Posted on June 04th, 2003 06:47 PM by admin

Submitted By RWG Staff

In writing a letter, you should always remember 4 things:

1. Be honest
2. Be humble
3. Be patient
4. Be clear

The first of the above should not need to be explained. Russians are accustomed to the government making promises that aren't kept, and you shouldn't present yourself as someone you are not. Unlike American women, you aren't trying to make an impression, but rather you are presenting yourself to someone that doesn't know you. My best advice for a first letter is to write it as if you are writing to yourself.

Describe yourself, your hobbies and interests, your town, and your work.

Being humble is another important point to realize. Life for most women in the former Soviet Union is very difficult, and Americans take for granted many things that foreign women consider luxuries. For example, while laundry machines and automobiles are commonplace here, they are luxury items in Russia. If you compound the problem by boasting of your accomplishments, your intentions to impress your lady will probably come across as simply arrogant and rude.

Patience is perhaps the most difficult trait to maintain, especially with the slow mail delivery times. However, a little common sense goes a long way. It is very unlikely that you will truly fall in love after one letter or from seeing her picture, and the same should be said of her when she first reads your letter. If the woman is truly interested in you, then she will be continue to be interested past the first few letters.

The final point is to be clear in your writing. Write neatly or type if your letter is in English. "Catch phrases" and stereotypes should be avoided, since they are often lost in the language and cultural translation. A professional translator may be a viable option if you have difficulty writing clearly. Regardless, avoid the "form letter" look, since it can be very obvious and will be translated as impersonal.

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