Russian Women Discussion

RWD Discussion Groups => Experienced => Topic started by: lakecreek on July 27, 2012, 01:50:08 PM

Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on July 27, 2012, 01:50:08 PM
I heard only a couple mention there is a discrepancy of Russian men for Russian women. Because of this matter, I have been told this is the reason why Russian women are going outside their country for love and marriage. Also have been told if you go to Russia and your a guy you might get women approaching you to see if you might be a potential partner they are looking for. Anyways I'm planning to go to Saint Peterburg as a tourist of course. I don't think I would be looked as a potential partner by women over there.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: BC on July 27, 2012, 02:12:02 PM
Don't believe it.

Eduard?
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Chicagoguy on July 27, 2012, 02:53:39 PM
My wife said she would never marry a Russian man. But she also says at her age they are mostly dead :)
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Gator on July 27, 2012, 04:33:42 PM
I heard only a couple mention there is a discrepancy of Russian men for Russian women.

Demographic data show that the population of Russian men and women are virtually equal for the age group of 21-40.
 
Some observers (such as those in the business of matching American men with Russian women) claim a significant imbalance because a number of Russian men: 
-    are not interested in marriage,
-    abuse alcohol,
-    do not work (or earn a low income),
-    and/or, (fill in the blank)
 
DOES IT MATTER?  No.  What matters is meeting good RW. 
 
 
Quote
Because of this matter, I have been told this is the reason why Russian women
are going outside their country for love and marriage.

Some RW leave  Russia for the opportunity of a better life, and economics is part of their equation.  Some RW leave for love (and the opportunity for a better life).  You choose. 
 
 
Quote
Also have been told if you go to Russia and your a guy you might get women
approaching you to see if you might be a potential partner they are looking for.

Happens all the time at certain nightclubs.  They probably charge $100-200 or more.   ;)
 
Quote
Anyways I'm planning to go to Saint Peterburg as a tourist of course. I don't think I would be looked as a potential partner by women over there.

Why do you belittle yourself?  Confidence is important when interacting with RW. 
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Faux Pas on July 27, 2012, 05:35:55 PM
IMHO, you couldn't have chosen a better city to go, see the sights, take in the culture and just enjoy yourself. There isn't an abundance of English but, there is some. Truly, St Pete is a world class city and if you do not enjoy yourself and meet many women it'll be your own fault. They are many most everywhere and do not hesitate to introduce yourself to those that may interest you.

The idea of ratios yadda, yadda, yadda, why would they be interested blah, blah, blah means nothing. The only thing you need know is you are in a magical place and the ground zero of babedom.  When is your trip?
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Jumper on July 27, 2012, 06:38:27 PM
Quote
The only thing you need know is you are in a magical place and the ground zero of babedom.  When is your trip?


lol!!!!!!!!!

I havn't been to st pete,so unfortuantely can't confirm
but agree the OP should just go for the experience, and yes while there talk to folks.






Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on July 28, 2012, 11:46:09 AM
Quote
Why do you belittle yourself?  Confidence is important when interacting with RW.

True. Only issue will likely be is the language barrier. I don't know how to speak any Russian.


Before going out there I will buy me a good translator to help me get around. I seen photos of Petersburg, it looks like a very large city with a variety of events and probably good food.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on July 28, 2012, 02:03:03 PM
True. Only issue will likely be is the language barrier. I don't know how to speak any Russian.

Then learn some!  It's not that difficult to learn the absolute basics - hello, goodbye, please, thank you, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" and "where's the toilet?"  :D

Before going out there I will buy me a good translator to help me get around.

Electronic or human?  As was posted earlier in the Odessa thread, most younger people speak English to some degree, even though many are scared to use it.  You can guarantee that many staff in agencies (dating or accommodation), the palaces (Hermitage etc), tourist shops or kiosks, and banks, speak English (many of them fluently).  The only times I really needed the little bit of Russian language that I do speak was when buying food in the "produkti" shops.
 
I seen photos of Petersburg, it looks like a very large city with a variety of events and probably good food.

