Monthly Archives: March 2021

Three key differences between Ukrainian and Russian women

Russians and Ukrainians share a common past. The two peoples have become so inseparable that it can be difficult to tell the difference between a Russian woman and a Ukrainian woman. However, each nation has its own unique personality traits. Like the fact that Ukrainian women would rather rule over men than be obeyed by them. They are a mix of passion and tenderness.

 Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Personality characteristics

Russian and Ukrainian women differ not only in appearance but also in a variety of personality characteristics. The obstinacy of Ukrainian women is the first thing that stands out. It can be contrasted with Russian women’s complaisance. Ukrainian women are more determined, independent, and self-sufficient than men.

Ukrainian women are not used to tiptoeing around men, and there is ample historical evidence to support this. Keep in mind where Ukraine began in general. Cossacks were frequently killed in clashes and battles, or they returned home crippled. This forced Ukrainian women to make their own decisions and accept “non-female” jobs.

The Ukrainian woman tempered her character, becoming tougher and more dominant in her family, whereas, in most Russian families, women remained subordinate to men. Ukrainian women never played the role of victims.

Ukrainian girls’ assertiveness is not an invention. It is supported by historical sources as well. For example, Levasseur de Beauplan, a French cartographer and researcher, described an intriguing custom in which Ukrainian women chose men to create a family themselves. This is something that could never happen in Russia. How can a modest marriageable Russian girl propose to the guy she wants to marry?

Temperament

Ukrainian women are not only more determined, but they also have a fiery temperament. Russian women are more subdued and melancholic as it’s shown in the masterpieces of classical Russian literature.

An interesting sociological study was conducted by one Ukrainian online magazine. Journalists interviewed Ukrainian female students to learn how they see themselves, and they were asked to list the main characteristics of their personalities. The words “feminine”, “gentle”, “cheerful”, “obstinate”, “capricious”, and “emotional” were frequently used by the interviewees.

In other words, Ukrainian women have contradictory, extravagant, and volatile personalities. Russian girls are much calmer.

Appearance

Cosmetics smooth away any disparities between Russian and Ukrainian ladies, who are rightly regarded as among the most attractive in the world. Russian women are more “Northern” in appearance. They mostly have blonde hair and light eyes, clean-cut, delicate facial features. The blood of the Russians mingled with the blood of the Finno-Ugric and East Baltic peoples.

Ukrainian women have a hotter, “Southern” appearance. Most of them can boast jet black hair and noticeable facial features. The appearance of Ukrainian women is sometimes very contrasting: pale skin with dark brows, black hair, and ice blue or piercing green eyes, for example. The Russian woman resembles a fairy tale’s majestic Snow Queen, while the Ukrainian woman resembles a bright, sunny Queen of summer.

What surprises foreigners the most about Ukraine and Ukrainians

BBC Ukraine conducted its own poll of foreigners to learn how they perceive Ukraine and Ukrainians today, compiling a list of the most popular responses from citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Japan, Pakistan, Canada, and Mauritius.

Character

The peculiarities of Ukrainian character, most notably sincerity and hospitality, were mentioned by almost everyone with whom the BBC Ukraine correspondents spoke.

“Sincerity. If you’ve ever traveled to other countries, you’ve probably noticed that the locals appear to be very friendly, but I don’t believe this is genuine. For me, it is often just a mask. However, when it comes to Ukrainians, you can clearly understand how they feel about you,” — Gabriel from Miami says.

 Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

“There are a lot of things that I like about Ukrainians. But the warmth and sincere hospitality are at the top of this list. It amazes me how easily I can communicate with them on a deep, spiritual level. An hour spent over a cup of tea and good company is the best medicine for my heart and soul. This is what I call a unique feature of all Ukrainians, and it is something I appreciated a lot during my time in Ukraine,” admits Randa, who returned to her homeland, the United States, after living in Ukraine for 21 years.

At the same time, Randa dislikes Ukrainian men being rude to women in public.

“Men on the subway or bus would frequently push me away just to pass by and take a seat. Ukrainian men would never offer their seats to a woman, no matter how old she is and no matter how heavy her bags are. Total ignorance.”

