Quote Originally Posted by Linna
Why do Europeans smile at everyone? Why don't Russians do it?
Because in Russia, everyone is a potential threat until they are found to be friendly. Whereas in other places it is customary for strangers to be greeted as a friend until they show themselves to be an enemy.
I think it has something to do with "Christian ethics" being successfully taught in the West, while the Orthodox Church in Russia never really accomplished a lot. (All pomp and ceremony and tradition but little substance)
So therefore we have the survival of the fittest mentality still in Russia.
Anyway that is my theory.