Russians do smile at people they know. Shop assistants smile at the clients they already know, not necessarily at others. If you smile at a stranger in Russia, he/she can smile back, but it can already mean an invitation to come and talk. Russians take smiling as a sign that the person cares about them.
In Russia, a smile reflects well-being, prosperity, a good mood. While this may occur to most people, in Russia everyone notices a smile. When you see people smiling at you in the western cultures, it doesn't mean anything other than an overall neutral attitude toward you.
The Russian language has a unique proverb that is absent from other languages, “A smile without a reason is a sign of idiocy.” [Смех без причины - признак дурачины.] People with a western mindset cannot understand this proverb.
Friends may hug or kiss on the cheek to greet, but Russians are generally limited in their physical contact. Strong physical affection is generally only seen between couples of opposite genders.
Always show heightened respect to those who are older than you. It's common to adopt a more formal demeanour. Offer your seat to an elderly person, pregnant woman or woman with a small child if they do not have one. Men are expected to open doors for women, pay for their food, help them carry items, etc.
Dressing in traditional, formal business attire is standard in Russia. Men should wear suits. Women should wear skirts that are not too short or revealing. Make sure that shoes are polished and not scuffed.
Chivalry and paying the check
Russian men are highly courteous towards women. They will always turn up on time, often hold doors open for their date, help them with their coats, and so on. It is also common for men to bring flowers for their date, but always an odd number.
Eye Contact: Making eye contact is a show of respect in Russian culture and is highly valued. When conversing to someone, it is considered polite to keep eye contact and direct your look at the other person.
Russians are very compassionate, and they tend to form very close ties, though they might not have a large group and aren't as likely to be friendly with every stranger. This just allows for more time to get closer to their friends.
Be strong and firm from the word go
We did say that Russian women are strong-willed, and so you should be too. You need to be firm, and sure of what you are doing. Take charge of the first date like you own it, and you surely do. Choose the venue and the time and then ask her whether she will be available.
In Russia, beauty standards are very different from what we're used to in the West. In general, Russian women are expected to be slim and beautiful with perfect skin, hair, and teeth. They are also expected to dress well and wear lots of makeup.
In Russian language, along with verbs of indicative mood there are also verbs of subjunctive and imperative mood. Verbs of subjunctive mood designate actions which one wants to happen, or just possible ones, under certain circumstances.
Studies are clear about one thing: throughout the world, Americans tend to smile the most! It's not that other countries don't have plenty to smile about, it's that people tend to smile as much as they are conditioned to through socialization and culture.
You can show signs of affection, but don't get excessive, and stay out of other people's way. Also, don't kiss in front of historic landmarks or government buildings, as it can connote disrespect.
While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks".
Hugs, backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures are common among friends or acquaintances and between members of the same sex. Russians stand close when talking. Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.
Sign of welcome kiss
In the Slavic culture, the long-lasting tradition of two men exchanging a kiss on the lips when they met was a sign of respect and friendly intentions.
There's a well-known Russian greeting tradition: the triple cheek-kiss. It's usually common between close relatives. Sometimes, it's shortened to two kisses. One cheek kiss is often used by girls to greet friends, or even close female coworkers.
Despite everything, Russian men are very romantic at heart. They are capable of experiencing deep feelings and know how to be loyal and faithful. When a woman awards her beloved one with affection the man becomes caring and gentle, gives flowers and presents to his darling.
The most common eye color in Russia is brown. It is estimated that around 80% of the Russian population has brown eyes.
They generally smile and emote very little in public. This is mostly because formal behaviour signifies respect, particularly when interacting with strangers or those who are older or of higher social status. As such, public behaviour is typically reserved and open complaint or anger is uncommon.