Mental Floss writer Therese O'Neill compiled this fascinating list of advice for Russians planning to visit the United States. As one might imagine, many of the items on the list contain ideas with which Americans won't necessarily agree. Take number 10, for instance:
“U.S. etiquette requires that you smile in each and every situation," says the site Этикет США. "If you want to travel to America, be prepared to give a smile not only to friends and acquaintances, but also to all passers-by, in shops, to the staff at the hotel, police on the streets, etc. Don't whine about your problems or the troubles in your life, either: Sharing in this country can only be positive emotions—sorrows and frustrations are impermissible. In the U.S. you only complain to acquaintances in the most extreme cases. Serious problems are for close friends and relatives only."
This American cheerfulness isn't a put-on, according to the site.
"Americans: they are a nation that truly feels happy. These people get used to smiling from the cradle onwards, so they do not pretend to be cheerful. The desire for a successful happy life is inculcated from childhood.”
See the list in its entirety here. What do you think, readers? Can you think of any advice you'd give to a Russian planning to travel to the U.S.?
Image: TUBS
"Everything is the same as ours, only with far less booze."