It is very important to remember that pictures can be very misleading. For one, ladies usually will select their best photo to place as her "face" on the site. Nothing wrong with that, we all like to look good. For another, most photos are likely to be made by a professional, which means a woman took time to do make up, to dress up, etc. It does not mean that she looks this way every morning or every day while running errands, taking care of her family, etc. Pictures are rarely an indicator of a lady's personality. Someone who looks good and gentle in pictures can be rough and harsh in life, and someone who looks serious and mean can be afraid of cameras or simply not photogenic.

A lot also depends on the setting, where a picture was made. Done in summer time, you can obviously see more flesh, but it does not mean that the lady is promiscuous or immodest, if a woman's profile features photos made in winter, she is bound to look more conservative, but she isn't necessarily that way in real life. Photographers also play an important part in creating the image you see on the website. Every photographer has his/her own style of taking photos, some will tend to make everyone look more thoughtful, others will try to make photos more candid. And since most women do tend to be shy around the cameras, they generally trust the photographer as they would a professional.

So, it is important to remember that when making a judgment about a woman based on just a few pictures, you can easily be mistaken. Paying attention only to the photos can lead to creating an image of something that is not really there. Even the profiles often do not convey the full message of what the person is really like. They generally leave room only for a few standard descriptions and basic phrases, which certainly are not capable of conveying the lady's true wishes and requirements of what that woman wants from her partner.

When you end up writing to that woman, whom you consider to be your perfect match, you are already in love with the image, which you have created in your own mind! And when you share this with the lady, well, you are very likely to be disappointed, because no woman will accept an explanation that she is the only one for you because she is so beautiful.

It is a common misconception that a woman will look more favorably at a man, if she knows he is writing to her only. This is not really so. Being practical, most women really will not understand how a man can make a decision about his future wife based on a couple photos and brief profile information. Instead of becoming special to her, you become strange, which are not the same things.

Naturally, you should be honest when you correspond with several women at once. In such a situation you should write that you are taking time to get to know several women and set an agreement that should both of you feel interested in pursuing just one relationship, you will let each other know about this honestly. This will seem a much more plausible reasoning to any < a href=http://www.oksanalove.com>Russian bride. It will make her appreciation for your attention even more, if she knows that after some time you have selected her and stopped other correspondence, because she is the one who touched you the most. Such an approach will only prove to your lady that you are honest, serious, that you set real goals and are not a daydreamer, that you are sensible and look at things rationally and respect her choice (after all, she might be interested in several men also), and that if you continue to write to her - you are still interested in getting to know her.

Whatever you decide is up to you. But we suggest honest correspondence with several women as the option, which will help you make the most of online dating.

In order to keep your relationship vibrant and dynamic, do your best to plan regular trips to see each other in person. It doesn't matter what it is - whether you visit each other, or meet somewhere on a neutral territory. The main thing is that you have one-on-one time and get to see what both of you are like in regular, daily routine situations. Planning such visits will give both of you something to look forward to, and actual meetings will be one more link to making your bond stronger and more intimate. Meeting at your home or hers will give you both a great taste of what each of you is really like. Seeing small details of the place where your partner lives, being able to envision what his/her daily life is, meeting people he/she knows are a great opportunity to make your communication at distance more fulfilling. Meeting at a resort or simply a place where neither of you lives will in turn be a great adventure, which can spark your romantic connection and really fuel up your feelings.

Modern technology makes contacting someone overseas quick and convenient, but sometimes it is worth taking advantage of the old-fashioned communication means. Sending a handwritten letter, or even a note, will add a special touch to your communication. Aside from showing your Russian bride that you take time to do something special for her, it will also give her a physical something that connects the two of you. We guarantee that your sweetheart will touch, smell, and re-read your message numerous times to feel closer to the man she cares for.

The means to communication may be many, but the essence of what is being said should not. Since most of the time you will not be able to see each other as you speak, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind to make your communication successful and expressive.