Yes, the food is good, but you don't go to St Petersburg for the events, you go there for the sights.  It's the most beautiful city in the world, and the girls aren't too bad either (not as many tens as in Moscow, but then it's got less than half the capital's population).  Unless you're only 5 feet tall and weigh 300 pounds there should be a woman for you somewhere!
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: calmissile on July 28, 2012, 05:03:28 PM
Interesting topic.

I attended a free seminar in the LA area today that was put on by Mark Davis of European Dream Connections  (commercial member).
This subject came up in the Q&A session. There were young Ukrainian wives that fielded answers to questoins about ratios, etc.
I don't recall the answer to the ratio questions but there was a much more telling answer to what leads up to this question.

The question was why are FSU women seeking foreign husbands?
The answers from the women were that the FSU women are seeking long term family commitments (marriage) and the single local men do not want this.
And why should they?  They can have a different girlfriend every month if they want to.  Why settle down and make a commitment if they don't have to!

Of course alcohol abuse was mentioned but the women stated that the main reason is because they cannot find a local man that wants marriage and commitment.
Based upon their answers it would seem that a WM making it clear that he is seriously looking for marrige will go a long way to getting their attention.

Just thought I would pass this along from todays seminar.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: mendeleyev on July 28, 2012, 05:06:27 PM
St P is an excellent city to visit, the most western of all Russian cities. Of course the women are even more beautiful in Moscow so Sp P is a great place to start and graduate to Moscow when you gain more confidence.  :D

Seriously, Peter is great and you'll have an awesome time.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on July 30, 2012, 04:37:20 PM
Interesting topic.

I attended a free seminar in the LA area today that was put on by Mark Davis of European Dream Connections  (commercial member).
This subject came up in the Q&A session. There were young Ukrainian wives that fielded answers to questoins about ratios, etc.
I don't recall the answer to the ratio questions but there was a much more telling answer to what leads up to this question.

The question was why are FSU women seeking foreign husbands?
The answers from the women were that the FSU women are seeking long term family commitments (marriage) and the single local men do not want this.
And why should they?  They can have a different girlfriend every month if they want to.  Why settle down and make a commitment if they don't have to!

Of course alcohol abuse was mentioned but the women stated that the main reason is because they cannot find a local man that wants marriage and commitment.
Based upon their answers it would seem that a WM making it clear that he is seriously looking for marrige will go a long way to getting their attention.

Just thought I would pass this along from todays seminar.

So in comparing Russian women with American women would you say that Russian women are more family focus toward marriage than Americans women? The drinking issue I have heard is a big problem over there.


I heard about Moscow, extremely large city wit ha population around 12 million. Whoa!! I'm sure there is some gorgeous beauties there that would cause me to faint.  ;)

Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: calmissile on July 30, 2012, 07:16:23 PM
So in comparing Russian women with American women would you say that Russian women are more family focus toward marriage than Americans women? The drinking issue I have heard is a big problem over there.


I heard about Moscow, extremely large city wit ha population around 12 million. Whoa!! I'm sure there is some gorgeous beauties there that would cause me to faint.  ;)

I really cannot comment with authority on Russian women however, from what I have read on the forum, the culture is nearly identical to Ukriane.  From what I gather from reading, the main difference is that Russia has an improved economy compared to Ukraine.  This in itself might mean that fewer woman are willing to immigrate to a foreign country than in earlier times.

From what I gather from many,  many emails and Skype chats with Ukrainian women there  are two reasons they are seeking foreign husbands.  It does not appear that there is a large bias in the genders in the age groups under 30 yrs old.  Of course the older folks have a different issue.  The Soviet Union lost millions of men during WW II, making eligible husbands more rare.

The first reason is that they are seeking a foreign husband is because the single men do not want to get married, and once they are married, many of them leave their wives to live a single life again.  You wil note the huge amount of single women on dating sites that are single moms with at least one child at home.

