I think my response to a post on Russian Brides is deserving of further consideration. ( Archived) (4)

I defence of Russian Brides, make of it what you will.


We all start out with the best of intentions, the term "import" did not apply in my case nor did the term "presumably" beautiful, she was, and still is, absolutely stunning.

Aging western man? Speak for yourself, young man...lol.

We are still in close contact and it will remain so. I have no feelings of recrimination or bitterness.

As always, both men and women sometimes think that the grass in greener on the other side of the fence. Just as frequently, they find that it isn’t.

I have to tell you that my ex now has considerable regret, but it's too late, my feelings have changed and too much water has flowed under the bridge.

For those of you who might be considering a Russian Bride, I offer the following brief advice: Do make absolutely sure that you gen up on Russian culture. It is entirely different to ours and their expectations quite often exceed reality. Not all western men are millionaires and you must make that quite clear in the first instance.

You must also understand that following Perestroika, basic food and basic commodities were short supply in Russia, women who had children to feed, found life difficult in a way that we are unable to comprehend.

And finally, once you have achieved the long, expensive and tortuous process of obtaining a marriage visa for your Russian bride, you must recognise that, all being well, two years down the line, the last and most frustrating hurdle is jumped. The Home Office passport stamp, “Indefinite Leave to Stay”, an occasion of much celebration and tears. Excuse my emotion.

There afterwards, it is a case of “United We Stand, Divided, We Fall”. Watch for the signs of elative exhaustion, abject depression and the signs of mental stress well known to newly released prisoners of war. You must give her, her freedom. How she chooses to exercise this freedom is beyond the remit of this response.

Typo..should read "in defence"

I am so sorry, it sounds like a very painful experience. I hope you find a better love for you next time. Hugs.