When you are telling your sweetheart about an event, a place, or a person, try to be as descriptive as possible, so she could have a good chance of imagining what it is you saw. She might not be able to read your thoughts completely, but at least she will be able to create a picture of what your day was like. The same rule goes for your feelings - in the absence of body language, seeing each other's face, eyes, etc. put an extra effort to really explaining and sharing what you feel: if your sweetheart made you laugh, make a point of telling her that she put a smile on your face; when she says something sweet, tell her what emotions her words brought about in you. Sharing such moments will make your bond stronger and will be useful when you are in person as well.

In addition, make sure that you exchange and share photographs frequently. Seeing your face, pictures of you with your friends/family, places where you live and visit will help your Russian woman< /a> feel more like a part of your life. It will help her know what you talk about when you describe your life and daily activities, and find out who you are.

MYTH 1 - Russian women are only looking for passport or profit.

As much talk as there has been about internet dating scams it is nearly impossible to argue against this. Yes, it is true, there are some agencies that make money on foreign men by posting fake profiles, creating situations which cause men to pay (and then sharing this money with the girls), etc. However, it does not mean that all Russian women are like that. There are plenty of ladies, who are looking for serious relationships and are interested in finding a partner for life, someone to create a family with and live happily ever after.

The only thing that can really be done about it is you doing research and being attentive to your communication with the lady you like. For one thing, be sure that you use a reliable site/agency - someone that will double-check ladies for you, conduct personal interviews before listing them on the site, etc. For another, research the internet - feedback from other users will give you pretty good clues about whether there is something leery about the organization. Finally, be observant and do not be afraid to ask questions: if you are noticing some red flags in your communication with a particular lady, be sure to contact the agency and have them investigate it as well. Feel free to ask them what they do as anti-scam efforts - if they are a serious reputable organization, they will have a few things to tell you about that.

MYTH 2 - Russians drink too much

Well, yes and no. On one hand, alcoholism is a growing problem in Russia and some CIS countries. Many older generation people have found themselves desperate and lost after collapse of the Soviet Union - vodka is their way to escape the new and unknown. For younger people, for example, in Ukraine, it is a problem that stems from there being a chaos in the country: there are no organizations or activities that would allow young people to realize their potential, so most of their drinking comes from idleness.

On the other hand, Russians can handle much more alcohol than most nations and do not become drunk fast. Vodka is also considered one of the best drinks to keep warm in winter.

MYTH 3 - Russians are ill-mannered

I have met quite a few foreigners who have gained such an impression of Russia and Ukraine. And indeed, mentality of people here is quite different than mentality of people in the US or Europe. Bluntness and harshness seem to be the distinctive qualities in Russians' communication, but the truth is, most of the time it is never said to offend or insult anyone. Such bluntness can often be perceived as rude by people who come from nations that are used to more diplomatic communication and using hints to make a point, instead of saying things as they are. The only way to handle this is to learn not to take this personally and try to understand the culture. If something seems out of hand to you, it is best to ask the person you are talking to what he/ she means - it will help you both avoid misunderstandings.

MYTH 4 - Poor social conditions

Again, yes and no. You can probably still find places that have problems with electricity and running water, but it will all depend on where you go. Villages and smaller towns tend to have more of such problems. If you visit a major city you will find plenty of Euro style hotels and apartments with all necessary conveniences. Most cities will also have internet access (at the hotels, or internet caf?s), be able to offer you nice restaurants and places to visit.

One word of caution about tap water though. While it is perfectly safe for showers or brushing your teeth, you might consider using bottled water for cooking and drinking purposes.

MYTH 5 - All CIS countries are a part of Russia

Most former USSR republics gained independence in the early 90's and have been developing as separate countries since then. While you will not get hit or hurt for calling some other country Russia, it is simply a matter of courtesy (and showing your cultural knowledge) if you call the country by the correct name. All CIS countries still share many cultural similarities and are still closely connected, but they do take pride in being independence.

MYTH 6 - Mafia is everywhere

Hollywood has made Russian 'Natashas' and 'Borises' a terrifically terrible stereotype of the country. Those "bad Russians" seem to be all over the place. The truth is - of course there is mafia, but it is not walking on the streets keeping everyone in fear. If you follow basic travel safety rules and stay away from questionable places and acquaintances (or engaging in illegal activities), you are not in danger. Nowadays, mafia lords are too busy with dealing in drugs, prostitutes, or weapons, so your modest persona of a tourist is very unlikely to present interest for them.

