Student Answers – Frequently Asked Questions

Someone really ought to write The American Man’s Guidebook to Avoid Infuriating a Russian Woman during Correspondence because there are certainly enough American men out there looking for a Russian companion who want to make a good impression, but don’t know where to begin. Even fewer know the biggest mistakes to avoid when writing a Russian woman. While I’m not prepared to write a book on the subject, I do have a few tips for men who are looking for a compatible partner in a woman from Russia.

Like women anywhere, Russian women dislike men that are dishonest, mean spirited and have bad tempers as well as those who are unreliable and of course unfaithful. Many Russian women tend to dislike facial hair and are apt to avoid a man who is obese. However, these same women are not disenchanted by a man who is ten to fifteen years older.

Because Russian women are not desperate to leave Russia, writing the wrong things will end in a quick rejection. Before you decide to write a Russian woman, learn about the culture. Begin to study what is considered normal and acceptable behavior and what is not. You’ll find some very interesting things like that handwriting a letter is considered cheap or that appearing in photos wearing shorts and no shirt is disrespectful.

Remember there is a strong western influence on today’s Russian woman. She sees American television, listens to American music and often eats American foods. While a Russian woman would rarely call herself a feminist, she is independent by fate and takes on many responsibilities as a regular course of life. To assume that she will be docile and obedient is a big mistake. To command her in anything is a major mistake. With Russian women, if you want something, ask and the likelihood is you’ll get it.

Another common mistake when writing a Russian woman is to begin the letter with “Dear” and tell her you find her beautiful. The word “dear” in Russian has a very intimate connotation and is better left for when you know the Russian woman better. To tell her she is beautiful is another way of convincing her you want only one thing and are not interested in her as a person. When considering things that will make a Russian woman feel devalued, keep in mind that trying to impress her with the things you have will only serve to make her feel you are trying to make her one of your possessions.

Lastly, if you want to avoid infuriating Russian women during correspondence, make sure you never stop writing without an explanation. If you find she is not the one for you, tell her.