American people are very different from Russian. When Russian girls come to America, many things seem different and new. Here is a summary of impressions that several girls shared about the U.S.A. and people of this country.

Friendliness

       One of the main differences between people from the United States and Russians is that American people are more cheerful, friendly and smiling. Unlike in Russia, it is common thing to smile and make eye contact with someone you meet in the U.S., when you are in a restaurant or at work. People from the United States may not even like you, but they still do it out of decency and good manners, while in Russia you can often see what people think about you by looking at their faces. For some girls that come to America this smiling and cheerful atmosphere seems fake and unreal. But for many others, it helps relieve the stress of blending into the new society and make communication more pleasant.

Making friends is not easy

       Many Russian girls that come to America notice that making friends in the U.S. is much harder than making friends in Russia. Even thought American people are friendly in general, they are less likely to open up to new people in their life and tell them about their personal things. It is very easy to discuss such subjects as movies, music and hobbies with a person from the United States. However when it comes to talking about personal matters, life problems, religious or political views, Americans do not share them that easily. In some way it is also due to their desire not to bother or offend anyone. In rude and unfriendly Russia, however, sometimes two absolute strangers can talk about their personal life, laugh at and share intimate details with each other during their train trip or flight.

Tolerance

       Most Americans are very tolerant to and understanding about foreigners, different cultures, races, life styles, religions and personal views. Even though many people can criticize their government, saying harsh obscene words about politics is a taboo. National and religious discrimination is under control and is not tolerated. In Russia there is much more discrimination to foreigners, employees, sexual minorities and people of different religions. That is why those who move to the U.S. feel that being a minority or different from others there is not anything to be afraid of.

Business and personal relationships

Americans do not mix their business and personal relationships. Men's attitude towards women at work in general is more respectful. Moreover, strong laws against sexual harassment at work make it almost impossible for any man to start a love-affair with a woman at work. Even though they do have such laws in modern Russia as well, the legal system does not always protect a woman at work well enough for her to feel safe.