- In Russia when they ask: "how are you" they actually expect a genuine and extended answer.
- Smiles are scarce and reserved for inner social circle only.
- Men act toward any strangers as if they expected to be assaulted at any moment.
- Everyone and especially women dress up most of the time.
- When paying for goods or services change is never given straight into the palm of your hand, it's always placed into a little plate or stand instead. As if the seller is scared of any bodily contact.
- Once the communication barriers are broken and you enter the inner social circle Russian hospitality is genuine and exceeds by far any Western standards.
Your last point is good and applies to more than Russians (though it accurately describes my experience with Russians too). I've noticed it to a lesser extent (everything is to a lesser extent compared with Russians) in East coast vs. West coast Americans. In California people are friendlier on the surface but harder to really get to know. In New York the surfaces are ruder but once you're accepted as not a stranger the interactions are warmer and more satisfying.
Somewhat related, the late cartoonist Callahan had a classic called "The Difference Between New York and LA". In one panel, labeled LA, was a guy saying "Have a nice day" and thinking "Fuck you." In the opposite panel, labeled New York, was a guy saying "Fuck you" and thinking "Have a nice day".
- In Russia when they ask: "how are you" they actually expect a genuine and extended answer.
- Smiles are scarce and reserved for inner social circle only.
- Men act toward any strangers as if they expected to be assaulted at any moment.
- Everyone and especially women dress up most of the time.
- When paying for goods or services change is never given straight into the palm of your hand, it's always placed into a little plate or stand instead. As if the seller is scared of any bodily contact.
- Once the communication barriers are broken and you enter the inner social circle Russian hospitality is genuine and exceeds by far any Western standards.