The second reason that Ukrainian women are seeking foreign husbands is because of the economy.  If you can imagine working for $200/month and having to live with your relatives because you cannot afford a seperate apartment, you get the idea of how life is there.  During the past year, I have heard more and more stories from FSUW that can not find any job and the women with adult children living at home state that their children cannot find any kind of job either.  I guess there are exceptions in Kiev and perhaps Odessa, but my experience is mostly with FSUW that live in smaller cities and villages.

I do not get the feeling that FSUW are any more dedicated to become family oriented wives than AW.  It appears to me that they are just much more desperate because the men that are single and available in the FSU just do not want to get married.  They prefer to play the field..... and are very successful at it.   LOL
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: ML on July 30, 2012, 07:58:42 PM
The Soviet Union lost millions of men during WW II, making eligible husbands more rare.

Is this really relevant anymore (in the current marriage scene)?

Any surviving dudes (and gals) would be in their mid 80s and older.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Shadow on July 31, 2012, 02:15:04 AM
As noted here above, there is indeed a surplus of women, if you are in to the contestants of this years Eurovision....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKNRGc71hjc
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Chemist on July 31, 2012, 05:29:11 AM
Is this really relevant anymore (in the current marriage scene)?

Any surviving dudes (and gals) would be in their mid 80s and older.

I tend to think it is because older generations will always have an influence on the younger generations.  A woman living in the same apartment as her mother and babushka will likely be indoctrinated with the idea that marriage minded men are rare in the FSU.  I read about it all the time in my letters.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: alex330 on July 31, 2012, 06:16:48 AM
When I first began looking I read all the agency bs and fell into the trap about the women versus men ratio. A good friend who makes it his life's work to poke holes in everything pointed out that this was simply not the case at all and provided info to back it up. The ratio of men to women is pretty even.

Last year new information and studies have started to come out though. It seems the demographics in the FSU are once again tilting in favor of the WM. Heart attacks, AIDS, TB, alcoholism, violence, the erosion of families and the economy are once again taking their toll on the Russian males and family units.

The article states that the population decline "is more than three times the death toll World War I inflicted on Imperial Russia." Maybe some members with more cultural and economic insight can comment but it seems the women still have many reasons to keep searching abroad. Locally I am seeing more and more RW marrying men. Many are not coming in on K1 or K3 VISA's so doubt there is an easy way to track the numbers.

Summary and full article links below.

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136511/nicholas-eberstadt/the-dying-bear (http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136511/nicholas-eberstadt/the-dying-bear)

http://www.aei.org/files/2011/11/02/-eberstadtthedyingbear_194331985869.pdf (http://www.aei.org/files/2011/11/02/-eberstadtthedyingbear_194331985869.pdf)
 
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: alex330 on July 31, 2012, 06:30:53 AM
So in comparing Russian women with American women would you say that Russian women are more family focus toward marriage than Americans women? The drinking issue I have heard is a big problem over there.


I cannot speak for the entire population of women but I would say that yes, my Ukrainian wife and her friends are much more family oriented than AW. They all want to get married and all want children. The few that are not married are feeling the pressure. The RW that we know who have moved to the US are all starting to have children.

The drinking is a problem. If it is cold outside you should have a little vodka to warm up. If you are sick, a little vodka.  Instead of several layers of clothing some guys we know that work construction start the morning with vodka.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Muzh on July 31, 2012, 10:07:43 AM
I cannot speak for the entire population of women but I would say that yes, my Ukrainian wife and her friends are much more family oriented than AW. They all want to get married and all want children. The few that are not married are feeling the pressure. The RW that we know who have moved to the US are all starting to have children.

The drinking is a problem. If it is cold outside you should have a little vodka to warm up. If you are sick, a little vodka.  Instead of several layers of clothing some guys we know that work construction start the morning with vodka.

I'm sorry, you lost me.

You said drinking is a problem.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: alex330 on July 31, 2012, 10:12:33 AM
I'm sorry, you lost me.

You said drinking is a problem.

If you are on the East Coast it is already afternoon so you are good to drink as much as you want  ;)
If you are in Cali or Hawaii it is probably a bit early for the vodka...
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Muzh on July 31, 2012, 10:15:21 AM
If you are on the East Coast it is already afternoon so you are good to drink as much as you want  ;)
If you are in Cali or Hawaii it is probably a bit early for the vodka...

