An opinion about Valentine’s Day.

[Jack]

Over the past few days and week have had some clients wanting to deliver flowers or candy to ladies for Valentines Day. And I ask, Why?

Although things are bound to change in the future, today Valentines Day is not such a big deal in the FSU. Most ladies have no idea what is Valentine’s Day. Most ladies are NOT expecting anything unless someone American man has previously sent them something.  I guess if you have one special lady you are trying to impress this is another opportunity to do so but if you are writing several ladies, hoping to meet several ladies in the spring (good for you!), there is no sense in buying flowers for a lot of ladies you have not met.

I have seen recently several different agencies and websites saying “ don’t forget about Valentines Day and sending flowers to your special ladies”. Guys, that’s agency marketing. These agencies and individuals want to put it in your head that you should not forget about Valentines Day so you will buy and deliver more flowers and gifts. The day you must not forget is March 8th, International Day of Woman. This is the day you want to send your lady something. March 8th is, and has been, a close resemblance of Valentines Day for ladies from the FSU.

And a bit of advice to any of you who do send something on Valentines Day. If you send anything on Valentines Day, you had best not forget to send something on March 8th.

[Zink]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

Many of them know. From what I've seen it's always good to give flowers and candy. When my wife and I go to visit her friends and relatives we take along something small as a gift. And when they come to visit us they return the favour. It's a russian thing. They give gifts continually. Many of the gifts get recirculated. It doesn't need to be diamond rings and expensive wine, just something to show that you were thinking of them. Just a card would probably make her happy. They don't understand why people here are so greedy that they can't give anything. Besides don't we want to open them up to our western holidays and traditions? Of course when an agency can sell a 2 dollar rose or box of chocolates for 100 bucks including delivery... That's a little different.

[Ryan]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

I don't make a big deal out of it with my girlfriend of over two years.  I call her and talk with her but I do that anyway...   I of course tell her I love her and congratulate her.  Ya know people in Russia for the most part are used to getting calls congratulating them etc.  And not always the big gifts.  I mean it's nice and all and if she were here in this country I would get her something.  For now I call.  

My dream is that when we are living together that everyday of out life I will write her a little note.  I will hide them around the house in places that I know she be going into.. Like the medicine cabinet or the tea can.  Something like that.. Everyday I want to do something they way I figure it I only have about 40-50 more years of life why not try real hard to make it the best years ever.  In this way I agree with Ken more chances to tell her you love her the better.  

[Zoidberg]

... in response to I agree.. , posted by Ryan on Feb 9, 2004

The first time I visted Sveta I left some notes and cards all over when I left. She was very touched by it. When I visted her again I left notes each day and she was so happy each time she found them. When I left I did the same thing. I get home and in my suitcase was a very nice note from her then in my pants pocket was another and my shirt pocket, etc... It was very nice.

I know I will never wait for holidays like V-Day or woman's day to show her I love her. Everyday will be that special holiday. Last night we were taking and she asked me about Valentines Day. She told me not to send anything and it cost too much. She said to save the money for when we are together so we can have a special dinner together.

Z

[KenC]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

to show your affection to a woman that may become your future wife, is OK by me.
KenC

[Crimea Joe]

... in response to Any excuse........, posted by KenC on Feb 9, 2004

n/t

[Jack]

... in response to Any excuse........, posted by KenC on Feb 9, 2004

welcome back KenC!!!!

[Pordzhik]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

It's the thought that counts

http://cards.mail.ru/event-new.html?id=80280

www.virtualflowers.ru

[tfcrew]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

..and 'sugar-coat' a letter.
Gets there right away.
Should work just fine.

[old guy]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

Something I read which sort of backs up what Jack said....

http://www.gift-lady.com/holidays.htm

[Crimea Joe]

... in response to An opinion about Valentine’s Day., posted by Jack on Feb 9, 2004

Hey Jack, you know I hate to disagree with you but..

Here in Crimea there are ads in all the papers for Valentine Parties, specials on gifts, etc.

No doubt it is not like March 8, but it is important. The women expect something more than a card for sure. If you can not admit it you are too cheap to afford a Russian wife.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Not so true, posted by Crimea Joe on Feb 9, 2004

FWIW, Valentine's Day is celebrated quite a bit in Kherson, too.

Even in Kindergarten, kids are passing out Valentines and taking flowers to teachers, etc. Boyfriends are giving their girlfriends flowers, they have contests in school to see who gets the most valentines, it's advertised on TV, in newspapers, etc, etc.

Guess you agency owners have been pretty successful with your hype, Joe ;-) ...

Let's face it... flowers are big in the FSU. Even men expect to get flowers on their birthdays over there. It seems like any excuse to get or receive flowers will gain acceptance.

They have a holiday for almost everything... Holiday for Doctors, Holiday for Ecologists, Holiday for Teachers... and on this day, the people in that profession will get... you guessed it... flowers...

So, IMHO, I would say it all depends on the situation, as to whether a lady would expect flowers. Hard to give blanket advice in this situation, I would think...

Frankly, I wouldn't be sending flowers to a woman (or women) I had never met... but if someone were sending flowers for birthdays and Woman's Day now... and especially if he started the whole correspondence by sending flowers (while getting a picture to verify she existed...) with his first letter, then the woman might wonder what's going on if Valentines day came and went without some recognition...

IMHO

[LP]

... in response to Kherson, too, Joe, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 9, 2004

...I see nothing has changed, the shots may be subtler but they're as cheap as ever. No wait, even more so under the circumstances. Why am I not surprised? Lemme try one too: Flowers in Kherson? On my trips to Kherson I never saw a single flower, I left with the definate impression only weeds grew in that town. Guess I shoulda been there on V day huh?

Btw, the least you could've done was acknowledged Patrick and those who voted you back, it wasn't exactly a landslide you know. Lol, and you call me arrogant...

Oh well, just to show you I'm a nice guy standby for a gift anyway.

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Kherson, too, Joe, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 9, 2004

and empty a few bottles. Last summer I got caught up in an eve of the storming of Bastille day celebration in Kiev.

Bastille day itself wasn't kind to me.

[John F]

... in response to Not so true, posted by Crimea Joe on Feb 9, 2004

My wife is from "Krim".  She had never heard of Valentines Day until after coming here in 2000 and I brought home Valentines "goodies".