a party and we were quickly attracted to each other and we started dating immediately. We were on the way to the park one day and we bumped into this couple visiting from Colorado. They both smiled at us and started a conversation asking for some advice as to restaurants in the area where they can have a quick snack before heading to the theatre. The encounter lasted about 15 min with me giving some suggestions of where they can go for a quick bite and some small talk about other things they can do in the city. My Russian girlfriend was mostly listening and smiled here and there throughout, but after we parted ways with this couple from Colorado, she turned to me and asked me if I've met them before. I said no and she looked at me like I was crazy hehehe.