Ahh, gotcha.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: BC on July 31, 2012, 10:31:34 AM
Ahh, gotcha.

Which means we here in Europe should be passing out about now..
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Muzh on July 31, 2012, 12:46:31 PM
Lucky you. I have 15 minutes before QT and head home. Sapphire martini with a twist of basil.
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: BC on July 31, 2012, 01:47:46 PM
Lucky you. I have 15 minutes before QT and head home. Sapphire martini with a twist of basil.

Cuba Libre here.. and still kicking all the while....
Title: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Shadow on July 31, 2012, 02:09:51 PM
The only problem with drinking is there is never enough Vodka.

Recently in Germany saw they sold Jelstini, Gorbachew, Putinov.... only none of them was 40% so we could not buy them...
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Milz713 on August 02, 2012, 05:57:21 PM
I was in Peter last June and it is truely an amazing city!  Tons of beauty and history.  If you are not crazy about Russian food there are about the same amount of McDonald's as Chicago not to mention subway, burger king, KFC, and pizza hut.  Don't let these guys fool you,  90% of the people I talked to either don't know English or won't speak English.  I was with a native so it made life very easy. Just make sure you fit Pushkin and Peterhof into the schedule.  There are many tourists there also from many different corners of the world.  When you graduate to Moscow you will need track shoes to keep up because everyone is in a hurry to go someplace..
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Brianinaz on August 03, 2012, 12:15:18 PM
http://www.aei.org/files/2011/11/02/-eberstadtthedyingbear_194331985869.pdf (http://www.aei.org/files/2011/11/02/-eberstadtthedyingbear_194331985869.pdf)

Interesting reading.
"Women between 20 and 29 years of age bear
nearly two-thirds of Russia’s babies. In 2025, Russia is projected to have
just 6.4 million women in their 20s, 45 percent fewer than today—and
there is relatively little mystery in these projections, given that all
women who will be between 20 and 29 years in 2025 are already alive."
Roughly half the number of women in their 20's....Wow, better get while the gettin is good.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on August 04, 2012, 01:38:04 AM
I heard drinking is a issue in Russia. My friend she is from Yekaterinburg, Russia ( she is gorgeous unfortunately she is taken by another girl) she told me drinking is a common way for most Russians to relieve stress and keep warm during harsh winters. She also told me streets pretty dangerous at night. She never mention to me about the imbalance gender ratio but most of you guys brought up good points what leads to this so called shortage of men.

I need to have a Russian discussion with her, maybe I will next week weekend when she will take me to a Russian restaurant for my belated birthday.

But comparing RW to AW friendship, I would say RW seem more caring (show more affection) of their friends than AW. Hugs and kisses on the cheek only comes from her (RW) but AW not really.

Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Turboguy on August 04, 2012, 04:25:39 AM
I would agree with the comment about the drinking but would tend to disagree with the comment about the streets not being safe at night.  I have been to lots of cities over there, lots of times including two trips to Yeketerinburg.  I would say the city streets over there are safer than most big city streets here.  I am not saying you can't find trouble there but less so than here.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Gator on August 04, 2012, 06:30:34 AM

But comparing RW to AW friendship, I would say RW seem more caring (show more affection) of their friends than AW. Hugs and kisses on the cheek only comes from her (RW) but AW not really.

 
Do you base this opinion on just your one friend.  If so, keep in mind that she is a lipstick lesbian.
 
Also, if you use cheek kisses as an indication, keep in mind that cheek kisses are a polite, somewhat routine greeting in the FSU, almost equivalent to our perfunctory "How are you."
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: ML on August 04, 2012, 09:44:59 AM
Also be aware that for many FSUW, they will care much more about their female friends than the will about their man or other family members. 

Some very, very, very strong bonds.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Jack on August 04, 2012, 01:06:33 PM
Also be aware that for many FSUW, they will care much more about their female friends than the will about their man or other family members. 


Really!
And you say their are many such FSUW women like this?

