When dealing with people from different cultures, it’s easier when you understand their background, it’s particularly true in dating. Women from Russia tend to pay great attention to little details.

Tip #6 for dating women from Russia: Pace

In the modern western culture a man is expected to express his physical desire for a woman early on, usually on the first date, by attempting to kiss her or getting close to her.

But it wasn’t like this always. Just a few decades back a man could expect to be slapped in the face for attempting something like this not just on the first date, but even weeks or months after knowing each other.

In Russia, it’s still not appropriate for a man to attempt physical contact on the first date and even within the first few dates, unless given a clear sign she wants him to do it. If a man tries to get too close too soon, the woman thinks he is only interested in a short-term fling.

In Russia, conventional wisdom holds, “The slower you go, the faster you’ll arrive”, when it’s about dating.

Being slightly distant but courteous is the thing that is extremely attractive to women from Russia. Pace yourself, if you want her to feel respected and valued, as opposite to disrespected and devalued.

Pace yourself, if you want her to feel respected and valued, as opposite to disrespected and devalued.

How long should you wait before attempting physical contact?

You can take her hand in your hand early on, even on the first date, by offering her your hand.

It’s easier to do if you offer your hand when exiting a car of walking down the steps, for instance. Men in Russia are expected to offer hand to a woman exiting a bus or a tram, for instance, as well as open the door of the car for her and offering a hand. It’s part of the courtship.

This allows you to hold hands and check the chemistry.

You are also allowed to kiss the palm of her hand, especially if you have just met or parting, as opposed to kiss on the cheek or a hug (now matter how innocent). These gestures were considered appropriate between a man and a woman who weren’t an item back in 19th century among noblemen (think “Anna Karenina” or “War and Peace”).

You are also allowed to whisper something in her ear and this won’t be considered disrespectful or pushy.

So, you can get close enough to the lady, just don’t attempt kisses on the face or body hugs during the first few dates. If you can wait with these things until the date #8 and things go smoothly, then you can check again if she is ready for a kiss. Lean over to her as to tell her something quietly, and see if she leans in as well or moves away. If she reciprocates, then she is ready for a kiss and it will be appropriate.

Anyway, it can happen sooner, but remember not to be too pushy during at least the first 2-3 dates.

Once she allows you to kiss her, things can go all the way pretty quickly. This is how it works in Russia. Nothing at first and everything at once, when the time is right.

Read also:

• Top-5 reasons to marry a Russian woman
• Best tips for romantic relationships
• How to overcome dating problems?
• Are Russian women hot or cold?