Johannes from Denmark has shared similar impressions: “The most irritating aspect is the lack of mutual respect and courtesy. This is true for both the elderly and the young. This is an attempt to be the first, without regard for others…”

“The people I met in Ukraine were all highly educated and well-mannered” —  says Hideo from Japan.

“It seems to me that Ukrainians are very hospitable and united as a nation,” explains Peter from the United Kingdom.

“I am amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainian people. They have ambitions, they have business projects. Although I understand that it is also a matter of survival for people who pursue careers due to the country’s economic uncertainty,” —adds Francis from Canada.

“Strive for liberty and private property. Even during the communist era, many Ukrainians retained these sentiments,” — Alain from France said.

Women

“On the plus side, there are Ukrainian girls. This is, of course, one of the reasons I’m here!” — Gabriel from the United States admits.

 Photo by Adrienn from Pexels

Photo by Adrienn from Pexels

“Ukrainian women are smart, well-organized, and good housewives,” — says Shoaib from Pakistan.

“They are very beautiful and warm-hearted women,” — says Toshiyuki from Japan.

Roads and cars 

“There are only new foreign cars on the streets. How is this possible?” — inquires Hideo from Japan.

 Photo by Life Of Pix from Pexels

Photo by Life Of Pix from Pexels

“There is a huge number of expensive cars: Porsches, Range Rovers, and new Mercedes models. Come count them in the center of Kiev during the rush hour. It’s one great car after another! And this is in a country that is in the grip of a crisis and a war,” —says Gabriel from Miami.

“Roads and little yellow buses! Oh my goodness! It’s just a state of disarray. Drivers who are overly aggressive are attempting to squeeze into the lane. And look at these bright yellow buses! How can they not turn over during rush-hour packed with people!?”— Peter from the United Kingdom says.

“There is no regard for one another. This is especially noticeable in how cars are parked: when they park at crosswalks, they block the passage for pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs,” — says Johannes from Denmark.

Food

“The quality of the food was a huge surprise for me. When I first came to Kiev, there was a bias towards food. But, as time passed, I realized that traditional home-cooked meals are delicious. My fiancee Irina is a fantastic cook, and some of her traditional Ukrainian dishes are out of this world,” — says Peter.

 Photo by Morgan Victoria from Pexels

Photo by Morgan Victoria from Pexels

“I enjoyed Ukrainian cuisine a lot. Your chefs are of the highest caliber. It’s unclear why Ukrainian dishes still don’t have Michelin stars,” — says Hideo.

“Alcohol is like oxygen for Ukrainians; it seems like they can’t live without it,” — states Shoaib from Pakistan.

“It turns out that they drink alcohol every single day,” — Toshiyuki from Japan shares his thoughts.

Nature and the past

“Ukrainian nature is very beautiful,” — says Shoaib.

“The Carpathians’ natural beauty astounds me. This is truly amazing. It must be protected against fraudsters, both large and small, public and private,” — Orest, who moved from France to Transcarpathia, agrees.

Beauty, however, is not the only factor that professionals consider.

“Every day in Kiev, you discover something new or unexpected. These are brand-new penthouses in high-rise buildings with kitschy decor. And houses from the Soviet era that have been destroyed or demolished. The cityscape is increasingly indicative of an ongoing crisis, deeply rooted in the intricacies of the country’s political, social, and historical landscape,” — says Mauritian-based architect Laura Lim Sam.

“The combination of two different lifestyles is most striking. This is the old worldview, the Soviet approach to everything, which is very rough, even primitive. At the same time, the younger generation, which travels to Europe and the United States, sees the world and a new modern life, thinks in a modern manner. And I’m surprised at how well it works in just one country,” —says Gabriel from Miami.

“I’ve always been amazed at how Ukraine, on the verge of disaster, managed to avert it at the last minute. This has occurred several times throughout history. And again during the last revolution,” — says Alain from France.

