What gifts do you wish for?

[mies]

It was a question I never directly asked, but I did consult with at least two other FSUW that were already here on US soil. Their advice was spot on, and confirmed my own gut feelings that I had to begin with.
 
For me, it's an awkward question that possibly places the lady in an uncomfortable position - and why flirt with promises before you've met? Promise only to show up, and then show up, with an appropriate and thoughtful gift, or two.

You are the real man, Vaughn, and you do understand women well.
 

[Vasilisa]

Any women who are serious in their search would answer the question "I wish you are here"  as their gifts rather

Or any smart women 15+ yo would.

[Vaughn]

You are the real man, Vaughn, and you do understand women well.

Thank you, mies. Mine is not the definitive answer, that's just how I feel. Others' mileage, as they say, may vary.
 
The greatest gift for both of us was the experience of acquaintance while touring Moscow, Yoshkar-Ola and Nizhni Novgorod.

[ML]

I was working with a business woman in Russia some time back preparing for a business trip there.  She had been a big help to me, and the day or two before my departure I asked her (via email) if there was something I could bring her from USA.  I said it had to be small as I had not much spare room in my suitcases.  We had never met,  and certainly had not conveyed anything of a dating or romantic nature.  I didn't even know what she looked like, her age, marital status, etc.

I was thinking she would ask for a certain brand of perfume or such, and was already worried about how I would find it with so little time left.

But . . . I was completely floored and dismayed when she replied . . .

"How about a diamond ring?"

I learned to never again ask this question or make this offer.

[Muzh]

Yep. That vicious, greedy scumbag of a Russian woman.

[Hammer2722]

I was working with a business woman in Russia some time back preparing for a business trip there.  She had been a big help to me, and the day or two before my departure I asked her (via email) if there was something I could bring her from USA.  I said it had to be small as I had not much spare room in my suitcases.  We had never met,  and certainly had not conveyed anything of a dating or romantic nature.  I didn't even know what she looked like, her age, marital status, etc.

I was thinking she would ask for a certain brand of perfume or such, and was already worried about how I would find it with so little time left.

But . . . I was completely floored and dismayed when she replied . . .

"How about a diamond ring?"

I learned to never again ask this question or make this offer.

Well, it was an open ended question. Can't blame her for trying!!!! LOL

[CDW]

Well, it was an open ended question. Can't blame her for trying!!!! LOL

At least we know what kind of woman she is!

[Shadow]

At least we know what kind of woman she is!

A practical one with a good sens of humour? 

[Anotherkiwi]

A practical one with a good sens of humour? 

I was thinking much the same!  ML could have missed an absolutely golden opportunity!

[jone]

The type of gifts that I have brought with me have varied with different women.  One woman was into sports and I took her a Galaxy jersey.  One woman was into clothes, so I brought her a selection of Victorias Secret summer dresses.  Another I took a collection of refrigerator magnets from the US - it took me a long time to collect them - but it made her happy as that is what she collects.  I have just picked up two laptops for $180 each to take with me on my next trip.  Couldn't believe the price and even if my friends have laptops, I know they can always find a home.

In every case, I made sure that the gifts were tasteful and not more than $250.00.  While this is a pittance, it was something that I felt would be an honest effort at showing both affection and honor to the woman that I was meeting.  I felt that spending more simply raised the profile of gift giving and lessened the idea of discovering if there was chemistry.

But since we are into gift giving, I always make sure I take along 10 2lb boxes of Sees Candy with me on each trip.  I always give one to my translator and everyone else that does a specific service for me.  It is an inexpensive way to say thank you and I have found that having a specific gift rather than a tip is much more endearing.  I gave a box to the lady that gives me breakfast in Kharkov.  She, in turn, brought me a selection of candies, one each day, for my entire stay.  We had the most wonderful friendship by the time I left.  I learned more from her than from all of my interpreters, girlfriends, taxicab drivers and concierges on this trip.  I still write to her and her husband and will visit them at their home on my next trip.

As for your RW at her home?  If she doesn't produce a spread of meats and fruits when you go to her home, you are not very welcome.  So you better take something with you.  Especially if you are meeting her family.

-j