As I have never seen this, could you tell us what areas of the FSU, or areas in America, where you have seen many FSUWomen who cared more about their girlfriends than their husband or boyfriend and their family members?
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on August 04, 2012, 02:12:55 PM
I was in Peter last June and it is truely an amazing city!  Tons of beauty and history.  If you are not crazy about Russian food there are about the same amount of McDonald's as Chicago not to mention subway, burger king, KFC, and pizza hut.  Don't let these guys fool you,  90% of the people I talked to either don't know English or won't speak English.  I was with a native so it made life very easy. Just make sure you fit Pushkin and Peterhof into the schedule...

Even by your reckoning that means that 10% do speak English.  Do you honestly think that you could say the reverse applies in the USA?
 
You say that you were with a native - how do you think you would have coped if you didn't have them (her? him?) holding your hand (literally or figuratively)?  If you were on your own you would have to have tried at least some Russian, and I guarantee that you would have got a different response.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on August 04, 2012, 07:27:58 PM
Also be aware that for many FSUW, they will care much more about their female friends than the will about their man or other family members. 

Some very, very, very strong bonds.

I will have to agree with Jack on this one, I have read forums about Russian women totally taking care of family members, husband, children and their friends. Maybe a few Russians are like this, but I think the numbers would be small. I know I can't make a totally judgement as I never had been to Russia, but I'm sure I could ask several women there on their views of qualities of life.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Milz713 on August 04, 2012, 08:39:30 PM
I think Anotherkiwi missed the part where I said they either couldnt speak english or they wont speak English,  I mean they may know it but they didnt want to speak it.  I know very little Russian,  just enough to be polite and say I dont know Russian.  In Moscow many many people spoke English when I was there but in Peter I would go to buy something without my Russian friend or try to order something in a Restaurant and they did not speak English.  Even the hotel I stayed at I couldnt find anyone that could speak English much better than I could speak Russian.  At the Hermitage Museum the woman who I bought the tickets from didnt speak English even though the prices were in English.  In Moscow everyone knew before I opened my mouth I was American and if someone approached me in the street they spoke English,  in Peter I had people approach me in the street speaking Russian.    To tell people that they can go into a Russian grocery store and strike up a conversation with the cashier and expect them to speak English?   That isint going to happen.  Are there more people in Russia that speak English compared to people in USA that speak Russian?  Of course there are but I dont think there is a forum out there with Russians saying you can go to Chicago and find Russian speaking people everywhere,,,
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Eduard on August 05, 2012, 11:41:55 AM
Don't believe it.

Eduard?
Haha, I'm not touching this one! I only believe my own eyes...while some chose to believe in goverment's stats. I'll let the "experts" sort this one out  8)
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Manny on August 05, 2012, 02:20:37 PM
Haha, I'm not touching this one! I only believe my own eyes...while some chose to believe in goverment's stats. I'll let the "experts" sort this one out  8)


Isn't it 8-1 by your reckoning? (http://ruadventures.com/forum/Smileys/animated/chuckle.gif)

Totally disproved elsewhere I might add........
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: ML on August 05, 2012, 04:09:16 PM
Really!
And you say their are many such FSUW women like this?

As I have never seen this, could you tell us what areas of the FSU, or areas in America, where you have seen many FSUWomen who cared more about their girlfriends than their husband or boyfriend and their family members?

Jack, I am quite aware of your tactics.

So right now I will concede that your dick is bigger than mine.   8)
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Faux Pas on August 05, 2012, 05:51:06 PM

Even by your reckoning that means that 10% do speak English.  Do you honestly think that you could say the reverse applies in the USA?
 
You say that you were with a native - how do you think you would have coped if you didn't have them (her? him?) holding your hand (literally or figuratively)?  If you were on your own you would have to have tried at least some Russian, and I guarantee that you would have got a different response.

What's your point AK? He didn't say 10% did speak English. My experience in Piter would indicate it's not even half that much. There is a small segment of the Russian population that has taken at least an English course in school. The reason for that IMHO is that English is the most widely spoken language. As a result of this and that many Russians are exposed to some of the English language on a regular basis. Many Russians know some words of English but can't speak or converse.

