Quote Originally Posted by gRomoZeka View Post

Regarding conversation style: I've read once that Russians have problems with long pauses while talking to strangers, especially comparing to Northern nations (Scandinavians, etc.). When there's suddenly a lull in a conversation most Russians are afraid that it's "dying" and do their best to "restart" it, they redouble their efforts in engaging their interlocutor, trying new topics, etc.

Hehehe, I'm American and I have a habit of doing that! If people stop talking, it feels like the conversation is broken and I have to "fix" it! Maybe it's my Norwegian blood or something.

I've also noticed that Russians have a tendency to analyze everything constantly. I do the same thing, and many of my American friends find it annoying or intimidating.