Some of you have asked for additional information about her and our relationship. I had known her after two trips and over a year of emails and almost daily telephone calls. She spoke great English and was a physician.She also worked as a pharmacy representive.She had travelled to Europe on several occasions for the drug company she represented.She was 26 years old.No children.I would say she was attractive but not a 10.The age difference was 17 years.She did not worry about it at all. She did like nice things but could discuss that she knew she did.While she did not live in Moscow she was quite well traveled.We spent a great three weeks in Europe together.

Some thoughts from her....she would always be somewhat scornful of the western men that would try to date her on her trips and tell her that they had a few hundred dollars in their pocket.I would have to agree with her somewhat on that point.For you guys who have been to Russia lately I ask this question ...how far does $100.00 really go now.I am a businessman.Talking to her Father and his businessmen friends I understand that there is a large "grey" system of pay in Russia. If a family or person tells you that they get along on $100-150 per month think again!My question to you guys who send nothing to your woman as she is waiting for the K1..How much do you spend when you are in Russia?How far does a $100.00 really go.

In my case the $230.00 sent a month meant nothing to me.Yet she did think that I was greedy when I cut it off. So it would have been better if  had sent nothing. But,it perhaps to me was an experiment in her fiscal maturity. In the end I agree with much of what was written about her level of commitment.But perhaps all of us should be more realistic about the situation of our ladies that we seek.

One more thought...my thanks for all of the thoughts and advice.This is the level of exchange of information that this board should always strive for.Much more interesting than reading the personal fights of children at play.

... in response to Re: Additional Thoughts/questions answer..., posted by petem on Feb 13, 2003

You make some big, sweeping statements there about occupational groups without any fact whatsoever.  As always, it's not the job, or country, or anything else.  It's the person!

John
Who's happily engaged to a lawyer from the FSU :-)

... in response to Re: Additional Thoughts/questions answer..., posted by Rando on Feb 12, 2003

women are women and men are men.......regardless of what anyone says. Any woman will expect a certain kind of man to pay the bills. Some women actaully pay-but this is only for a certain type of man. My wife expects me to make money-but she works also. She expects me to excel and to not be a couch potato. The RW I have seen are real beeches but most women I have met are. And all the AM I have met are suffering from some real issues-but all men are. So I believe that we all get what we deserve-eventually. I know my wife got what she deserved-ME! hahaha
Joe

... in response to Re: Additional Thoughts/questions answer..., posted by micha1 on Feb 12, 2003

I can truly appreciate your Kreskin ability to see an entire situation by one view, but most do not. We have not heard the woman's view at all. We only know the Watcher's. He seems like a nice enough guy. But like Bill and others who had a 'snag' in the fabric of love tend to scream scam or thief or some deragatory term without usu knowing the true story. Remember MarkH.......some times guys can be real animals. These long distance relationships can be very stress and fearful.......sometime these women just freak out. I know if all I had to lookm forward to in this life is every waking moment with some of the freaks I have seen in this process-I would bolt too. so please mon frere do not be so quick to judge.......
Joe

... in response to If you must know!, posted by Watcher on Feb 12, 2003

I Just realized that I am not sure I know what six figures really means.

1,000 to 9,000 would be four figures
10,000 to 99,000 is five figures and
100,000 to 999,000 would be six figures

if this is correct, then saying one is in the six figures relative to income leaves a great range of possibilities. I am not asking about clarification concerning your income. Obviously any six figure income is pretty darn decent and quite a bit higher than the norm for income in the USA.

... in response to It just dawned on me, posted by thesearch on Feb 13, 2003

123

... in response to If you must know!, posted by Watcher on Feb 12, 2003

if you are making $10k to $15k a month and you are worried that your soon to be wife is PISSED because you complain about $250 a month.........shi t I would be pissed too----wouldn't you? Tell me the truth........If you were living from pay check to paycheck and your wife to be was pulling in $10-15 thousand bones a month and living large but only offered a stipened of $230 a month........how much would you think that she loved YOU?
Joe
just something to think about

... in response to If you must know!, posted by Watcher on Feb 12, 2003

it depends on what you want - if you want equal, she would be offended by your money - and would appreciate on what you are already spending for all the travel, her papers and just her support expenses when she comes over. If you see that she is sincere and might be struggling with money, there are always other options to help financially - buy something she really needs, pay for some of the expenses, etc. For some reason, all the relationships I am aware of when the guy paid a nice "monthly allowance", ended up not working. I don't think it is $$ amount which matter, I think it is your relationship and communication which does. Guys gave you very good points, and honestly - any amount of extra income is a good support either here or in Russia. Depends on how it is used and appreciated or taken for granted.

Good luck,

Russian Wife