How to realize a Russian has become your friend?
Friendship with a Russian is like a banya after a frost: at first it is cold, then hot and then – you drink tea! And remember: a friend is known not only in trouble, but also in eating dumplings together at 3 a.m!
1. They start telling you jokes
In Russia, it is historically not customary to smile at people you barely know and even less so at strangers – in most cases, it is considered a sign of insincerity. But, if your Russian comrades began to joke with you and tell anecdotes, it can be the start of a real friendship. However, be ready for the fact that you will not understand half of these jokes, but that is OK: the main thing is to laugh together in the right places!
2. They invite you for “tea”
Of course, no one is going to drink just tea. Such an invitation usually implies that you are about to embark on a multi-hour marathon of conversations about the meaning of life and this is a certain way to connect spiritually. And, if you are going to someone's place, don't forget to bring something to the table. You can even specify whether it's cake or “something stronger”.
3. You go together to the banya
The culture of joint steaming is a special ritual for Russians. In many cities, there are big banya complexes, where friends gather.
A hot banya tests your stamina, your ability to withstand a blow when you are beaten with birch branches and your ability to keep up a conversation in such conditions. If you can withstand all this, then you are strong in spirit and you can be relied on.
4. They invite you to the dacha
The dacha or countryside house is a sacred place for a Russian person. As a rule, people gather there from May to September, in good weather. Usually, the trip includes cooking shashlik (BBQ) accompanied by wine or other drinks, going for walks, having long conversations in the evening by the fireplace and, perhaps, doing some simple work on the garden plot. In general, if you are entrusted to weed the beds or paint the fence – you are almost a family member!
5. They start to give you advice
In Russia, friends are philosophers, psychologists and experts in all life issues. Because it is customary to care about the well-being of loved ones, which sometimes also means criticism, advice and, of course, real help in everything.
If your new acquaintance is not indifferent to your fate, he will tell you how you should behave at work, how you should bring up your children, how to save money and what to wear.
6. They begin to complain to you
And, in return, Russians themselves will complain to you about life. After all, if your friend starts sharing their problems with you and scolding the prices of buckwheat, it means that they trust you.
7. They give you a nickname
Many Russians had a nickname in childhood, a kind of designation that you are in the same social circle. It may be related to your appearance (‘Ginger’, for example), your first or last name or some funny incident. Friends remember each other's nicknames even as adults, so if you have been given a nickname, consider yourself accepted into the circle of friends!
