Hey, Ken!
Thanks for such an interesting question. Let me offer my perspective on the topic. I'm originally from Russia and been married to a strong Western man for two years now. I believe I gained some insight into the issue of the discrepancies in the expectations of Slavic (for the lack of a better word) ladies and Western men for each other. By no means, I'm an expert though, so it's just my opinion.
Most of the ladies of suitable age grew up in a society with very traditional gender roles. What I mean by traditional gender roles is that everything related to home, children, housework, relationship with the relatives, etc. is mostly women's sphere of influence and responsibility. Let's call it microsystem. Most of the issues in the bigger world or macrosystem, such as job and stable income, dealing with authorities, official paperwork of all kinds etc., is expected to be handled mostly by men.
In a nutshell - microsystem - women; macrosystem - men.
Slavic ladies, well most of them, will not expect you to do your fair share of house chores, unlike ladies in most European countries or in the States. However, they will expect you to be a breadwinner for the family, a problem solver.
I perfectly understand what you mean when you say relationship based on equality. I think, most Slavic ladies would like to participate in the decision-making process and do not want all the decision to be made for them by their man. However, full true equality means not only equal rights but also assuming equal responsibilities. I believe that this is the latter the Slavic ladies are not willing to embrace. Particularly, contributing financially.
I am not trying to take one side or the other. Just attempted to provide some sort of perspective onto the topic, the way I see it.
Good luck in your endeavor finding your soul mate, your Slavic lady. My husband thinks that despite all the hardships we had to overcome that was the best decision he had made in his life.
Thanks for such an interesting question. Let me offer my perspective on the topic. I'm originally from Russia and been married to a strong Western man for two years now. I believe I gained some insight into the issue of the discrepancies in the expectations of Slavic (for the lack of a better word) ladies and Western men for each other. By no means, I'm an expert though, so it's just my opinion.
Most of the ladies of suitable age grew up in a society with very traditional gender roles. What I mean by traditional gender roles is that everything related to home, children, housework, relationship with the relatives, etc. is mostly women's sphere of influence and responsibility. Let's call it microsystem. Most of the issues in the bigger world or macrosystem, such as job and stable income, dealing with authorities, official paperwork of all kinds etc., is expected to be handled mostly by men.
In a nutshell - microsystem - women; macrosystem - men.
Slavic ladies, well most of them, will not expect you to do your fair share of house chores, unlike ladies in most European countries or in the States. However, they will expect you to be a breadwinner for the family, a problem solver.
I perfectly understand what you mean when you say relationship based on equality. I think, most Slavic ladies would like to participate in the decision-making process and do not want all the decision to be made for them by their man. However, full true equality means not only equal rights but also assuming equal responsibilities. I believe that this is the latter the Slavic ladies are not willing to embrace. Particularly, contributing financially.
I am not trying to take one side or the other. Just attempted to provide some sort of perspective onto the topic, the way I see it.
Good luck in your endeavor finding your soul mate, your Slavic lady. My husband thinks that despite all the hardships we had to overcome that was the best decision he had made in his life.