The Internet has opened numerous possibilities for singles to write, instant message, and talk and eventually meet other compatible singles with similar desires and interests.

While some American men have simply written off the new assertive women in the states, they have learned through computer communications that some ladies in other countries actually like to express their femininity, desire children, and still long for an old-fashioned soul mate.

When the personals and dating services were just reaching acceptability, another correspondence oriented meeting option found credibility --- a “mail order” bride.

The Internet allowed men and women of different cultures and nationalities to write, talk, meet and mingle, leading to occasional publicity where a man found the woman of his dreams in the Philippines, Japan, China, or Russia. In fact, women from the block of countries that formerly made up the U.S.S.R. began pursuing men from the states.

Many times the woman would say that she was tired of Russian men who drink too much and did not express their emotions. Dating and matrimonial agencies ring the Internet most boasting nearly glamour shot styled photos of beautiful, ‘traditional' Russian ladies wanting romance with an American man.

In fact, contrasting the American growing trend of women seeking much younger men , perhaps in answer to the relative acceptance of an older man pursuing a much younger woman, Russian women, in general, prefer that their sweetheart be 10-20 years her senior.

So, sounds like those women ignored American nerds, bachelors, and nice guys have an opportunity to still connect with true love, albeit across the ocean?

First, let me clarify, that I have ran a personal ad on some of the larger Internet dating sites seeking (in brief) a woman (likely ten years my junior) who does not yet have children and who still values traditional morals with a 21st Century tweak for equality. Since guys outnumber women on these services, particularly in smaller states like West Virginia, my mailbox stayed pretty empty except for an occasional woman stating she liked my qualities and to email her at a .ru address.

After a few introductory emails, most of the women dropped off the face of the earth. A few, though, within less than a month proclaimed themselves smitten by Cupid's arrow.

For instance, a woman named Tatyana sent me a picture and stated: “Hi, my new friend. In mine message I promised that I shall send you my photo, therefore I send to you my photo. I hope that my photo has like to you.” Shortly thereafter, she told me she was 27, loved tulips and carnations, and has remained alone with her “mum” after her father was killed three years ago in a gas explosion in her home only about 20 km from the polar circle.

Initially, I thought her decision might have come out of the accident of her friend, so I delayed my response, still giving her the benefit of the doubt. However, when the travel and money issues persisted, I told her that I thought we should talk [by phone] or make arrangements to communicate more directly than email. When she dismissed the phone option, I mentioned some options and requested a couple of specifics i.e. her full name and address.

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