Expression of Feelings in Russia

Human feelings count for much in Russia and those who do not share the depth of those feelings will be considered cold and distant (Richmond 2003:47). In Russian culture, emotion is assigned an entirely positive value, the more a person shows his emotions, the better, more sincere, and more ‘open’ he is (Tolstaya 2003:49). Russians are sensitive to the feelings of others as well as their own. The worst thing a Russian spouse can say about their partner is that he or she is cold and lacking in emotion. When emotions are displayed, they are spontaneous and strong (Richmond 2003:46). Body language is an important element of conversation. Russians use hands and facial expressions to express ideas and emotions. A person’s intent can be determined through body language, even without understanding the words. If you really love each other, you understand everything without words. For Russians, true intimacy lies in the silence of a couple who understand each other by a look or a gesture (Visson 1998:117).