Posted on November 28th, 2003 01:16 PM by admin

The Ladies of Russia - by longtime Member Richard Wright (aka Rvrwind). Richard recently married and is currently in Tver, Russia waiting on paperwork before he and his lovely wife return to Canada. Richard agreed to speak to some Russian women while there, in effort to help them find American husbands, as well as give the readers of the RWGazette more insight into their ideas, expectations and overall attitude toward this process. Here's the Interview:

First Name: Olga Last Name: Didevich Agency listing: Lifetime Partners & BeHappy Link to her Photo Age: 26 Height: 5’9” Weight: 135 lbs. Hair: Blonde Eyes: Blue Education: University Current Occupation: Teacher Hobbies: Traveling, Gymnastics, Swimming & Volleyball Music Likes: Depends on mood Leisure Time: Looking after her son, visiting friends, dining & dancing acceptable Age Range of Men: 35 – 45 Smokes: No. Willing to accept a man who smokes: Maybe, depends on the man. Drinks: Socially and willing to accept a man who drinks socially or not at all. Second Language: English Level (1-5): 2 Children: 1 Their Sex: Male Age: 5 Want or willing to have more: Yes How many in total: 3 Willing to accept a man with children: No

Her thoughts on acclimating to a new country, it’s culture & language?: Has been to the US once feels she would fit in quite well. She is aware that to obtain viable employment that she would have to upgrade her English, but still feels she would like to live there.

What are your expectations regarding work: Is a Professional Gymnast as well as a Teacher & feels once her English has improved finding employment will not be a problem.

School: Feels her son will have to learn English & that he will have much more opportunities with an education n the US than in Russia.

Living Conditions: She has hopes for somewhat better conditions in the West than in Russia bit has no illusions that she will be rich, only a desire to do better.

What will you miss the most about leaving Russia?: Family, friends & my city.

What can you live without that you have always had in your life here?: Nothing

What can you not live without?: Family Photos!

How do you view the roles of a man & woman within’ the relationship of marriage?: All parts of marriage should be shared equally by both parties & all matters discussed openly & honestly.

How do you expect to be treated by a foreign man that is different from a Russian man?: I feel that a Western man would treat me with more respect & appreciate me as a woman.

What would be the deal breakers in the relationship before marriage?: Unfaithfulness

What about after marriage, what would cause you to seek a divorce?: Unfaithfulness

What are your thoughts on faithfulness within’ the marriage?: The marriage union is sacred. Both parties should work to preserve the integrity of the relationship. Faithfulness is the basis on which an honest union are built & to not abide by this undermines the very foundation on which the relationship is based.

How do you feel about moving to a place where you will have no one close by who speaks your language?: Not a problem, I plan to learn English as quickly as I can.

Knowing that you will not know the language well enough to get employment right away, how do you feel about staying home a lot while your new husband is away at work?: I am fine with that, I know I must improve my English & am quite willing to work as hard as I must to attain that for myself & my future family.

Are you willing to work hard to increase your English skills & learn as much about your new country as possible?: Yes as I said earlier. I do not wish to be a housewife, I want to work & contribute to our future.

After you have learned sufficient English that you can obtain work is it your intent to do so or to just remain a housewife & take care of the children?: Yes. I cannot picture myself as a housewife.

What do you think about the fact that in the west, public transportation is seriously lacking & that the towns & cities are much smaller than here in Russia?: It does bother me a little but I am willing to do what I must to attain the goals that I & my future husband deem necessary for our future.

Do you understand the monetary difference between here & the west? The fact that a man who appears to have lots of money here in Russia is not what he has in the west due to the difference in economic factors.: Yes, I do understand this. Having been to the US I am familiar with this phenomena & am aware of how the values differ.

Because of the lack of public transport are you willing to learn to drive so that you will be able to get around without relying on your husband or friends?: Most definitely.

What about your family back home? Do you feel you & your new husband are obligated to send money to support them in Russia?: To an extent, yes. Although I don’t feel it necessary to support them wholly I feel we should be able to send them some money so that they can improve their lives as well.

What about homesickness, would you miss your home a lot & what would help you to get passed it?: Some but if my son is with me I don’t think all that much.

How often would you expect to return home to visit family & friends?: Once a year if possible but at least once every two years.

Do you feel you are obligated to help your family in Russia immigrate to the west?: Not really but should the opportunity be there I would definitely help them.

Why have you chosen the route of an introduction agency to meet foregoing men rather than find a man who speaks your own language & lives close by?: There are very few good Russian men here & unless a woman wishes to be a mistress all her life there is very little chance of getting one. Those that are left drink to much & cheat on their wives, this is not what a woman wants in a man. Also there are not many good opportunities for work in Russia for women.

Richard's personal observations: I found Olga to be quite open & honest with her replies. She is a charming lady & quite attractive in person. She dressed nicely for our interview in tight jeans & a sweater as it was a little cool that day. She was a little reserved with some questions but I attribute that to her lack of English, after rephrasing them & asking again she had no problem answering. Out of all the questions I asked we had only one that needed to be translated for her to understand. The others I managed to break down so she could comprehend with her own English skills & answer the same. My impression s she is quite serious to find a husband & is not willing to settle or the first guy off the plane. She has written a couple of fellows & met a couple but has not found one she feels is right for her. She sincerely is looking for love & insists you can leave your wallet at home. I felt her main desire was only to have a better life for her & her son than she will ever be able to attain here. I have written her answers in proper English rather than the broken English with which most speak here. I felt that would make it easier for the reader to understand.

If you have any questions about Olga please feel free to email me at rvrwind@hotmail.com & I will do what I can to get answers for you. I was also unable to take pics with my camera for this interview due to some technical problems but have obtained the permission of Be Happy to use her pictures from their site.

Richard Wright