Have you posted a perfectly lovely photo of yourself only to have a man ask, "Why aren't you smiling in your picture? What's wrong?" with great care and concern.
Perhaps you didn't even notice you weren't smiling -- you don't think much about it when you take photos. Or you wanted to look sultry and sexy and pouty.
Why should it matter? It does to many Westerners!
Whereas the Russian way is to smile at people you know and care about, North Americans smile at everyone -- strangers and shop assistants and waiters included.
In general, you'll find less grinning in big cities where people are always in a hurry. But many people in small towns and suburbs consider it rude and aloof to:
- Not smile
- Not return a smile
- Fail to say hello when you pass by
At the very least, they'll think you're depressed!
This does not mean you should change; just be aware of how it might be perceived. Of course, many cultures think the American penchant for grinning all the time -- and saying "Hi!" and "Have a nice day!" to strangers and acquaintances -- is insincere.
If you have any experience with international dating you already know that different cultures do things differently. Sometimes we're not aware of how certain gestures and actions are perceived. But that's half the fun -- creating new understanding between people -- people who will deserve your smile!
Say "Cheese!"