MYTH 7 - It is difficult to get to Russia

Lack of information is what makes travel to Russia and Eastern Europe countries scary. There really are no particular visa requirements for Russia: just an invitation and your passport. An invitation can be received from someone you know in the country, through a hotel or travel agency. Some other CIS countries do not require any papers at all: for example, if you are traveling to Ukraine for less than 90 days, you do not need an invitation, nor a visa. Travel to these countries has also become a lot more hassle- free these days. There is a number of options for traveling to and within the country: flights and trains are easily available, taxis or buses are also easy to find to travel within the country, etc. If you are traveling through a dating agency, most of them will also be able to offer travel/visa assistance services and take care of most of these arrangements for you.

MYTH 8 - Russia is cheap

It will really depend on where you travel. Some larger cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, etc.) have been rated among the most expensive cities in Europe or the world!!! Regional centers will be less expensive, of course. However, you can count on hotel/living arrangements being at the top of your expense list. Food and drink will probably be rather inexpensive (with regard to shopping in the supermarkets), restaurants and entertainment is available for all types of budget - from $10 a meal to hundreds. Real handmade souvenirs will probably not be cheap (especially in the larger cities), so if you plan to travel to several places, it might be a good idea to buy them in smaller towns/cities.

MYTH 9 - Russian brides are beautiful

During my many years of communicating with the foreigners I hear about the beauty of Russian women from them in 99% of the time. Most men who come to Russia seem to be taken aback by how many beautiful women are on the streets. Add to that these women being smart, feminine, and possessing family values, and you will have some of the most amazing women in the world. We hope that you will take a chance of seeing it for yourself by meeting some of our wonderful ladies!

Be open
If you have come to a dating site in hopes of finding a reliable partner for future, this is probably the most important thing to remember. It would be easy if the perfect person magically was the first one we connect with, but chances are, before you find that one and only woman, you will have to make contact with many people. When you are filling out a profile and write "Tell you later" for your name, or other basiñ information, you are not very likely to attract serious women with long-term intentions. Such an action, which might seem witty and humorous, in fact makes you look like a kid playing around at best, and someone who can not be trusted at worst. Women who are seriously interested in finding a partner will want to find a mature, honest man behind a profile. Of course, you do not have to share your whole life story or sensitive private information, but being open and understanding of what women are looking for is your first step in finding the love of your life.

Be honest
By now we all know the difference between lies that are "bad" and ones that are "white" (and seemingly harmless). But when it comes right down to it, a lie is a lie. Many people misrepresent themselves in hopes that they will lose that weight or overcome certain character flaws by the time they meet in person. It is really easy to do since you have a computer screen instead of an actual date or meeting in person. However, even small inconsistencies and harmless truth stretching can come back to haunt you. Of course, your woman can turn out to be ok with the fact that you are a couple inches shorter, a few pounds heavier, etc, but the underlying message that it will send her is that you can not be trusted. If you can lie about little things, why shouldn't you be the same way about more serious matters? We suggest that you fill out your profile accurately and honestly, updating it as necessary. Besides, this is the only way you can find a partner who loves you for who you really are and accepts you just the way you are.

The same goes for your interests and positions on bigger things in life (i.e. family, vacations, holidays, etc.) If you do not enjoy shopping - simply do not talk about it, if you can not stand opera - do not promise your potential partners that you will take them to it weekly. Instead, talk about things you do enjoy, so you build a relationship based on common interests, or at least let your lady know what it is you enjoy in life.

Be realistic
Many different dating sites will tell you that certain things in your profile will attract more attention from the opposite sex. But if those things sound nothing like you - it is best not to mention them all together. If you make a statement about yourself, be sure that it will be something that will be evident in your communication or personal meeting. Not everyone is born handsome, outgoing, or funny, but everyone has some positive qualities that will attract interest of the opposite sex. Stress those qualities that you feel are positive about you: it will help women to get to know the real you from within, and you will not have to hide anything when you meet in person.

