Ukraine

In comparison to people from the United States or North America, Eastern Europeans have a reputation for being unfriendly. I would say that Ukrainians are kind of more like coconuts, where they are a little bit harder on the outside. At the outset, saying hello to people on the street is incredibly uncommon. Asking someone how they're doing, if you don't know them, is also culturally strange for them. But they're really warm people and will give you the clothes off their back once they know you. So don't be surprised if you meet a Ukrainian person and they seem a little bit what you would consider unfriendly at first. Once you're friends, they are really, really true friends and they really care about the people that are in their close circle.

Ukrainians are very health conscious and very superstitious, but you just have to do whatever they tell you to do and accept it. For example, in the winter, fall, and early spring it is not really allowed to walk outside without a jacket on or a hat on, or else the babushki, the grandmas, will yell at you. It's also not allowed to sit on something metal when it's cold, to eat ice cream when it's cold, to open windows when it's cold. You just have to be very aware of when it's cold. Another culture tip is everyone's very, very genuine. So if you ask how someone is doing, you should be ready to hear about how they're actually doing. And if you don't have time to hear about how someone's actually doing, you shouldn't ask. And you should tell people how you're actually doing, because they can tell if you're in a bad mood. If you say, oh I'm good, they'll be offended by that. So just be honest, be genuine, and be ready to bundle up.

These people are a lot like, they're a lot like candies. They have a really hard outside and a really soft inside. So if you can crack through that shell on the outside, they're the softest, most wonderful people in the world and they'll do anything for you. Cultural tips, I would definitely say don't be afraid to, for example, ask for directions on the street. People are super friendly. They'll be really kind about things as long as they don't feel like you're trying to invade their life. Don't smile too much at people on the street. It does creep them out. They will think you're crazy. Always be honest, always be just blatantly honest. When we would meet people and show them pictures and stuff, they would be like, hey, you were fat. They don't mean it to be mean. They just are honest.