Anyhow. Four things visiting Russians are reminded to remember when in America.
On giving gifts to Americans:
Business gifts in the U.S. are not acceptable. Moreover, they often cause suspicion. Americans fear that they could be construed as a bribe, and in the United States that is strictly punishable by law.On talking to American women:
US etiquette prohibits flirting with a woman who is not your girlfriend or wife. If you are not acquainted with a woman, whether she be in a restaurant, on the street, or on the subway, do not look at her legs, etc. Americans could easily call the police on you, even for just ogling her.On socializing with Americans:
Showing up at a business associate’s home uninvited in the United States is not acceptable. You may be invited to a picnic –if you’ve known each other for several years and are social outside the office. As a rule, the invitation will be only on a weekend, and you don’t have to prepare for something extravagant. Everything is the same as ours, only with far less booze. Bring something sporty - ball, badminton, Americans are certainly fervent fans of these things.On American optimism:
These people get used to smiling from the cradle onwards, so they do not pretend to be cheerful. The desire for a successful happy life is inculcated from childhood.I know a few Russians who now live in America. It's a safe bet none of them read this article. Unless there was a part two that included advice for the newly arrived Russian travelers to spend all day at the same table in a coffee shop arguing Russian politics, regard quart bottles of vodka as snack food, yell at everyone about everything, pound strangers on their backs at random moments, and consider following the law a semi-amusing theory.
Except Irina, the lovely Russian woman who opened a restaurant near my home, and is responsible for 39 of the 40 pounds I am overweight.