In the Western Hemisphere there isn't much if any need for Westerners to know any Russian on a routine basis. Most Americans IMHO will be as conversant in Spanish, French, Italian or perhaps some German as your average Russian on the street is in English.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: GunayH on August 07, 2012, 05:10:50 AM
Yes, there is imbalance in the number, most as we grow older.

This is worse when you determine how many men are available to marry in the middle-ages and then how many you would want to marry or be in love with.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Muzh on August 07, 2012, 07:40:07 AM

 
Do you base this opinion on just your one friend.  If so, keep in mind that she is a lipstick lesbian.
 
Also, if you use cheek kisses as an indication, keep in mind that cheek kisses are a polite, somewhat routine greeting in the FSU, almost equivalent to our perfunctory "How are you."

You mean as our cold, calculating nature? Yep, very affectionate that we are.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on August 07, 2012, 04:59:35 PM
You mean as our cold, calculating nature? Yep, very affectionate that we are.

LOL!! Yeah that was a bit cold there.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on August 08, 2012, 02:50:20 AM
I think Anotherkiwi missed the part where I said they either couldnt speak english or they wont speak English,  I mean they may know it but they didnt want to speak it.

No, I didn't miss that part.  It's why I made the point that, if you reckon 90% of them can't or won't speak English, then logically 10% can.
 
As for the rest of that post, I've broken it down into its components.  Please note that I don't disagree with anything which you experienced - it's just that some of it is quite different from what I, as someone else with very limited Russian language ability, saw for myself.
 
I know very little Russian,  just enough to be polite and say I dont know Russian.

Seriously, that's a good start.  Say it with a proper smile and you'll get a smile in return.
 
In Moscow many many people spoke English when I was there but in Peter I would go to buy something without my Russian friend or try to order something in a Restaurant and they did not speak English.

 
Fair enough, but it depends very much where you go - you'll probably find the best English at McDonald's!
 
Even the hotel I stayed at I couldnt find anyone that could speak English much better than I could speak Russian.

I won't argue with you, but I would seriously not consider using that hotel again!  Every half-decent hotel that regularly has English-speaking guests will either have someone on their staff who speaks passable English or have contact with someone who speaks English pretty well (e.g. a local guide/interpreter, schoolteacher or university student).  If they couldn't help you they weren't really trying...but, then again, they may be owned by a co-operative of old-style babushkas.  :D
 
At the Hermitage Museum the woman who I bought the tickets from didnt speak English even though the prices were in English.

I agree about the cashier because I had the same experience, but it was totally different inside.  There was at least one girl in the souvenir shop who spoke fluent English and, in the three days that I spent exploring the museum, I found several "guardians" with good to fluent English language skills.
 

In Moscow everyone knew before I opened my mouth I was American and if someone approached me in the street they spoke English, in Peter I had people approach me in the street speaking Russian.

Maybe you changed your clothing style during the transfer.  8)   Seriously, I'm one of many who has posted on this board about being asked for directions in Russia and Ukraine.  The only place I can remember being questioned in English in the street by a local, with no preliminary exploration, is Cologne in Germany.
 
To tell people that they can go into a Russian grocery store and strike up a conversation with the cashier and expect them to speak English?   That isint going to happen.

 
I know it isn't - I never said that it would!
 
Are there more people in Russia that speak English compared to people in USA that speak Russian?  Of course there are but I dont think there is a forum out there with Russians saying you can go to Chicago and find Russian speaking people everywhere,,,

You picked the wrong city!  There are plenty of posts on this forum saying exactly that.  Maybe not everywhere, of course, but lots of them live in the Windy City.
 