Caring Russian women and strong Russian men

According to a new Ipsos “Global attitudes toward gender” report, Russia emerged as the most gender-sensitive country. Russians, for instance, categorically refuse to see men doing laundry and cleaning and women working as scientists and builders. Furthermore, gender divisions are strong in Serbia and China, while the situation in Brazil, Peru, and Spain is exactly the opposite.

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Using the online interview method, Ipsos researchers interviewed over 20,000 respondents aged 16 to 74 from 29 countries, including Russia. The survey was conducted among respondents aged 18–74 in several countries (the United States, Singapore, Canada, Turkey, and South Africa). The survey participants were asked to rate the characteristics, responsibilities, and professions in terms of belonging to the male or female sex.

Strength and leadership of Russian men

Strength is regarded as a masculine trait by the majority of Russians (65%), while it is regarded as a masculine trait by slightly more than a third of respondents globally. According to this metric, Russia is clearly ahead of the “global average” — in other countries, the share never exceeds half, and in Spain, only 21% of respondents consider strength to be “male.”

Also, much more frequently than in most other countries, Russians regard leadership as a masculine trait — only China has higher indicators. Surprisingly, men in many European countries and the United States exhibit this trait far less frequently.

Percentage of respondents who associate these characteristics with men:

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Caring and wise Russian women

In Russia, Serbia, and Germany, women are seen as caring for others, whereas in Saudi Arabia and India, concern for others is clearly a more masculine affair. Women are almost never associated with a sense of humor (when compared to men), and only 2% of respondents in Russia and Serbia consider the sense of humor to be a feminine trait.

Wisdom suits a Russian woman better, which cannot be said for nearly all Asian women. Western Europeans hold similar beliefs (as in Russia).

Russian women’s confidence was found to be the lowest (1%) among all countries where the survey was conducted; Russians regard this characteristic as exclusively male (22%).

Percentage of respondents who associate these characteristics with women:

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Cleaning, cooking, and washing are not men’s business.

Taking care of children, washing, cleaning, and cooking — all of these tasks are performed by men far less frequently in Russia than in other countries. Home maintenance and repairs are perceived as a male occupation by only one-third of respondents (59% in Chile, for example), and 9% of Russians believe that it is a women’s responsibility.

It is interesting to note that cleaning is more of a male prerogative in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, whereas cleaning is equally male and female in Turkey.

Percentage of respondents who believe these tasks tend to be performed more by men:

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Russian women’s household responsibilities

The survey’s findings revealed that in Russia, women handle nearly all household responsibilities, whereas, in other countries, attitudes are more mixed. For example, 60% of Russians are more accustomed to seeing a woman doing the laundry (only Serbia has a higher share), while in Europe, the share rarely exceeds 25%. And in Latin America and Turkey, such activities are roughly equally divided between the sexes.

Percentage of respondents who believe these tasks tend to be performed more by women:

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Russian man: a builder and a politician

Politicians, scientists, and information technology workers are seen as masculine professions in Russia more often (and sometimes significantly) than in other countries. Furthermore, the disparity is frequently frightening. For example, 68% of Russians consider information technology to be a male occupation, compared to only one-fourth in the United States and 37% in Serbia, which can also be considered a fairly gender-based country. A similar picture emerges when it comes to politicians, who are viewed as men by more than half of those polled in Russia, but only 17% of those polled in the Netherlands.

Percentage of respondents who consider these occupations to be held more by males: 

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Russian woman: to teach, to teach and… to teach

Russia’s views on the gender of the teaching profession turned out to be markedly different from those of other countries. More than half (51%) of Russian respondents see this occupation as being held by a woman, whereas in Western European countries, the share is rarely higher than 20%. Male teachers are considered even more common in some countries (India, Turkey, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia).

Doctors’ occupation is frequently perceived as men’s in all countries except Russia and Serbia, and the proportion of female doctors is sometimes negligible (2% in the Netherlands and Australia and 3% in the UK).