Post photos
Placing photos in a profile seems to be far from a priority, but it is one of the cornerstones of making a great profile. You do not have to place your entire life's worth of photos on the internet, select a few pictures of yourself that you like (so you do not feel self-conscious and are more confident) and perhaps a few photos that would make a statement about your interests - if you enjoy sky-diving, place a great photo from one of the jumps, etc. It will give people an idea of what you look like, but also tell them about you as a person.

Be specific in your wants
I once heard a saying "Be careful what you wish for.. for it might come true." Take some time to think about what it is you really want in the woman of your dreams. Outward appearance might be a serious criteria for you, but if you are more interested in finding someone who is caring, loves sports, and is looking for children, mentioning the latter is far more important. And we also suggest to avoid making lists that are too rigid: if you have a list of 100 points of what your perfect woman is like, well, it might be a great idea to mention only the most important ones. Leave yourself some room for flexibility so you do not seem uncompromising, limit your own choices, or miss the chance of a lifetime.

The final word
While it might seem like a little thing to some, double checking your grammar and using appropriate language are also important. Sloppy writing can make you seem careless, offensive or sexual references will not attract women looking for serious relationships, and following online etiquette will make you pleasant to correspond with.

However much or little you decide to share, remember that the finished profile should reflect your true personality. Best of luck in your search!

Minuses of international online dating

The major problem with looking for a partner overseas is the distance. Naturally, when you start communicating and find the person you like, meeting and planning your life together is a much bigger challenge than if you were to meet in your own country, town, or community. An additional problem of being so far away is not being able to observe the person during your communication most of the time. Mannerisms, body language and mimics will be. It is also easy to misrepresent oneself when dating online. However, all the challenges of long-distance relationships are possible to solve, and your feelings would have stood a true test for being genuine and long-lasting by the time you were done overcoming them.

Cultural differences also can pose somewhat of a problem. Learning about each other's culture and traditions will require understanding and patience from both partners in order to be able to make the most of the relationship that is being formed. At times simple things (like how the dishes are washed, or what is typical for the holidays) can result in misunderstandings for a couple - clear communication and ability to ask should you feel uncomfortable with your partner's actions is the only way to overcome such problems.

Much has been said about the scams when looking for a partner overseas. The majority of scammers will pose as a girl, who is really interested in you (it does not have to be a female, though), who will try to coax money or gifts from you. Many men have gone through this; some might have lost just a few dollars, while others would have lost thousands. The main thing to do in order to avoid the scammers is to use common sense and not only rely on your emotions. Make sure that you double-check the site/agency you are using, do background search, look for reviews from other users online, etc. to get as much information as possible to avoid making the same mistakes as the guys before you. It is also best to give preference to the sites/agencies that support anti-scam policies and talk openly about what they do to ensure you will not meet a scammer on their website.

Pluses of international online dating

The main advantage is being open to a whole world of dating opportunities when you decide to search for a partner outside your comfort zone. Tastes and preferences differ, and by allowing yourself to select from hundreds of thousands people across the world you increase your chances to find the person to share your views and dreams for creating a relationship or family. < /p>

Cultural problems can turn into a blessing. Some cultures may be perceived as more home oriented, while the same feature can lack in others. Certain habits and traditions from one culture can be admired and wanted in another. Learning to find such positive "differences" is what intercultural relationships are all about. This has been made easier by ongoing globalization and border expansion through technology - it has allowed many people to travel abroad and come in touch with other cultures, opening minds up for different values and perceptions. In addition, bringing someone from a different culture to your own can help you identify and gain new appreciation for the positive things within your own traditions that might be taken for granted.

Online dating (of all forms) is actually a great idea for people who are shy or apprehensive: it provides necessary anonymity and allows you to take things as slow or fast as you are comfortable, avoiding awkward social situations. It is also a great chance to express yourself and let your future sweetheart know what you really are like inside, instead of focusing on the looks and the physical appearance.

As you can see, international online dating has its ups and downs, but it has been a great way to connect numerous couples across the world. We hope that this article has given you more insights to the online dating possibilities and deciding whether it is the best alternative for you.

