veronika
Added: 20:04 11th.Feb.2005

Hi, Guys,

I was browsing web about news from Ukraine and found this web site. Out of curiosity I read everything there is and if I may offer female prospective on marrying Ukrainian woman.

Actually, I AM Ukrainian woman married to American man and this is a true storry. We didn`t meet thru marriage agency but other than that we had it all. One week at a time dating, 2 years of long distance relationship, which includes painful immigration process, and finally 5 years of marriage and a beautiful little baby-girl.

Here is my oppinion (if I may):
1. Ukrainian women less money oriented than American are but we do what financial security. We want to have home to raise children, food to feed them, clothes (Wal-Mart or Sears brand will do)to wear and something for rainy day. Now how is this different from what you, guys, want figure it out yourself.
2. Most Ukrainian women really looking for person you can grow old with and still holding hands when you walk in the park. Example: when I met my husband, I had a nice well-paid job, financial security. I travelled the world on business and vacation and most important I didn't want to come to America. I liked living in Ukraine. But you can't pass one in a life time chance to live your life with your soul mate. That's why I am here.
3. Ukrainian women are well-educated (most of them) and probably 90% have high education which is not a 4 but 5 year University program.
4. Don't be afraid to contact beautiful lady. I agree with Brett, beautiful ladies might be intimidating, because you think she probably has a lot of other offers. That's why poor beautiful lady will end up a spinster when her ugly duckling sisters will get married.
5. Most women in Ukraine can't drive. Encourage your fiancée to get a driving course in Ukraine especially if she doesn't speak English.
6. Please have in mind that these women have to consider a lot to agree to marry you. If it's a big change for you, it's much bigger change for them. They have to start life from scratch: learn how to speak (English), fit in new world, find new friends, get familiar with new products. When I can to America, I didn't consider half of jokes funny, because I didn't have a background. So, brace yourself, that there might be some transition period which includes some tears (have some tissues handy). Another thing, it might be difficult for her to find a job(especially if she doesn't speak the language), which for an active woman might be really upsetting. Be patient, she will appreciate it and reward your patience and understanding.
7. If you are interested in woman with child, consider this. There will not going to be any ex-husband in sight, no "who has child for Christmas and who for Easter" and all that other good stuff.

Last thing: both me and my husband think that our marriage is the best thing that ever happended to us. We loved every minute of our long distance dating. It was like "50 first dates", when we met every 4 months. ("Nothing beats the first kiss")and because of that we are stonger, we are better and 5 years later we are still in love. We found a lot more things in common than we hoped for. Don`t let distance separate you. We are not from different planets we are "the same squirrel. We just grew up on different side of a canyon" (it`s from "Fools rush in").
Don`t miss your chance.

Veronika:
I really loved what you had to say! It is nice to hear the experience from a women's point of view, especially since you came from Ukraine.

Many of my American friends and some Ukrainians too tell me to be careful because many of the Ukrainian women just want to get on the next plane out of Ukraine.

Like you said, however, many of the women in Kiev are well established and have decent jobs. So, I met women in Kiev who would not mind coming to America, but they were not anxious. Like you said, many of them have fears to come to America - they will miss their family and friends in Ukraine. They will have to start a brand new life. And many of them will have to step down in job status until they they learn English and get retrained or re-certified in their position.

I actually think it is more risky for the women to come to America then for the man who brings her. She will be in unfamiliar territory with no friends and unfamiliar with laws, rules, customs, politics, shopping, and day to day life.

-Dave

Thank you for sharing your insights. I found them encouraging.
My fiancée and I are "knee deep" in the K1 process.
Life is good.
I hope that you and yours are well.

n