Valentine's Day in Russia

I don't know why I was surprised to find out that Valentine's Day is a very big day in Russia (maybe I just hoped that Hallmark had somehow overlooked this country. It's so hard to miss, you know...). Apparently, it's even crazier for Russian young adults because their view on and approach to relationships is much different than ours in America, or for most people in America.

Russians tend not to be exclusive when entering into romantic relationships. This was first pointed out to me by writer Berdy and I have seen it played out among our friends here. Several of the Russians are in "open relationships" with more than one significant other. Sure, this sounds appealing in one sense and as a Russian guy, it even almost makes sense. All the Russian women are beautiful so how could you choose just one? But on a day like this it just sounds exhausting! Trying to keep up with one person is hard enough, let alone more than one. But maybe I'm just jealous...

I've noticed in general that Russians are very effervescent and friendly towards each other and their guests. I've already commented on their manners and chivalrous behavior towards us but it goes even beyond that. A few times we've had drinks with them and it doesn't matter who we are, who they are, or how much we understand each other (which oftentimes is not very much), they always want us to have a good time. "Russians never drink alone," Maksim told us as he poured us some wine. They are quick to engage us in conversation and offer food or drink before we're even done with the first round. And Russian men and women, whether or not they are dating, are very tactile-playing with each other's hair, casually slinging their arms around each other, and kissing familiarly on the head and cheek. I was a little taken aback by this behavior at first (and I still am a little) because it is very different from what I am used to. I have a very strict "personal space" policy that doesn't quite mesh with theirs.

Valentine's Day here has been very quiet so far. Miles, French Maxime, and I attempted to go to the Gulag Museum and the Museum of the Revolution (what better way to celebrate the feast day of love?) but wound up only managing to go to another Russian bookstore to browse. I really wish I knew more Russian...Later, there are rumors of one of the American girls (not me!) whipping up a dinner for the occasion but we'll have to see if that's true.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day, with whomever and however you celebrate it!

пока!