When you are in love, you will surely want to tell the world about your feelings. But we have a better solution - place an ad with your proposal on a billboard, where you can later take your Russian woman for a walk before a romantic dinner for two. She will not be able to miss your question, and once she reads it, you can get down on one knee and support the written words with actions and a ring. From there you can easily proceed to enjoy reservations for your romantic dinner to celebrate the event.

Love is always magical, and adding a bit of your own magic to it is a great way to surprise and stun your sweetheart. You will need a help of a friend of yours she has not met. Your friend can pose as psychic (whom you, of course, also will not know for a time being), who will have some details about your sweetheart and yourself (your jobs, family, life details, etc.). This "psychic" will tell you both about how your relationship has been developing and that you plan to propose soon, after which you can get out the ring and ask your sweetheart the most important question of your life.

If you and your sweetheart like the outdoors, proposing at the beach can be just the thing for the occasion. Place the ring and your proposal (maybe a poem written for her) inside the bottle, keep it well hidden until you are able to "find" the bottle on the beach and share the message with your Russian bride. Just make sure you open the bottle away from the water - so you don't lose the precious sign of your intention.

A sweet and romantic proposal can be arranged during a beautiful dinner at a restaurant. Select three of your sweetheart's favorite flowers (roses would work the best), and place a ring on one of them. Hand the flowers to your Russian bride one by one, calling them the past, the present, and the future (the last one being the one with the ring) - your sweetheart will be touched by such an approach.

Involving the family in your planning will be a great idea. You can plan getting several of her closest family members to get together for a dinner ( without your Russian lady's knowledge, of course), and when your sweetheart least expects it, take her into the room where her relatives are gathered and propose in front of her family and loved ones. It might not be as extravagant or unique, but it will be very meaningful and romantic.

For the tech-savvy couples, you can email your sweetheart an animated graphic of a ring or a lose diamond, asking "Will you marry me?" Plan the timing so that your sweetheart opens her email when you are around, for additional certainty, arrange a friend of yours send the email from your address while you are with your Russian lady.

If you are planning a vacation together (especially, a romantic place like the Dominican republic, Hawaii, or some other summer resort), take advantage of the hotel services - many hotels will place a mint or some chocolates on the bed or under the pillow in the morning. Discretely place the box with the ring next to the sentiment (do not forget to place a "Do not disturb sign" on the door) for your Russian woman to find upon returning to the hotel room.

Place the ring with a card asking for her hand somewhere in her/your apartment, where you know she will look - a rather casual place: fridge, bread box, make up table, etc. Make sure that she finds it when you are with her.

For the most creatively gifted men - using computer graphics or by taking pictures of stuffed animals in different poses - create a storybook with characters, who have your names, meet and fall in love. Make sure the story ends with a question "Will you marry me?" and the picture of the ring. Present your Russian lady with the real ring when she gets to the last page.

If you and your Russian bride like mysteries arrange a scavenger hunt for her - have a bouquet of flowers delivered to her place with the clue to start the hunt. Be at the final destination of the scavenger hunt with the ring in your hand.

Remember, whatever way you choose to propose, be confident and make sure that you remind your sweetheart about how much you love her.

Easier communication

Like any language, there are many particular details and subtleties in Russian that can often be misunderstood or unknown to translators (unless a native speaker) or software. If you want to have full control and understanding over your communication, learning the language is the best way to go. Naturally, as you learn, you will be able to see a broader picture of your Russian lady's culture as well.

Knowing her language also gives you freedom to speak and communicate any time you wish, without having to depend on interpreters or equipment: the first can take advantage of your lack of knowledge, while the latter can rarely produce sensible translations.

Impressing your lady

Let us face it, while we all want our partner to love us for who we are, we also want to find ways to impress him or her and stand out. Speaking your woman's language (even if in the beginning stages) will definitely put you a head above the rest of competition. In addition to that, it will clearly pass your Russian lady an idea that you are a well-rounded and open individual, as well as stress the fact that you are putting effort to learning more about her culture and her. Any woman will appreciate her man taking extra care to accommodate differences in a relationship.