The main point is quite simple - different people will have different experiences of the same place, even if they are there at the same time.  My mother and her sister went to San Diego for 10 days last Christmas - Mum had a ball, Auntie got very ill and therefore finished with rather a jaundiced view.  To make up for it they upgraded themselves on the flight home.  :D
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on August 08, 2012, 03:02:26 AM
What's your point AK? He didn't say 10% did speak English. My experience in Piter would indicate it's not even half that much. There is a small segment of the Russian population that has taken at least an English course in school. The reason for that IMHO is that English is the most widely spoken language. As a result of this and that many Russians are exposed to some of the English language on a regular basis. Many Russians know some words of English but can't speak or converse...

We've been through this discusion before (not necessarily you and I).  English has been compulsory in Russian schools for years, therefore (logically) everyone under 30 (?) will have learnt some, although of course the ability of the teacher will certainly influence how well the student learnt or retained their knowledge.  I'm not doubting your experiences in St Petersburg, or those of Milz713 - I'm just relating my own.  Apart from produkti shopping, everywhere I went in Piter had someone available to speak English.  Maybe I was lucky, or just went to different places.  However, the other point that I made was that even I, with my limited Russian, was able to cope well enough on my own in areas where English was NOT spoken.  If Milz learns a bit more than he already has it should open up the world in a way that he may not have previously expected.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Faux Pas on August 08, 2012, 03:57:27 AM

We've been through this discusion before (not necessarily you and I).  English has been compulsory in Russian schools for years, therefore (logically) everyone under 30 (?) will have learnt some, although of course the ability of the teacher will certainly influence how well the student learnt or retained their knowledge.  I'm not doubting your experiences in St Petersburg, or those of Milz713 - I'm just relating my own.  Apart from produkti shopping, everywhere I went in Piter had someone available to speak English.  Maybe I was lucky, or just went to different places.  However, the other point that I made was that even I, with my limited Russian, was able to cope well enough on my own in areas where English was NOT spoken.  If Milz learns a bit more than he already has it should open up the world in a way that he may not have previously expected.

Yeah maybe you were lucky. I do find that to be more the case in Moscow. I find a lack of English in St Petersburg but, it's not disabling at all. It's still easy enough to get one's point across. At the time I knew maybe 50 words of Russian and many of the menus were in English. It's easy enough to communicate I'll agree but, during my 2 week visit conversing in English I only remember maybe twice.

During my visits to Russia I have noticed, many average on the street Russians who took an English class think they can speak English and really can't. Keep in mind my standard of "speaking" a language is very low. I know maybe 250 words and phrases in Russian but don't claim to speak it.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on August 08, 2012, 04:34:59 AM
Yeah maybe you were lucky. I do find that to be more the case in Moscow. I find a lack of English in St Petersburg but, it's not disabling at all. It's still easy enough to get one's point across. At the time I knew maybe 50 words of Russian and many of the menus were in English. It's easy enough to communicate I'll agree but, during my 2 week visit conversing in English I only remember maybe twice.

During my visits to Russia I have noticed, many average on the street Russians who took an English class think they can speak English and really can't. Keep in mind my standard of "speaking" a language is very low. I know maybe 250 words and phrases in Russian but don't claim to speak it.

I think this actually also sums up my experience fairly well.  I will sometimes say that I don't speak Russian at all, although mostly I tell them that I speak "nimnoga" (just a little).
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: lakecreek on August 10, 2012, 04:57:29 PM
Since we are talking about languages here and I'm reading on here Saint Petersburg has low amount of people speaking English. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should visit Moscow instead since I'm hearing English is pretty well spoken.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: ML on August 10, 2012, 08:32:20 PM
To tell people that they can go into a Russian grocery store and strike up a conversation with the cashier and expect them to speak English?   That isn't going to happen. 

Well actually it has happened several times to me, and including in St Petersburg.
Pick a younger cashier, if you have a choice.
And say something humorous with a smile.
Go back to same cashier on subsequent visits to this store.
A few responded in English first time around and a few more
second time around accompanied by a smile.

But if you really want to cause some excitement in any type of store or mall . . . take your camera and shoot a few pics with flash.  A bunch of people will become very interested in you; including some scowling security types.

