Some things that a foreign man does may embarrass a Russian girl. If you are out on a date with a Russian girl, they will spoil the first impression about you even if you do them unintentionally.

Remember Her Name

       Many Russian names are hard to pronounce, especially for an English-speaking person. The mistake that many men make when they meet Russian ladies or go out on a date with them is that they do not try to remember the name, or (which is even worse) they try to substitute it with something that sounds more like a name in English. Do not change Yelena into Helen, Natasha into Natalie, or Katya into Kate. Do not change any other names, because it can be completely different from the original name. The name of any person is the most sacred word in the world. And any girl will really appreciate if her name is remembered. Do not be ashamed to ask a Russian girl to explain you how to pronounce her name again: it is really a pleasure when somebody actually cares enough to make an effort and say your name right. Besides you can use this opportunity to explain her how to pronounce your own name, to ask how your name would sound in Russian, or if she wants to be called her Russian name or the English variant of it.

What's up with the USSR?!

       As unbelievable as it may sound, many people still don't know that the USSR does not exist or that Russia is not communist any more. At least that is the impression which I personally get when I communicate with foreign men. Dear gentlemen, please, do not tell a Russian girl something like: “How is it going in the USSR now?” Such lack of any political awareness is just shocking. The USSR does NOT exist any more. Probably, some people confuse Russia with USSR and think that it is the same thing. It is not. The USSR included 15 republics, one of which was Russia. The USSR ceased to exist in 1992. The new Russia is already 18 years old now (2010). =)

Do not Do What May Look Disgusting

       Some things that can be acceptable in one culture may be absolutely disgusting in another. For instance, a friend of mine who stayed in Germany one summer was shocked when she saw that many people felt comfortable enough to blow their noses in public places or even out on a date. In Russia you can blow your nose only in a bathroom or during your private time. Another example is when Swedish men tuck their shirts into their pants which involves unzipping the pants and letting them down. If you have a habit of biting your nails or cleaning your ears with a finger, try not to do it with a girl of your dreams, at least before she falls crazy in love with you. =)

Political Talk

       Do not try to teach any foreign person, not just a Russian girl, something about politics or religion. It seems like many men believe that if you talk about politics you look smart. But if the girl has her own opinion and sees things differently, your spirited speeches and arguments will only make you look like a fool. Besides if you are on a date, it is not a place to talk about politics. You will put yourself even into more danger if you start talking about communism, USSR or Russia without knowing much about it. A common thing in having an argument in a Western culture is interrupting the opponent. This tactic is absolutely unacceptable in the Russian culture and will gain you no respect with a girl. No one is ever right when it comes to politics.