Impressing her family

Showing that you take the time and effort to learn your Russian lady's language will not go unnoticed by her family also. It will send them a message that you are open to her culture and will not force your views and language on your lady. It will also be a great way for you to communicate with her family members as most older generation people do not speak English. Creating a positive impression on your Russian sweetheart's family will probably reap you even more benefits than impressing your lady with the language knowledge - since Russian women are very focused on family, gaining approval of her family is very important for building a future relationship and keeping your lady happy in the long run. Who would disagree that having future parents-in-law like you is one of the key things to a smooth, harmonious marriage?

Learning the language

Once you have decided that you are up for the task, the next step is to find the way to actually tackle the learning process. Russian is not an easy language, but given the number of options available to proceed with the studies, you can have your pick of which one works best for you.
- Many colleges offer Russian language courses, in many cases, a native speaker who has lived abroad will be the teacher; in this case you will be able to learn not only the language, but also pick up a few additional tips about the culture to make the most of your learning experience. Establishing connections with other Russian speaking people will also be of great help in making your sweetheart's transition easier once she comes to live with you;< br> - Software for learning foreign languages is available at many bookstores: you do not even have to go out - you can simply place your order through a bookstore website. We would suggest that you read reviews and do additional research about what a language learning package contains to see that it fits your needs best: some programs teach by "immersing" you in a native speaker's medium (they will offer dialogues and various information in Russian thus overwhelming you with the language so you start learning it in time), others will have a slower structured method - start with the ABCs, have more explanations, etc;
- A different alternative is to use internet - some websites will offer " tutorial exchange" so to speak - you can chat or communicate with people from across the world and teach them your language, while they will teach you theirs in return;
- Of course, the most common method is through using textbooks, but you might find it a better supplement to one of the above mentioned methods - it will give you the written explanation, while other types of learning will also offer speaking practice and interaction.

The main thing to remember is to be daring and not be ashamed to make mistakes: no one can learn a language without them, and Russian is one of the tougher tongues. But if you choose the method which works best for you, as well as keep in mind the reason for learning, you will be able to learn enough to touch and impress your Russian sweetheart with your efforts.

How long do you know each other?

Of course, the thrill of meeting someone incredible may push you to plan your meeting as soon as possible, but that is not always a good idea. Initial buzz from communication can make everything look great, but it takes time to establish real trust and connection to make your meeting meaningful. It is individual for every couple, but on average this period is usually counted in months, not weeks. A good idea is to communicate from three to six months before meeting in person. This will give enough time for the initial "pink cloud" of excitement to wear off, leave both of you with enough time to get to know each other, be comfortable in your communication, as well as decide how serious your intentions are.

How serious is your relationship?

Most people coming to dating sites are interested in finding a husband or wife, so if you have considered your pen-pal as someone to share your life with - you should definitely start planning your visit. When meeting in person you will be able to form a different level of perception (not just letters through translators and her voice, but her mannerisms, surroundings, smell, etc) and it could be the final straw in deciding whether she is the one. For your Russian bride such a step will be a clear sign of you being serious in your intentions and interested in long-term commitment. Most Russian women, as women everywhere, prefer to see actions rather than just listen to men's promises; showing her that you are willing to take a big step to pursue your relationship will give her the additional confidence in your relationship and state your serious intentions.

Have you discussed it?

Paying attention to the dynamics of your communication with your Russian lady can be a big help in making the final decision to come and visit her. This can be done by simply noticing how your conversations touch on this subject: do both of you speak of meeting? Is only one person showing interest? Answering "yes" to the first question obviously is a clear sign that both of you are anticipating and ready for meeting in person. However, if you are the only one bringing up this subject, it is best to give your sweetheart time in order for her to be the one who mentions your meeting - to be certain that she is ready emotionally and that your decision is mutual.