After they have gotten in their 'nyets'  I smile and say 'tourist.'
They usually just wave me away, with no handcuffs.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: calmissile on August 10, 2012, 09:15:16 PM
Well actually it has happened several times to me, and including in St Petersburg.
Pick a younger cashier, if you have a choice.
And say something humorous with a smile.
Go back to same cashier on subsequent visits to this store.
A few responded in English first time around and a few more
second time around accompanied by a smile.

But if you really want to cause some excitement in any type of store or mall . . . take your camera and shoot a few pics with flash.  A bunch of people will become very interested in you; including some scowling security types.After they have gotten in their 'nyets'  I smile and say 'tourist.'
They usually just wave me away, with no handcuffs.

So true!  First time it happened I was in a restaurant taking photos of the wonderful dishes in a buffet.  I got most of the way through the buffet line before security shook his finger indicating no photos.  I never did  understand the reason for it, but found the same thing in department stores, etc.    If you know the reason for the 'no photos' policy, you might pass it on to the rest of us.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Anotherkiwi on August 11, 2012, 01:37:41 AM
Since we are talking about languages here and I'm reading on here Saint Petersburg has low amount of people speaking English. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should visit Moscow instead since I'm hearing English is pretty well spoken.

For goodness' sake, don't be such a wuss!   :rolleyes:   If you succeed in finding and catching a Russian woman, you will need to be far braver in the future than is necessary to find your way around non-English speaking parts of St Petersburg.  Visit, and have yourself a ball.  Look for the adventure - don't be scared of the "what if?" or "what if not?"
 
You sound as though you have little, if any, experience of any country other than your own, and certainly none of any country where English is not widely spoken.  How about expanding your horizons and jumping in the deep end?  I went to Shanghai for the World Expo in 2010, and I only know about five words of Chinese.  Sign language and a smile break a lot of barriers, but I admit that I would have tried to learn a lot more had I been going there for an extended holiday, rather than just a few days.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Shadow on August 11, 2012, 03:45:55 AM
So true!  First time it happened I was in a restaurant taking photos of the wonderful dishes in a buffet.  I got most of the way through the buffet line before security shook his finger indicating no photos.  I never did  understand the reason for it, but found the same thing in department stores, etc.    If you know the reason for the 'no photos' policy, you might pass it on to the rest of us.
If someone by accident is in the picture, you steal their soul.  ;D
Or prove that they were at a certain place and time when they were supposed to be somewhere else.....
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: ML on August 11, 2012, 10:04:24 AM
   If you know the reason for the 'no photos' policy, you might pass it on to the rest of us.

I think it's just some mentality thing carried over from Soviet secrecy times.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: GunayH on August 12, 2012, 08:52:57 AM
Some places do it so stop photograpghy shooting using their scenry.

Others think it distracts from shopping/

My friend took many pictures and no one stoped him when signs were there.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: BillyB on August 12, 2012, 09:33:57 AM
Also have been told if you go to Russia and your a guy you might get women approaching you to see if you might be a potential partner they are looking for.


Women approaching men? Not often but watch for eye contact and body language that give you the green light. A man has to make the first move.
 
Anyways I'm planning to go to Saint Peterburg as a tourist of course. I don't think I would be looked as a potential partner by women over there.


Have some confidence. The ratio of men to women isn't big but the ratio to marriage material men to women is big. A good man should have plenty of women to choose from.
 
In FSU it was easy for me to strike up a conversation with ladies in public. There were the occasional rejection or ignoring but just move on.
 
St. Pete is a beautiful city with beautiful ladies and this is a good time of year to visit. Stop a lady on the sidewalk and ask for directions. The conversation may lead you to somewhere else such as a dinner date. Stop in a cafe and ask a lady if you can sit at her table. She may welcome you and you two may have a nice chat. Visit museums and lots of single ladies in there. High ratio of women to men in museaums.
 
Before going, make some contacts and phone calls to ladies. Give yourself more opportunities and you give yourself a better chance for success.
Title: Re: Is it true there is an imbalance in the men-to-women ratio in Russia?
Post by: Shadow on August 12, 2012, 01:32:35 PM
  A good man should have plenty of women to choose from.
A good man is usually no longer available.