Personal Space and Body Language

The "personal space" of Russians tends to be much smaller than that of Americans. People come into very close proximity while conversing, but this is not a case of either "in your face" aggression or sexual invitation. Similarly, in a crowded situation (such as on public transportation or in a shop) people shove and push and expect to be shoved and pushed in return. People of either or both sexes may sit in shoulder-to-shoulder or leg-to-leg contact, hold hands, or have an arm around the waist of another in public situations without implying anything more than friendship.

Americans smile with little provocation, but not so Russians; for a Russian, a smile conveys genuine pleasure. Consequently, Russians tend to find Americans superficial or "sickeningly sweet," while Americans often see Russians as "gloomy."

Except for military or other ceremonial situations, Russians tend to have a very relaxed posture. However, they do follow some "rules" of correct behavior regarding posture. For example, unlike Americans, they don't put their feet up on furniture not intended for that purpose and they don't sit on desks or tables. Women are discouraged from sitting cross-legged, and no one puts his/her behind in another's face; when entering a row of theater seats, Russians face those already seated. At the table, they hunch over their food and keep their hands in view.