Knew this would be about Russia. I've often heard it said that the Slavic soul is one of constant malaise. Who knows if it's true, but living up in an inhospi

Knew this would be about Russia. I've often heard it said that the Slavic soul is one of constant malaise. Who knows if it's true, but living up in an inhospitable climate and 1000 years of war and strife can certainly shape a culture. My Ukrainian family also never smiles, even at the happiest of times it was barely more than a smirk, and laughter was never really a thing. No smiles in photos, ever. Yet all were stoic and content, probably happier than most.