Random observation of Russia - 2012

[vwrw]

First of all I would like to note that I do not insist that my observations are holy truths. I might misperceive or misinterpret something…nevertheless, here are some observations of Russia and Russians   I have got during my last trip to a middle size Russian city.
 
1.       Sheremetivo airport (spelling) – I was impressed with efficient work of the airport. Although the airport was busy, there were no lines and employees were very friendly and responsive (with the exception of those who work in the passport control, they are still as unhappy as they were in the hungry time) And what toilets the airport has now!!! They are almost artful masterpieces!


2.       People’s weight went up – I am 169 cm and size 6 and I felt very comfortable with my weight in America, yet during my  trip to Russia,  I have a custom to lose 4-5 pounds because otherwise I felt as a big elephant when compared myself to other Russians.  This time, I did NOT feel any need to lose weight because I did not feel myself big compared to others. 


3.       Men’s desperation – Men complain how difficult it is now to find a decent single woman. Each time I met a male acquaintance, after exchange of pleasantries and my saying that my girl-friend taking good care of my free time, each of the men asked me to find him a decent girl if there are any single girls among my friends. When I was living in Russia I did not see a situation where decent guys (professionally and financially successful and without bad habits) could struggle to find girl-friends.  But, shock was still ahead of me.  When I was trying to market those guys to my single friends their reactions were surprising to me.  Fist guy turned out to be too old (he was 11-15 year older than those girls I wanted to introduce him to) and his excellent physical condition, his flexible work hours and his stable business did not sway the women to reconsider his age. The other one tuned out to be fat. He probably below average in bed they said and refused to meet him. 


4.       Younger men – The majority of my girl-friends are 34-40 y.o. Those of them who have been single during last 3 years, all have preferred or happened to date younger men because older guys have an obsolete mentality and expect women to serve them, while younger guys do not mind to undertake roles that recently were considered women’s duties.  Younger guys do not resent being told what to do and helping with laundry, cleaning and child care.


5.       Appearance - usually siting nearby my gate and watching bypassing people, I could guess with a high degree of correctness who is going to be a Russian and I could usually identify foreign people among Russians.  But not this time. With exception of a few “dinosaurs”, this time I could not tell who is who. Red hair, too revealing and ”statement clothes”, loud makeup and other signs of Russian-ness are becoming things of the past.


6.       For first time in my life, I enjoyed shopping in Russia more than I enjoy it here home.

[Vasilisa]

As for weight, could it be that your friends you have met got older and gained some weight?
I can definitely see that weight gain my ex-classmates who used to be very slim at school, but as for the rest of the population I can't say I have noticed any weight gain.  Too many skinny girls, still have to go to size 0-2 before coming back.

As for men's desperation. I have noticed that many women aren't afraid to file divorces anymore and stay alone or alone with the kids, so , the old saying:" плохонький, да свой" doesn't seem to work anymore, more and more women prefer to get rid of the bad partners than having them for the status of married women. Men are sure that women need their presence  and would stay and suffer no matter what, but now it seems to be different. 2 of my ex classmates got tired of their men cheating on them and filed divorces, the interesting thing was that after the divorces both men left their mistresses and came back, so both ladies live with their ex husbands without being officially married.

As for people's appearance, I agree that people have been changing, especially in big cities. More Russian  people are dressed in comfortable expensive casual clothes vs cheap mini skirts and high heels anywhere.

[Muzh]

As for men's desperation. I have noticed that many women aren't afraid to file divorces anymore and stay alone or alone with the kids, so , the old saying:" плохонький, да свой" doesn't seem to work anymore, more and more women prefer to get rid of the bad partners than having them for the status of married women. Men are sure that women need their presence  and would stay and suffer no matter what, but now it seems to be different. 2 of my ex classmates got tired of their men cheating on them and filed divorces, the interesting thing was that after the divorces both men left their mistresses and came back, so both ladies live with their ex husbands without being officially married.

Say it ain't so!!! Russian women behaving like their American cousins.

I guess they have to change the name to FilipinaWomenDiscussion.com   

BTW, welcome back.