It is difficult to change someone who has come from another culture, to make them conform to the standards of a new country. Russians do not want any fluff or pizzazz and bells and whistles on something, we just want to know the “details and the facts” and want things done quickly and can't stand to waiting for ages for someone to take care of it.  We are an impatient culture. 

My family has many foreign friends who come to Russia; they noticed that people were standoff-ish with them because they foreign, and they always ask questions about Russia. Eventually the Russian people will see your good intentions and open up to you, and warmly welcome you. After all these years, I still have to be understanding that for some, I am still just a Russian and that being outside of Russia is still something for me to be mysterious and cautious about. 

The same idea is true whenever my family goes to Washington or New York for business. I've noticed Russians who speak English there are often more direct and to-the-point as well, and have a harsher tone, which can make some people misinterpret what we say as impolite. The standard of politeness in the United States is not universal.  I noticed Americans can be very condescending about why Russians like to be around other Russians. I have noticed that Russians in America tend to stick together and are still more cautious with outsiders, trying to make sure their community is closer and able to withstand the pressures of the outside world. As for me, I have a tough outer shell, making it hard for people to break it, but after a short time, I can open up to you. And when someone becomes a friend of mine then bends or breaks that bond, they will become a complete stranger to my mind.

We all just have to be willing to work at a conditional friendship and understand that foreign cultures are different, and it doesn't always take time for us to truly understand each other.

Thank you for reading my article.

Inessa,

Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The original blog is: http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-1558623-22339.html