Trace/Queer blog

Learn the difference between Russki and Rossiyanin

Learn about minority ethnic groups such as Tatars, Bashkirs, Chechens, Buryats, Yakuts etc

Understand that many Russian traditions come from Slavic, Turkic and other groups. Educate yourself on these groups as well

Learn the importance of dusha (soul) in Russian expressions

Practice reading subtle emotional cues because Russians often appear reserved at first

Learn formal vs informal speech

Learn folklore and the role of folklore in society (learn about Slavic paganism)

Learn how Soviet culture shaped Russia

Research regional identities too

Learn the Cyrillic alphabet early, its easier than it looks!

Practice patter phrases

Explore ruasian idioms and proverbs

Avoid using DIRECT translation because Russian syntax is different!!!

Listen to regional Russian accents

Use diminutives

Learn the type if humor Russians generally use (often called dry, sarcastic and absurdist)

Read some short Russian poems by Pushkin, Yesenin etc to introduce yourself to Russian literature and expressions

Social Etiquette....

always bring a gift when visiting somebody's house

Never shake hands through a doorway (bad luck)

Remove shoes indoors ALWAYS

Avoid smiling for no reason

Address older women with respect

Accept hospitality because refusing too much is considered impolite

Understand that Russians speak bluntly

Don't directly compliment babies (it could jinx them?)

Food/drink

Learn common russian dishes

Learn Russian tea culture

Try drinking tea from a samovar

Explore regional foods!

Learn the appetizer/zakuski culture (a table of appetizers)

Remember Russian salads usually include mayonnaise

Study holiday foods (kutya, kulebyaka, pirozhki)

Explore the dairy in Russia like kefir, tvarog, ryazhenka etc

Learn glass-clinking etiquette!!!!

Try making your own kvass or buying it locally

Lifestyle...

Get used to layered clothing

Learn the practicality of Russian winter accessories!!!

Learn the difference between dacha life and city life

Learn Russian spa culture (banya traditions)

Learn Russian interior aesthetics (carpets, semovars, porcelain)

Learn classical Russian decoration motifs like Gzhel, Khokhloma, Palekh etc

Learn about orthodox church architecture

Find out why fresh flowers are culturally significant

Explore Russian cinema (you will understand more references)

makeup editing tools such as meitu are your best friend since they help you edit your features to fit their beauty standards

use makeup tutorials from creators with your desired face since it helps you learn how to adjust your features

learn the languages so you can act as a translator to your friends to further solidify it (i do this often and it's so affirming)

use korean/japanese social media to keep up with trends. you can change your language in settings and use a vpn to get a more accurate fyp

say you're mixed race if you're not fully transitioned yet

don't constantly bring up being your trace, it can look sus

use circle lenses! i heavily recommend pinkyparadise