Percentage of respondents who consider these occupations to be held more by females:

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Source: Ipsos, Global attitudes toward gender in 2020

Women from Kharkov, Ukraine

With a population of nearly 1.5 million people, Kharkov is Ukraine’s second-largest city, as well as the country’s scientific center and the administrative center of the Kharkov region. It lost its status as Ukraine’s capital (Soviet Ukraine) about a third of a century ago. Kharkov is now a major cultural, educational, transportation, and industrial center, with numerous museums, theaters, and libraries, as well as the Annunciation and Dormition Cathedrals, the Derzhprom building in Freedom Square, and the National University of Kharkov.  It was a UEFA Euro 2012 host city.

Kharkov attracts people from all over the country. A large number of universities, factories, and large corporations are concentrated here, prompting many people to consider moving. It is a city of students, socially active youth, and daring and enterprising individuals. A city with huge shopping malls, markets, museums, stadiums, theaters, clubs, and lovely parks. Life is in full swing here, with new offices, squares, fountains, and architectural wonders being built on a regular basis.

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The city gives great opportunities for those who come here to study or work. Because of the competition in various spheres of life, local women are very active and purposeful here. Every year, it becomes more difficult for them to find the right match in their city, so they increasingly turn to various dating websites.

Kharkov is a large city with a developed infrastructure, and locals are accustomed to long commutes between home and work. The women here are very active and used to a fast-paced lifestyle. Basically, they manage to do dozens of things in a day, including walking the dog, cooking breakfast, getting to work, meeting friends in the evening, cooking dinner, and reading their favorite books. A woman from Kharkov will have time to do everything around the house, so you won’t have to worry about mountains of unwashed dishes or an empty refrigerator!

Kharkov ladies are not only active, sociable, and hardworking; they are also known for their natural beauty and amazing fashion sense. Women from this city usually have green or blue eyes. Their hair is light brown or light blonde. They can, however, dye their hair in a variety of colors. Black hair has recently grown in popularity. Like the majority of Ukrainian women, ladies from Kharkov have a lovely figure. They enjoy staying fit by participating in sports.

One of the most intriguing characteristics of Kharkov women is decisiveness. Ukrainian girls’ assertiveness is not an invention. It is supported by historical sources as well. For example, Levasseur de Beauplan, a French cartographer and researcher, described an intriguing custom in which Ukrainian women could propose to their future husbands.

According to Russian women, marrying a foreigner is simple.

Making this marriage work is a much difficult task.

According to statistics, more than 90 percent of European marriages with Russian women end in divorce. There are numerous reasons for this.
The main reasons are based on different perceptions of family values among Russians and Westerners. However, if there is mutual affection, children, and common interests, it will almost certainly work out to overcome the differences in cultures, traditions, and family life.

This is how it works for Elena from Rostov-on-Don and her Swedish husband Magnus, who got married over ten years ago in a small town called Eskilstuna, where they still live today.

 Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Elena had to overcome many challenges as a result of her move to a foreign country, where she had to fit into an unusual life and develop relationships with such disparate family clans.

“We first met in 2007 at a beach disco in Turkish Marmaris,” — Elena comments, — “I’m still perplexed as to how they managed to spot each other among the throngs of vacationers. At the time, I didn’t speak English, and Magnus didn’t speak Russian; someone then assisted us in exchanging contact information. We corresponded for four long years; he wrote me in English, which was then translated into Russian by a translator; I had to study English, and he began to learn Russian as a result. We spoke on the phone for the first time two years later, but the conversation was made up of separate phrases that we had learned by then. Later on, we began to pay each other visits.”

To be honest, leaving my hometown to begin our lives together in Sweden was a difficult decision to make. It seemed that my whole life was left somewhere far away, and a new one starts from scratch. I had no idea what awaited me in this mysterious Scandinavian country where I didn’t speak the language and had no relatives or friends. At work, I rewrote my resignation letter 15 times before making a decision.

The first two years following my relocation proved to be the most difficult. I had to learn a new language and adjust to a different way of life, laws, culture, and mentality. We struggled with some stupid misunderstandings as a result of having completely different ideas about some simple things. In Sweden, it is called “kulturkrack” — a clash of cultures. Perhaps it was after the birth of our first child, Alexander, that I realized this was my new home. Then, almost imperceptibly, I learned the language and got a job. But it was a trying time. A new life necessitates numerous investments: in studies, in relationships, in children, and in comprehending your goals. But I clung to the hope that everything would work out in the end. Fortunately, my husband supported me in everything, I am grateful for his patience and for his support.”

