Pre and Post-Soviet Dating Habits in Russia

Women in Russia frequently regard their partners or husbands as the family’s leaders. Traditional Russian culture has clearly defined gender roles, with women preferring to stay at home and care for their families over pursuing professional advancement.

However, society is changing, and Russian women are bridging gender divides. A growing number of women are taking proactive leadership roles in Russian society, ushering in a new era for career women.

The Gendered Regime vs Contemporary Women

In Russian linguistics, men are occasionally referred to as the stronger sex. Women, on the other hand, are referred to as the prettier sex rather than the weaker sex.

This is due to Russian society’s notion of male gallantry culture. At all times, men are expected to be gentlemen, while women are expected to be prim and proper and well-dressed.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Republic issued a list of occupations that women were not permitted to pursue, based on the assumption that men were the stronger sex and women were the more attractive. These were jobs that required manual labor or put workers in danger of being exposed to hazardous chemicals. The parallel in the list was that these jobs were harmful to women, and it was the responsibility of the state to protect Soviet women’s fertility.

Several landmark lawsuits in Russia have been won in favor of gender equality, paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles and commanding positions at work.

Despite the fact that modern feminism is very prevalent in Russian society today, dating norms and traditions from pre-Soviet Russia still exist. Men are still expected to be chivalrous, and women are still pressured to marry young.

In today’s dating scene, the concept of traditional gender roles is still present. When it comes to asking women out, planning dates, and paying the bill, men are expected to take the lead.

Commitment is also a major concern when it comes to dating, as Russian women prefer long-term relationships to the Western dating scene, where short-term flings are the norm.

Modern Dating Traditions in Russia

When it comes to dating in Russia, you’ll notice that the majority of dating norms haven’t changed much since the pre-Soviet era. Even though women are more independent these days, men are still expected to take the lead.

• Body Language

  When meeting someone for the first time in Russia, it is customary to shake hands and make eye contact. On a first date, the man, on the other hand, waits for the lady to extend her hand first. In Russia, on the other hand, personal space is not highly valued. As a result, you’ll see people standing close together and conversing animatedly but quietly quite often.

  There is a lot of physical contact during conversations. Depending on your background, this may make you feel uneasy in the early stages of a relationship. If they remain silent, keep in mind that this isn’t always a sign that a lady is interested in you; it’s simply their culture.

• Conversations

  Russian women can be strong, but also emotional, during conversations. It’s a cultural thing, so don’t take it personally. It’s just part of their Russian etiquette. Don’t assume that just because they disagree with you, they’re trying to undermine your morals and views; they’re simply trying to make their point as clear as possible.

• Chivalry and Paying for the Check

  While Russian women today are very modern, they maintain their traditional dating standards, particularly toward males.

  Men are expected to be brave at all times. They expect males to be punctual, open doors for them and assist them with their jackets, among other things. Men frequently bring flowers to dates, but only in odd numbers, as even numbers are regarded to be unlucky. While Russian women are very modern nowadays, they still adhere to traditional dating standards, especially when it comes to men.

  When it comes to paying the bill, men are expected to pay. In the face of modern feminism, this may appear to be counterproductive especially in light of modern feminism, but this culture is viewed as a form of respect for women’s autonomy.

  Women, on the other hand, make an effort to keep their demeanor in check. It’s difficult to find a Russian woman who doesn’t care about her appearance. They tend to avoid any behavior that is seen as unfeminine, such as cursing, smoking, or drinking excessively.

• Meeting the Family

  The Russian people place a high value on the family unit. Women, in particular, place a high value on their parents’ advice. As a result, they are honest about their personal lives with their parents.

  This means you might get a call sooner than you think inviting you to meet the family. Not only do Russian women want their parents to approve of their mate, but they also want them to spend time together.

  With this in mind, it’s critical to make a positive first impression and to understand that her family is now yours.

  Prepare yourself for the possibility that her family tree will span three or four generations. Russian families, after all, are known for their deep roots and history.

• Marriage and Gender Roles

  Men are supposed to be the breadwinners and provide for their families when it comes to family life. Women, on the other hand, are in charge of the home and the children.

  Women are known for being incredibly faithful and considerate to their partners. They are also fiercely loyal to their families, preferring to put their families first over their own careers.

  Traditional eastern Russian culture may appear antiquated and unfair to women, but men are expected to compensate by being kind and chivalrous in their relationships. Males, on average, are more likely than females to support their partners’ lifestyles.

Make an effort to learn about Russia’s history, culture, and norms if you want to date or marry someone from the country. This way, you can ensure that you understand what you’re getting into and that you can proceed without hesitation.