Улыбаться - to smile

Russians are known for being pessimistic, unfriendly, dull and alcoholics.

And at first this does seem to be true. Hardly anyone laughs in public, no-one is smiling and everyone seems to just walk past engrossed their daily activities. Even more embarrassing is when Gentos and I are laughing (ie pretty much always) people literally stare at us and shake their heads spitefully at such obvious foreigners.

However in our culture lessons at Uni, we actually learnt why Russians are never seen smiling on the street. In the same way that English people feel uncomfortable when in America with their overtly polite tones, Russians believe that a smile has a very specific and significant meaning. This meaning normally signifies friendship or being acquainted, or in the more alcoholic environments the first sign of taking an interest in someone (watch Austin Powers for more details in basic flirting principles).

So therefore if one smiles on a daily basis it is considered very strange, as it makes people feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. There is even a saying that a person who smiles for no reason is a fool. Hence no one can be seen smiling on the street and everyone at first seems very dull and glum.

But once you get to know Russians, they really are some of the nicest people I have ever met - you just have to break the (Berlin) wall first.