In many ways, Russians and Swedes have opposing views on marriage and parenting.

To begin with, getting married legally is not required in Sweden, and it is not a “fad.” This, I believe, is because if the marriage ends in divorce, all property is divided in half. A woman with children will not be left on the street, the state will provide housing and financial assistance. Second, there is a strong concept of “fifty-fifty” in Sweden, and both spouses share their expenses equally. Men can take six months of maternity leave and do household chores on an equal footing with women: cook, clean, and care for children. A woman, on the other hand, can do a man’s work. Change a wheel on a car, for example. I always tell Magnus that I will not change the wheels because I am “too Russian” for that. Finances in the family are typically divided in half, as are bills and so on… Of course, there are exceptions to the rules, and I believe they are unique to our family. It appears to me that there are still more of my chores around the house, but when I mention this to my husband, he flatly denies it: “No, no, we have everything equally.”

My Russian family consists of three people, including my husband. As a result, our three children — Alexander, Maria, and little Filippchik — are carrying on the family tradition. I want to have more children, but my husband laughs: “Then everything won’t fit in the car,” — Elena says, smiling.

“Swedish fathers play an active role in their children’s upbringing, changing diapers, playing with them, preparing food for them, and taking them for walks, just like mothers. The dominance of fathers in playgrounds was the first thing that struck me when I moved to Sweden, but where are all the mothers? But now I’m content because my husband can cook dinner (he bakes well and frequently spoils his family with pizza and cinnamon rolls), read a book before bed, or play hockey or snowballs with the kids.”

According to Elena, her children have close relationships with their Russian relatives.

“I often tell them that they are half Russian and half Swedes, and to clarify, I say: “this is your Russian cheek, and this is your Swedish cheek,” — they laugh. I tell children that Russia is a very large country and that our first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, was Russian. I promise to show them many of the most beautiful places in my homeland when they grow up. Kids know about many relatives in faraway Russia who miss them much. We talk on the phone a lot, and Alexander and Maria talk on the phone with their grandparents, cousins, and brothers. My mother enjoys conversing with Magnus and teaching him new words. Magnus takes pride in learning new Russian words. But before we met, my husband knew nothing about Russia, let alone Russian culture and people… He is now a direct expert on Russia and speaks Russian fluently. I am overjoyed because he will be able to communicate with my relatives and friends when we visit the country and will not feel like a stranger. And when I speak Russian with our children at home, he understands every word.”

“Our children are dual citizens of Russia and Sweden. We think it’s great that they’ll be able to choose which country they want to live in when they grow up,” — Elena says. “To help children learn Russian, we take special educational programs, read Russian books, and have a large Russian library in our Swedish home.”

Of course, this prosperous and long-lasting union of two such disparate people can be counted on for a lucky star, good fortune, a divine gift. However, it appears that it is founded, first and foremost, on simple human qualities such as dedication and hard work, the ability to hear each other, and the ability to share warmth, care, and love.

Women from Dnepr, Ukraine

Dnepr is Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, with a population of about one million people. It is located in Ukraine’s Central-Eastern part, 243 miles Southeast of Kiev, on the Dnepr River, after which it is named. Large and beautiful, it is the main city of East-Central Ukraine and a major hub for high-tech industries, education, computer manufacturing, metallurgy, and trade.

Along the broad and slow-moving Dnepr river, the city is surprisingly green, with impressive embankments, long boulevards, and spacious parks. It boasts the longest river embankment in Europe (with a length of more than 23 km) and the largest Jewish cultural center in the world. The city is known for its green hills, as well as its rich history and commercial industry.

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This city is remarkable not only for its picturesque scenery but also for the fact that you will find amazingly beautiful girls here. They are used to living in a big city, offering them a million opportunities for personal development and career growth.

Dnepr is a powerhouse of Ukraine’s business and politics and is the native city of many of the country’s most important figures. There are 11 state higher educational institutions including a university and teaching institutes of mining, agriculture, chemical technology, metallurgy, medicine, and railway and constructional engineering. Its cultural amenities include several theaters and a philharmonic hall plus a large number of museums and exhibition halls.

