Russian women are not a different species so the general dating rules apply to them as they would to any other woman. However, their cultural difference leads them to have different expectations from a relationship when compared to a Western woman so hence we feel the need for a few simple rules to keep in mind when dating a Russian woman.
1. No Mail Order Brides
Yes, it is true that thousands of Russian women go westward in their search for a life partner but sorry to be the one to drop the bomb, you are not their passport to heaven! Russian women are not desperate to get out of their country. So never, ever make it sound like you’re doing them a favor by dating them!

While the media has painted the picture that Russian brides can simply be ordered off the internet, the reality is a different ball game. Russian women are smart and educated and look to marriage agencies and internet dating sites because they are frustrated with the lack of results in finding a good husband by themselves.

World War II and Stalin’s concentration camps claimed over 20 million Soviet lives and 90% of these were men and Russian statistics have shown that the Russian women have outnumbered the men in their country in the current century. This is the main reason for them looking abroad for a life partner.

2. Looking For A Kind, Caring, Family Oriented Man
Russian women look abroad for a serious relationship. They are not interested in a fling and are looking for love, respect and security from their man. They value a man who has a steady job and a stable, healthy life. In fact, several internet dating sites have said that the keywords most used by Russian women in their search for a partner are, “kind”; “caring”; “serious”; “family oriented” etc. This Russian woman, true to form, is looking for an honest, family oriented, caring man.

Russian women are educated and smart, and are not looking to be slaves, but simply good wives to their men. So if you’ve just finished a 20-year sentence, and want to turn on your latent charms, I’d suggest you try a different breed of women.

3.    Age No Bar

Unlike Western women, Russian women aren’t too worried about age. So if you’re 40, you’re not out of league for 20 year-olds yet! But don’t jump the gun; make sure you’re not marrying a potential gold digger!

4.    Keep It Simple

When communicating with a Russian lady, use uncomplicated English. While the Russians are taught English at school, it is always hard communicating in a foreign language. This beautiful Russian lady is frustrated with her search for men in her country and is now looking elsewhere, and though her English language ability is limited, she is not limiting herself in her search for Mr. Right.

No, saying “vodka” thrice a week is not proof of your command over the Russian language! So while you practice your Russian skills, use simple language until you find out exactly what level of English communication your lady is capable of.

5.    Make Communication Easy

Facilitate communication as much as possible. As stated before, use basic and easy-to-understand English. Go a step further, and get your letter translated in Russian so you are assured of your message crossing over to the other side. If you’re sending her letters in the mail, it’s often a great idea to enclose a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope), just so she knows you are eager to get to know her through her reply. Also, always remember to include your contact details in your communication, so she knows how to reach you.

Think about it, this added effort will probably make her heart melt and I can almost hear her going “awww…” (or whatever the Russian equivalent is!)

6.    Be The Man

Russian women have some old-fashioned ideals and they believe the man should pay when they’re together. So don’t expect your Russian lady to offer to go dutch on a date. That said; beware of scammers and gold diggers who are just using you as a cash cow. A respectable Russian woman has a lot of pride, and will not ask for money or expensive gifts from someone she barely knows.

7.    Go Russian

Educate yourself about Russia and its culture. Westerners are quick to stereotype and are often prone to a distorted perspective of other cultures. Read and find out more about your date’s culture. You could even find out by asking her questions. This will not teach you about Russia, but gain you some brownie points as well, for showing an interest in her.

8.    Preferred Countries

Surveys of the Russian demographic have shown that Russian women are usually interested in men from Western Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Men from Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina and other Christian countries are often a good catch too. However, Russian women tend to avoid men from Muslim countries.

Yippee for you if you’re from one of the countries listed above but hey, if you’re not, don’t lose heart. This is what the majority prefer, but there are exceptions to every rule so go ahead and give it a shot.

9.    Be Patient And Understanding

If your Russian lady decides to visit you in your country, be patient and understanding. Don’t expect her to be thankful because you haven’t rescued her from the jaws of poverty and corruption like you think! She is with you because she sees this as a prospective long term relationship, not as an escapee. And at present, she is simply trying to adjust to a different country and culture, and it is obviously very overwhelming for her. A lack of familiarity is often a big change to get used to. Imagine going to a country where you don’t understand the culture or the language.

So give her some time, and help her understand her new surroundings so it is less frightening for her.

10.    Meet The Family

If you meet her family or friends, make sure you take some presents with you. Guests in Russia are expected to bear gifts, and since you’re visiting from a foreign country, the gifts are expected to be foreign too. Also, be very respectful of her family as families are very important for Russian women and if they see you understand how important it is for them, they will love you and respect you more.

The rules can be endless and various, but at the end of the day, don’t forget to be yourself because she too is looking for a life partner so pretending to be someone you’re not would be cheating her. Be confident and most importantly, be honest – it’s attractive to every woman, Russian or otherwise. Use your differences as advantages not as obstacles and simply be open-minded and patient with each other. You’re sure to be a perfect match!