Lynn Visson’s “Wedded Strangers” identifies the differences in work ethic between Russians and Americans:

“Americans, with a work ethic, grew up knowing they would have to work hard to get a job. For Russians, under the Soviet system, the government found them work or they got it through personal contacts.”

“Under the Soviet system, the idea was to get away with as little work as possible, as there were no pay raises. There was also no real threat of being fired. Working hard only created more work.”

“For women in the Soviet Union, the workplace was a place to gossip, sell each other clothes, and exchange tips on where to get consumer goods.”

“For Russians, Americans are obsessed with time. For Americans, time is money. For Russians, relationships are more important than time.”

Lynn Visson’s “Wedded Strangers” speaks to other distinctions between Russians and Americans:

“The worst thing a Russian can say about you is that you are dry. Which means you are cold and logical. Outpourings of emotion in private life are balanced by extreme restraint in public life.”

Russians smile when there is something to smile about, for example when they are with their family and friends and the vodka is flowing.

The Russians have what is best described as a dry sense of humor. They make jokes that are very sharp or clever. They can also be very sarcastic. They make humorous comments that require intelligence and a great deal of understanding of a situation to be funny.

The Russian tells his joke or anecdote with a serious expression on his face, while everyone else laughs. If he laughs with the others, he spoils the joke.

Lynn talks about different perceptions of time:

“Being late is part of the Russian structure. Being late was a way to show contempt for the system and to assert yourself. For Russians, appointments are guidelines.”

“Americans do one thing at a time. They value short-term relationships and take deadlines seriously. Russians do a variety of things at the same time, value long-term relationships and are flexible about dating.” .