# How to deal with Russians: The importance of friendship
If you want to understand and interact with Russians, you need to know how much they value friendship. Friendship is not just a casual acquaintance or a social contact for Russians. It is a deep and lasting bond that involves trust, loyalty, respect, and mutual support. Friendship is one of the core values of Russian culture, and it has a long and rich history.
# The origins of friendship in Russian culture
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The concept of friendship in Russian culture dates back to the ancient Slavic tribes, who lived in communal settlements and practiced collective farming. The Slavs had a strong sense of community and solidarity, and they relied on each other for survival and protection. They also had a common enemy: the nomadic invaders who frequently raided their lands. The Slavs had to unite and fight against the invaders, and they developed a warrior ethos that emphasized courage, honor, and comradeship.
The Slavic word for friend, drug, literally means "the second one", implying that a friend is someone who is as close as oneself. The word for friendship, druzhba, derives from the same root as the word for team, druzhina, which was the name of the military unit that the Slavs formed to defend their lands. Friendship, therefore, was not only a personal relationship, but also a social and political one.
# The development of friendship in Russian culture
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Friendship continued to play an important role in Russian culture throughout the centuries, especially during the times of hardship and turmoil. In the medieval period, when Russia was under the Mongol yoke, friendship was a source of strength and resistance for the oppressed people. In the modern period, when Russia underwent revolutions, wars, and political repression, friendship was a way of coping and surviving. Friendship also inspired many literary and artistic works, such as the epic poem The Song of Igor's Campaign, the novels War and Peace and The Brothers Karamazov, and the paintings of the Wanderers.
Friendship in Russian culture is not limited to same-sex relationships. Russians can have friends of the opposite sex, and they can also have romantic feelings for their friends. However, friendship is not the same as love, and Russians distinguish between the two. Friendship is based on platonic affection, mutual understanding, and common interests, while love is based on passion, attraction, and desire. Friendship can last longer than love, and it can survive the changes and challenges of life.
# The characteristics of friendship in Russian culture
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Friendship in Russian culture has some distinctive characteristics that make it different from friendship in other cultures. Here are some of them:
- Friendship is exclusive and selective. Russians do not have many friends, but they have a few close ones. They do not trust strangers easily, and they take time to get to know someone before they consider them a friend. They also expect their friends to be loyal and devoted, and they do not tolerate betrayal or dishonesty.
- Friendship is expressive and emotional. Russians do not hide their feelings, and they show their affection and care for their friends. They hug, kiss, and touch their friends, and they use endearing terms and nicknames. They also share their joys and sorrows, and they support and comfort their friends in times of need.
- Friendship is reciprocal and generous. Russians do not keep score of who owes what to whom, and they do not expect anything in return for their friendship. They are generous and hospitable, and they invite their friends to their homes and treat them with food and drinks. They also help their friends with practical matters, such as money, work, or advice.
- Friendship is adventurous and fun. Russians like to have fun with their friends, and they enjoy various activities, such as traveling, sports, games, or parties. They also like to joke and tease their friends, and they have a good sense of humor. They do not take themselves too seriously, and they can laugh at their own mistakes and misfortunes.
# The benefits of friendship in Russian culture
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Friendship in Russian culture has many benefits, both for the individual and for the society. Here are some of them:
- Friendship enhances the quality of life. Friendship makes life more enjoyable and meaningful, as it provides companionship, entertainment, and inspiration. Friendship also reduces stress and loneliness, as it offers emotional support and comfort. Friendship also promotes health and well-being, as it boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and increases happiness.
- Friendship fosters personal growth. Friendship helps people learn and grow, as it exposes them to different perspectives, opinions, and experiences. Friendship also challenges and motivates people, as it encourages them to improve themselves, achieve their goals, and overcome their difficulties. Friendship also develops and strengthens the character, as it teaches people values, such as honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- Friendship contributes to social cohesion. Friendship builds trust and cooperation, as it creates bonds and networks among people. Friendship also promotes tolerance and diversity, as it bridges the gaps and differences among people. Friendship also supports social change and progress, as it inspires and mobilizes people to act for the common good.
## How to deal with Russians: The importance of friendship
If you want to deal with Russians effectively, you need to understand and appreciate the importance of friendship in their culture. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Be sincere and authentic. Russians value honesty and integrity, and they do not like fake or superficial people. Be yourself, and do not pretend to be someone you are not. Be open and direct, and do not lie or manipulate. Be respectful and polite, and do not offend or insult.
- Be patient and persistent. Russians are cautious and reserved, and they do not open up easily. Do not expect to become friends with them overnight, and do not rush or pressure them. Be friendly and interested, and show that you care. Be consistent and reliable, and prove that you are trustworthy.
- Be expressive and emotional. Russians are warm and passionate, and they like to communicate their feelings. Do not be shy or cold, and do not hide your emotions. Be affectionate and attentive, and show that you like them. Be supportive and sympathetic, and show that you understand them.
- Be reciprocal and generous. Russians are giving and hospitable, and they like to share what they have. Do not be stingy or selfish, and do not take advantage of them. Be grateful and appreciative, and show that you value their friendship. Be helpful and cooperative, and show that you are willing to contribute.
- Be adventurous and fun. Russians are lively and playful, and they like to have fun with their friends. Do not be boring or dull, and do not spoil their mood. Be enthusiastic and energetic, and show that you enjoy their company. Be humorous and witty, and show that you have a good sense of humor.
Friendship is one of the most important aspects of Russian culture, and it can make a big difference in how you deal with Russians. If you follow these tips, you will be able to establish and maintain a good relationship with them, and you will be able to benefit from their friendship. Friendship is a precious gift, and it is worth the effort.