Thread: flattering Russian behavior- normal?

Just wondering, is it normal for Russians to flatter their friends? A lot more than Americans?

what? Americans flatter their friends? what kind of friends do you have over there?

Originally Posted by chaika

what? Americans flatter their friends? what kind of friends do you have over there?

Well, not really. I want to know if it is normal for a Russian to say lots of nice things to and about a friend, or if the behavior would be considered flirting.

Originally Posted by christineka

Well, not really. I want to know if it is normal for a Russian to say lots of nice things to and about a friend, or if the behavior would be considered flirting.

I think it is nation irrelevant
And I bet you know the answer

Originally Posted by Doomer

I think it is nation irrelevant
And I bet you know the answer

I had some female pen pals in Russia years ago and they did it to (to a lesser extent) and so I hoped it was a cultural difference. I've never thought of myself as particularly attractive, especially now that I've got 6 kids hanging around me and such, but I guess I need to figure out a way to make myself less attractive.

christenka,

i think generally Russians don't tend to throw compliments as often as Americans, we don't tend to ask "how are you?", or say 'Hi' as often as Americans, and Russians are generally more reserved. It's just a cultural difference and cultural tradition. I think I can see this difference as I meet Americans rather often.

Flirting would be different, there are some people who flirt often as in every nation, much depends on the person. But generally compliment culture is not widespread in Russia.

Originally Posted by christineka

but I guess I need to figure out a way to make myself less attractive.

Why so?
Wouldn't it be easier just to ignore flattering?

Originally Posted by Doomer

Why so?
Wouldn't it be easier just to ignore flattering?

Been trying that. Maybe you have other ideas? The guy is old enough to be my father. He seems to be quite devout in Russian Orthodoxy.

Originally Posted by christineka

Been trying that. Maybe you have other ideas? The guy is old enough to be my father. He seems to be quite devout in Russian Orthodoxy.

I can't give you any suggestions based on this
It would be too hastily
But I think you should listen to your instincts

PS: You signature: "У меня шестеро детей" would be better to say I think.

You made quite a jump there from "for Russians to flatter their friends" to "guy is old enough to be my father". You ,ay be just dealing with a horny devil there!

I've decided he was just joking around. He was perfectly normal and friendly (in a friend kind of way) today

You look good christineka, have you been working out?

Sorry, couldn't resist.