Even if you are confident that your sweetheart is ready to see you, it is best to discuss your travel plans with her in advance. When you come to visit her, you will want to be able to spend as much time with her as possible; if you come unexpectedly, she might have some prior commitments, or be unable to take time off work. Being great hostesses and a hospitable nation, your Russian sweetheart will also want to be prepared for receiving such a special guest at her house - in woman's terms this means having a house cleaned, planning a good menu for the time she has you at her home, scheduling fun time, etc; if you plan to meet her relatives, notifying your Russian lady of your travel in advance is a good thing to make sure they are available and also prepared to welcome you in their house, etc.

Where should we meet?

It is extremely difficult for Russian women to travel to US or Europe, so there are only two other options for you to meet - at her home country, or on the neutral territory. Both options have many advantages, and it really is up to you as a couple to decide which you would prefer. Meeting at her home country is the best alternative if you know for certain that the lady you plan to meet is your future partner. If you are having any doubts about the future of your relationship, you might consider meeting on a neutral territory for the first time - to get to know each other better in a more informal setting. Meeting on a neutral territory can also be a great idea for a second or third meeting - once you have determined that both of you are committed to a relationship, once you have had the chance to see what your sweetheart is like at home, etc.

What else?

One other thing to consider is also having enough finances for the trip. While living in Russia might not be as expensive as in the US or Europe, you should consider carefully your travel expenses (ticket, renting a place to stay, etc), as well as having enough resources while you are with your sweetheart. Being on a new territory you will most likely be visiting some tourist attractions, engaging in entertainment activities, eating out, etc. - so you need to make sure you have enough cash (or access to money) to avoid being stuck in an awkward situation.

Dating someone who lives half-way across the world is a challenge, and planning your first visit is extremely important as it can make or break your relationship.

A goal of most relationships is to create communication without boundaries, but there are still a few subjects to avoid in the beginning of your exchange. Some of these are politics, religion, and your former relationships. These are topics that most people feel very opinionated about, can feel touchy about, or get easily aggravated and temperamental over. While these subjects can show your passion and conviction, it might not be the most appropriate time to exhibit them when you are trying to get to know each other. It is best to keep your discussions to topics that are pleasant, light, and help you to discover more about each other in terms of your life, family, or interests. It might be tempting to discuss your former relationships (to find compassion for paining wounds, or on the contrary, to show your good points), but until your partner asks for this information, or you are certain that your relationship is secure enough to discuss this, it is best to refrain from bringing up such information.

You should also try to keep things easy without venturing into personal topics too quickly. It takes time to get to know a person's true personality, and we suggest you allow yourself enough time in talking and getting to know each other, before taking things to a different level. Communication in person can bring about completely different feelings and impressions as opposed to talking/chatting through a computer. It might be a good idea not to discuss private subjects unless you have met in person, established chemistry, and had a chance to understand how each of you feels about personal matters.

Computer slang is also something to consider. Due to cultural differences, various levels of computer literacy, and possible misunderstandings, it is best to spell out and phrase clearly what you mean. Most Russian women do not have regular practice of using a computer (especially for chatting), so many abbreviations can be difficult of them to understand (LOL, ROFL, etc). In my personal experience, most translators that handle letters from men have had little exposure to native English speaker's environment, so many slang words and peculiar cultural issues can be difficult for them to interpret as well. In general, it is best to explain more than to say less: so if you are talking about holidays, places, or people particular to your country, do not hesitate to ask an extra time whether your Russian sweetheart is familiar with what you are talking about. After all, if you join your lives in future, it will be helpful for her to be familiar with some of these things.

Also, if you feel you do not understand your sweetheart properly or the message you hear is very different from what you would expect, it is better to ask what exactly your Russian woman means, instead of letting the matter go. Cultural differences can make some things sound harsh, or have a different meaning in different countries, so do not hesitate to ask more questions.

It is also advisable to avoid discussing overly serious matters through online chatting or letters. Online communication, especially with translation and cultural differences, can be the biggest source of misunderstanding and miscommunication. It is hard to interpret properly a message coming from a person in the absence of physical presence, voice, and facial expressions. You are better off to leave discussing serious subjects to phone calls, or personal meetings, when it is easier to settle any questionable matters at once.

Remember, no matter the situation or communication means, remain yourself and be sincere - this will help you battle any communication problems.