Despite the fact that life is in full swing here, a significant number of Dnepr women remain lonely. They may have a lot of friends to spend the weekends with, but they miss that special person who can light a spark in their eyes. You can’t even imagine how many lonely beauties dreaming about starting a family this city holds.

Women from Dnepr are known all over the world as stunning beauties. They are feminine, fertile, healthy, and desired by foreign men. Women from this part of Ukraine are mostly fair-haired. Most of them have long hair, light eyes, and slim-fit figures. They love to dress fashionable and wear high heels.

Local girls love long walks to have warm and honest conversations. They choose different parks and squares to get away from the bustle of the city. One of them is Globy Park, which was built at the end of the 18th century. This green oasis has become the focus of city walks and cultural activities. There are many places where you can spend time peacefully in Dnepr. For example, you can visit Monastyrsky Island, which can be reached via a pedestrian bridge. By the way, its railings are hung with hundreds of small and large locks of different shapes and colors, which are left by lovers as a sign of their eternal union. Who knows, maybe you will come here with your precious one on your wedding day, too?

International online dating: people ghost and it’s really not your fault.

Every person that has ever been ghosted is surely familiar with the feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem it can cause. Ghosting means leaving no opportunity to open communication not allowing to end up the relationships in a healthy way. All communication ceases. Shame, pain, rage, sorrow, and guilt are just some of the negative emotions that the “ghostee” might feel as a result of this.

 Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator from Pexels

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator from Pexels

The sad thing is that even those people who despise being ghosted can ghost someone unintentionally, similar to how we miss messages from friends when we’re busy. Ghosting has become increasingly simple due to the fact that so much of our communication now takes place over the internet. Especially when it comes to international online dating. The good news for online daters is that most of the time ghosting has more to do with the “ghoster’s” issues than those of the “ghostee”.

They got tired of online dating.

Many times I’ve received questions like “why did she stop writing me?” during my work as a customer support manager for one of the international dating sites. It happens quite often — ladies just get tired from communicating online and stop using the site without any notice. When it comes to dating burnout, taking breaks is a common solution. Overwhelmingness and disappointments can even cause someone to stop dating online completely.

They are going through some difficulties. 

Most women need to be in a special mood for being able to enjoy the process of online dating. Having problems/difficulties in everyday life makes them feel distracted which can lead to losing all interest in international dating. Flirting over the internet with a guy from another country cannot be combined with having some serious problems at work, for example. That’s why some ladies prefer to abandon their online dating profiles until the problems get solved.

You are out of their league.

This type of ghosting sometimes happens after getting to know each other’s life goals and achievements. International dating involves sharing a lot of information about yourself: what you’ve studied, where you work, how you picture your future and etc. Maybe while you’re showing off all your accomplishments, your date gets a little intimidated. It’s natural to be wary of a broad difference between two individuals. It doesn’t mean this person isn’t interested in you or doesn’t think you’re great. Basically, you’re not a good match, but it’s not due to something you did wrong.

They are in contact with too many candidates.

Online dating got so popular due to the great variety of single candidates ready to start a new relationship. It’s great for people getting back into dating, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s possible that you aren’t the only person your match is chatting with, and if that’s the case, there’s a fair chance they’ll cut back on the number of interactions they share. Perhaps they’ve already begun to develop something serious with someone else? Whatever the specifics are, they could ghost.

They got together with an ex.

If someone tries to get together with their ex, or at least entertains the prospect of doing so, they usually ghost. It’s difficult to tell someone you want to try again with an ex because it exposes a person to a lot of criticism, and having an awkward conversation creates dread and anxiety. Their desire to avoid that has nothing to do with you.

They got disappointed in international dating.

International dating is something you won’t know until you try. It’s ok to be aware of some specific difficulties that get in the way of organizing the first date in real life between two international daters. Plus, mind the possible cultural differences that can make people abandon the idea of dating internationally.

