People lead about the same lifestyle throughout the civilized world. Our overseas neighbors, residents of the United States, have several differences in behavior that can cause amazement in a Russian person.
10. In America, you will hardly meet nepotism
It is very rare in the United States to find cases where people are hired not because of a person’s talent, experience and abilities, but because of friendly or family ties. Your superiors will always treat you the way you deserve it. This does not mean that you cannot communicate informally with the leader. You can easily meet on weekends and skip a glass of wine at dinner. But Monday will come, and at the workplace the same leader can report you if you did something wrong.
9. Americans do not discuss politics
In Russia, discussing politics at dinner or in a cafe with friends is absolutely normal, we are willing to talk about bills and leaders of the country. We look through the news in the mornings and evenings and instantly respond to a particular political event in Russia or abroad. Americans do not attach any importance to politics. In the morning during breakfast they also have TV, but they only watch early shows or, for example, news from the world of show business. And politics in America is only interested in those who have anything to do with it.
8. For Americans sneak and knock is normal
The words "sneak" or "snitch" in our mentality are a curse word. We are ready to cover the back of a friend or relative and support him if he did something wrong - crossed the road in the wrong place or cheated during an exam at the university. For Americans, to complain about a person who did something wrong is the right decision in the current situation. The government actively encourages denunciations, and everywhere you can find posters with inscriptions like "If you see something suspicious - call this number." Thus, society itself organizes and disinfects disturbers.
7. Americans always tip
In our culture, it is not customary to leave a tip anywhere yet. We can give a small amount for tea to the waiter in a cafe or restaurant, but we do not always do this and only on our own initiative. In America, it has long been customary to leave tea to absolutely all attendants. In American cafes and restaurants there is a separate line "Tipping is not included in the price, but it is assumed in the amount of 15-20 percent." Tea is left not only to waiters, but also to drivers in buses, cashiers in supermarkets and other representatives of the service sector. Not tipping in this country is considered bad form.
6. The personal space of US residents is more spacious than that of Russians
A Russian person likes to pour out his soul to his neighbor or to talk about his personal life. Therefore, we can talk about ourselves and our problems even to strangers at the bus stop or to the compartment neighbors on the train. And to friends and relatives we report every day about certain unpleasant incidents. Americans very rarely respond to the phrase "How are you?" begin to complain and talk about everyday hardships. They just smile politely and say that they are doing well. For residents of the United States, this question and the answer to it is a tribute to politeness and nothing more. In America, it is also indecent to approach too closely or lean toward a person. If this happens, the American will apologize to you.
5. An American will never ask another person how he ended up in the USA.
America is a country of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of refuge for those who find themselves in a difficult life situation and therefore moved to the United States in search of a better life. It so happened historically that many people move to this country because of some difficulties in life and prefer not to talk about what provoked them to make such a decision. That is why asking about the reasons for moving to the USA is a sign of bad taste. In Russia, many people ask non-delicate questions and sometimes put their interlocutor in an awkward position.
4. Americans almost never figure out a relationship with elevated tones
Pretty emotional people live in Russia. We are distinguished by a loud voice and sharpness in the manner of speech. That is why very often we find out personal relationships with people, accompanying the process with screams and sharp words. In America, it is customary to sort things out politely and with maximum calm. Moreover, this applies not only to working moments and situations in public places, but also to domestic conflicts with loved ones. Americans always try to express their opinions on certain issues, smiling politely at the same time.
3. Americans never yell at children, especially do not raise their hand at them
Attitude to children in America is very quivering. Children are the most important life value, and there are a number of laws prohibiting negative attitudes toward minor US residents. Therefore, very often you can see on the playgrounds how the children make a real mess, and parents calmly watch it. No one ever yells at children, much less hits them. If someone outsider notices the inappropriate attitude of the parent or other person towards the child, he will immediately report this to the appropriate authorities.
2. US residents are very seasoned
Russia is a snowy country, and it is very important for us to dress according to the weather. Sometimes we even overdo it in choosing seasonal clothes. In the United States, things are completely different. Despite the changeable weather, snow, rain and wind, in America no one seeks to wrap himself in warm clothes and does not shake over children wearing hats and scarves in the autumn and winter. Americans often dress out of weather. In the USA, it is not customary to open windows for ventilation at home, but air conditioners always work at full capacity. And most drinks are served with ice all year round.
1. Americans do not judge by appearance
In Russia there is such an expression, "They meet by clothes, but escort them by the mind." We often critically evaluate the appearance of people passing by, and even more so of our interlocutors. In the US, no one will even look in your direction if in the morning you went to the store in home clothes and slippers. Residents of America sincerely believe that everyone has the right to wear what he likes. Therefore, on the streets of American cities you can often meet people in the most ridiculous outfits, but no one is surprised at this.