... in response to " Proceed with Caution!!!!, posted by jrm on Jul 2, 2003"jrm" promises not to read this reply but for those of you who may be beginning the process, the "newbys" jrm refers to, please allow me to share my experience.
1. Scams. For the most part my correspondence has been responded to by lovely, intelligent sincere ladies who I was and am still delighted to have met. Yes some of my corresponence has been answered by "scammers." But if you use common sense and follow the rules that have been listed on this forum many times you be able to defend yourself against them. Their tactics are pretty much the same as the manipulative unscrupulous, "gold digging" AW you can meet in any singles bar on Friday nites anywhere in America, or in church for that matter. Rule 1 do not send money.
2. Safety. I have visited Moscow 4 times, walked the streets at night, admittedly never in the wee hours of the morning but after midnight many times. Visited parks, rode the Metro and on Victory Day danced in Red Square. I have never been troubled other than by some peddlars trying to sell me post cards, medals, soviet currency and rolex rip offs. Again I use the same common sense that I developed from walking the streets of NY and London. Rule no. 1 Be careful out there and here at home as well.
3. Rip off. No comment, because no personal experience. I am only guessing who jrm may mean but I have heard a whole lot more good than anything bad about "rhymes with Smack."
4 Expense. Agree It ain't going to be cheap. But pardon the cliche, You get what you pay for. Think of the $'s you've blown on AW's trying to find the right one. If you do not find that the women of the FSU offer something different and special quit now. But, do not think you are going to save a lot of money instead, unless you intend celibacy.
Rules: Don't try to impress by throwing money around. Be honest with the lady about your financial situation. Seek the advice of the members of this forum. They are for the most part good guys and want to help. There is a wealth of information in the archives.
5. Depressing sites. Yeah, me to, in Bed Sty, Detroit, South Boston, rural Maine, LA, Baltimore and every other N. American city, State and Province. Yeah even in TX.
I have also seen tremendous improvement in Moscow. I realize that Moscow is a relative boom town and that there is still terrible poverty in the rest of the FSU but slowly and surely it is getting better. I have met a lot of fantastic capable Russian people and I bet they will be able to turn it around. The Russian economy is improving and they are enjoying a budget surplus. I know, currently it is based on high oil and gas prices and that may not last.
Glad jrm got to see some interesting sites. I saw lots and I have just begun to scratch the surface. Can't wait to see St. Pete., Lake Baikal, Sochi, etc.
6. "Love." Gosh, what did you expect? Most of the ladies involved would like to establish a relationship and find a good home for their children. That is why they are in the ads. or why they respond to yours. They also have weak English language skills. Far better English than the Russian skills, or any other foreign language skills for that matter, of 90% of AM though. It must be tough to express in a forign language, that "I like you so far and I would like to continue to correspond and hopefully meet you and maybe we will grow to love one another and than want to spend the rest of our lives together." Maybe she will just say "I love you." Be aware that there is a language and cultural gap. Be sensitive, tactful and try to be a little understanding. But also be careful. Yeah she may be setting you up for the kill.
7. Sex. Was this supposed to be a complaint. Grow up, one way or another men always pay for it. It is the biological price we pay for spreading our genes. Could be worse, remember the praying mantis.
8. Marriage. I couldn't agree more. It is one heck of a commitment but are you happy alone? If so stop, because marriage with anybody, AW, RW or anybody else sure can be complicated.
I hope you "newbys" will ignore jrm's warning. For if you are truly interested in a relationship with the most charming ladies of the FSU I am convinced that this forum is the absolute best source of info. Of course you must sort thru some BS to get it but what else is new.
