Dating a ukrainian girl: first meeting with her family
If you have been to Ukraine before, you will know how proud the local people are when it comes to family and achievements. If you haven’t been here before: here are some hints on how to understand the traditions.
Ukrainians are hospitable. Sometimes they are so hospitable that a foreigner gets scared and simply wants to leave as soon as possible. If he has spent so much money and time to come to this country, he will regret it if he suddenly leaves. Ukrainian girls will most of the time try to explain this or that and why, but you will have so many questions that it will be difficult to get the answers to all of them right away. Here are some quick guidelines covering the basics of Ukrainian conviviality, as for the details, don’t be afraid to ask your girlfriend.
Family plays an important role in the life of every Ukrainian girl. Young women live with their parents until they get married. Sometimes they leave their homes for a few years while they are at university, but as soon as they finish their studies, they return home. They respect their parents so much that they are sometimes willing to pursue a career in medicine or in the public sector, because according to the older generation these professions are prestigious.
Young women have a rebellious nature, they know that there is a whole world full of opportunities and good possibilities, and they often look for the perfect husband outside the borders of Ukraine. Even so, because they are very close to their families, their parents know about their steps and although they may not always agree with them, they support their daughters.
So when you arrive in Ukraine to meet your lady face to face, it is quite likely that you will be invited to a family dinner. Most modern families are open-minded but still keep some traditions. For example, if you are visiting the girl’s family, you should bring a small gift for the parents. A good idea is to buy a bottle of good wine or whiskey for the father and a large bouquet of flowers for the mother.
If the girl has brothers or sisters, you should think about bringing something small for them. The gifts depend on her age. If they are 16-18 or younger, you can opt for a block of chocolate. If they are older, a smaller bouquet for the girls or a good fashion or sports magazine will be a great solution.
During lunch or dinner you must be courteous and pay attention to everyone. The parents will probably only speak Ukrainian or Russian and you will definitely need interpretation help. Language barriers can make you nervous, but don’t let it ruin your time together.
When you speak, speak slowly and try to have as clear a pronunciation as possible. Wait for someone to finish the speech and then ask for the translation. Alternatively, when you have something to say, make an excuse for not speaking the local language and ask your Ukraine girl to translate the words for her.
Parents will surely have many questions: what do you do, do you have your own home, well, do you have brothers and sisters, what are your parents like, do they work or are they retired, what do you do in your spare time, etc. Before the meeting, try to answer these questions and ask your date to translate some of the words. Learn a few words in Ukrainian and you will surely make a great positive impression on your future in-laws!