I am sure many have experienced people in a social situation acting extremely happy to see each other, however, once alone some of these people(not necessarily Russians) start trying to draw a wedge between themselves and the others via backstabbing/two faced behavior. You will see it on school playgrounds, you will see it with friendships & you will see it in the professional world. This leads you to be distrusting of the smile. I smile, you smile, but it doesn't really break the ice because I don't know who you really are or what your motives are. I may see you smiling & shaking hands with the person you were just bitching about ten minutes ago. Again more distrust.
Reading & listening beyond the obvious expression may be more valuable than just taking it at "face value".
That said, the smile is probably more useful as a default than a glower or frown. At least it does seem to present a willingness to open dialog. People are more likely to approach someone who is smiling at them, than someone who is sending them an icy look.
Reading & listening beyond the obvious expression may be more valuable than just taking it at "face value".
That said, the smile is probably more useful as a default than a glower or frown. At least it does seem to present a willingness to open dialog. People are more likely to approach someone who is smiling at them, than someone who is sending them an icy look.