International Women’s Day in Russia

March 8th, also known as the International Women’s Day, is marked in red, bold letters in all Russian calendars. Unlike the rest of the world, where this day is seen as a chance to demand equal rights and justice between men and women, in Russia it has taken on an entirely different meaning.

 Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

Women’s Day was initially conceived as a day of feminist action in Russia, which is considered one of the birthplaces of the holiday. It was first marked on March 8, 1913, when women held a mass protest to demand the right to vote. In 1918, it was proclaimed a national holiday in Russia. But somehow, this day has long since developed into a combination of Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Since Mother’s Day is not really observed in Russia, March 8th serves as a day to commemorate both mothers and women in general.

International Women’s Day in Russia has become a romantic occasion, with men buying mimosas or roses and sweet little gifts for their wives, and stores filled with champagne and boxes of chocolates. Men make romantic declarations instead of political statements seeking equality.

Women’s Day is an official public holiday in Russia. Since most people have the day off on March 8th, several businesses hold a Women’s Day corporate event the day before or after the holiday. Women are also given flower bouquets, as well as chocolate or personalized presents. At school, children bring their (female) teachers flowers. And younger grades create 8th of March-themed arts and crafts projects for their mothers and grandmothers.

This lovely spring holiday is usually celebrated with a festive meal and champagne in the family circle. Visiting friends is another common way to commemorate March 8th. Flowers, poetry postcards, chocolate, and other nice gifts are offered by men to their mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters. Many men also take over the housework on this day as a token of their appreciation, so that women can enjoy a full day of rest.

Regardless of any feminist questions about the holiday, March 8th is a significant date in Russian history and culture. That’s why this day has a special meaning for all single women looking for a foreign partner online. Any Russian woman will be glad to receive personal message with kind words towards her femininity, beauty and tenderness. Send her a virtual postcard with mimosa blossom to show your appreciation and care.

Women from Omsk, Russia

Omsk is one of the ten largest cities in Russia, situated in Siberia at the confluence of the Irtysh and Om Rivers, the latter of which gives the city its name. The Trans-Siberian Railway, which serves as a major halt, runs east-west through the district. Numerous cultural attractions, institutions, and manufacturing centers can be found in this area.

Omsk is a city with its own mentality. Its population is constantly growing, and its industry is developing, and these statements are not unfounded — this region is one of the leaders in fertility in the country. Despite the fact that Omsk does not look like the glamorous city of Moscow or refined, historical city of Saint-Petersburg, it also has something to brag about.

One of the city’s advantages are Omsk women — beautiful, strong ladies who are able to build successful careers while raising the birth rate of Russia. Among these women you will find the winners of various beauty contests, and famous gymnasts, and successful rugby players, as well as the business women, of coarse. However, the amazing combination of femininity, aspiration for family life and thirst for self-realization is not the only feature that makes Omsk women truly unique.

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Many foreigners believe that all Russian women are alike. They often have a certain picture of a Russian woman in their mind, ignoring the multinational factor of this huge country. Siberian women, for example, are strikingly different from the ladies of Moscow, St. Petersburg or Voronezh. So what exactly makes Omsk ladies so special?

It’s their unique, exotic appearance which is not typical for the European part of Russia. Some Russian women so look like typical Slavs, but many Omsk girls are an exception to this rule due to the history of the Siberian region when these territories were inhabited by Bashkirs, Kazakhs and Tatars. That’s why Omsk women inherited this exotic appearance with drop of an Asian beauty. They often have a fairly large face, medium lips, pronounced cheekbones and Asian eye shape.

Family is a top priority for many women living in Omsk. However, they are not ready to forget about all other things in life, like having a profession and hobbies. Omsk ladies are very purposeful and hardy, and they often combine raising a child with a career.

Women from Omsk are proud to be strong and independent due to the history and living conditions of the Siberian region. The first female residents of Omsk were much more confident and independent than women from the European part of Russia. They had to work on equal terms with men and everything they achieved was made only through hard work.

In Omsk, the pace of life is expectedly lower than in Moscow. In this city, residents do not count every second — they approach any occupation carefully and try not to rush. This trait is very attractive if you consider a girl from Omsk as your potential life partner.