BrendanBaker Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 For work I volunteered for a 3 year position in a Moscow. I only speak basic Russian and want advice to start dating and overall building a social circle. I also do not want to rely on apps, I previously did not have much luck with them. Also at work, all of my coworkers are much older and married so that makes things harder. My interests are weightlifting, yoga, running, and foreign relations. I plan on joining a gym, finding a running group, and I know there are meetup.com groups for foreign relations. My goal is to start making friends and getting a girlfriend. Does anyone have advice for me? I was thinking of just cold approaching on my days off girls and guys who look like they would be interesting in broken Russian and seeing how it goes.
glows Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 I usually stay away from anyone who is visiting, volunteering or on a work visa. There may be some locals willing to date you but I'm not sure what the point of that is. Are you looking to settle in Russia or are you planning to move back to your original country? I would enjoy the country and culture, travel as much as possible and meet different groups. I wouldn't date anyone or be in a relationship under those circumstances.
Author BrendanBaker Posted September 25, 2021 Author Posted September 25, 2021 @glows I plan on staying here for the near future, maybe next five years.(After that, I may or may not have to return to the US. Depends on the job.) I definitely feel that the amount I time I will be here is significant enough to were I want to be in a serious relationship. I completely understand people not wanting to date someone who is going to be gone in a month. I also understand not wanting to date someone who is foreign or does not speak even conversational Russian. But my goal really is to find a serious girlfriend and to make a friend group. Thanks for the response, any more advice? 1
Amanda92 Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 Just be prepare that some people will assume that if you are a foreigner, you just want to hook up.
Alpacalia Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 Sounds like you're taking some good strides to get more involved in your area! Because you will be relocating, you may wish to disclose this at some point. Every relationship will end in some way, so enjoy the time given. However, I agree with others that it will undoubtedly deter some people.
Wiseman2 Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, BrendanBaker said: I also understand not wanting to date someone who is foreign or does not speak even conversational Russian. But my goal really is to find a serious girlfriend and to make a friend group. Ok work on your Russian. Join some online groups. You can use translation tools for that. Subscribe to Russian newspapers online. You can use translation tools for that too. The more you see, read, converse, etc., the better. Even if you use translation tools, reading the papers will give you a feel for the culture. It will also help through sheer repetition and exposure. Sort of like osmosis. See if they have Russian dating apps. Put a good profile and pics up. Mention you're a relocated American (not transient). There may be some women who wish to meet you. If that's the case meet them for coffee. Most Russians have some working knowledge of English so if you can use some phrases beyond 'where is the hotel?' you'll be fine. Edited September 25, 2021 by Wiseman2
chillii Posted September 25, 2021 Posted September 25, 2021 5 yrs is a long time , anything could happen , like you might well fall in love for example . And if that happened she might wanna move back to the states with you later on or you might wanna stay there. But at any rate it's something that would be a big part of the relationship and any future thoughts early on before becoming too involved for her , that you'd both naturally be considering and working out as you go. Just be upfront and honest . You've got some good outlets though so as your interested in mixing and getting to know people , things should fall into shape as you go along.
ExpatInItaly Posted September 26, 2021 Posted September 26, 2021 I can speak from experience on this one, OP. I moved from my home country (Canada) here to Italy almost 10 years ago. I didn't know anyone here nor did I speak any Italian at that time. But I fell in love with this country and have been here ever since. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is get involved in local community groups or activities, and consider joining local expat groups. All of this will help create your own social circle which is one of the best ways to meet potential new romantic partners. In my experience, there are usually plenty of locals who are not at all against dating foreigners, especially in bigger cities. I have other epxat friends scattered throughout Europe who can attest to the same, so don't worry too much about that. But I would absolutely keep working on your language skills, which will be a valuable asset in all walks of life - including dating. I have never used dating apps and I have dated a few local Italian men, including my current partner of 7 years. You just have to get out there and meet people. Good luck on this new adventure!
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