I'm Italian, my boyfriend is Ukrainian. I date to marry and I've noticed that in my country almost and I've noticed that about half of the youth in my country take part in the "hookup culture" or date a lot of people in order to get "experience". He only had a long relationship before me and he's very marriage and family oriented. He's quite protective of me. He always holds my hand when we walk together, tells me very often that he'll make sure I'm safe and that he won't let anyone hurt me, and he likes to give me presents even if I've told him I don't need them. We'll be moving in together before the end of the year if everything goes as planned, so fingers crossed!

I'm Ukrainian living in Western Europe and I really miss these nice gestures like opening the door and helping with the heavy bags. I agree with Marina, this is something we are losing and it's sad.

I'm an American woman and I recently traveled to Serbia. I wasn't offended in the least by the "chivalry" displayed by men there; if anything, I found it extremely sweet and sometimes flattering (even if it doesn't mean I'm special or something, haha). I'm a very "progressive" person politically and culturally, but I didn't feel like these gestures were necessarily "regressive". It struck me as extremely caring. I think at first I felt a little guilty or like I was burdening them with my heavy bags, but I quickly got over that and embraced it. I found it extremely attractive and charming.

Personally, as a Chinese-Canadian, I've seen traditions and i've seen progressiveness. That's ok. what i hate on both sides is hypocrisy. Want gender roles? Don't get mad when women want you to uphold your end when they do. (ie cook for you etc) Same with women. If men are paying for you, stop scoffing when he asks what you bring to the table. On the flip, if you call yourself a progressive women, stop asking for men to pay. If you are a man who is 'progressive' and think men shouldn't pay, stop asking women to cook/clean for you.

I see a lot of similarities from the Mexican culture and Eastern European. I live in Alaska where we had record-breaking snowfall. I was gone during the storms and returned to a snow mound that was my car. I started to shovel thinking it would be a 1 to 2 hour task, thank God my Mexican-American neighbor came out and jumped in right away to help. ❤

there is one factor which influences the statistics why such a relatively low % of women/men in Russia, Ucraine are focused on equal rights for women. it s because in USSR women got those rights 50-70 years earlier vs it happened in Western europe, so for current generation there it s not such a hot topic as it was 100 years ago. while for western European equal rights are relatively new thing and only available like since 50 years ago

with eastern european women is very easy to understand the outcome of the date: if she strongly insists to split the bill, means she does not "see" you as a man for her. it means we are in friendship zone. if she does not even try to pay, or easily allow you to pay through this "ritual of who pays the bill negotiation" means she would be open to see you for another date again and perceive you as a man (does not mean that she clearly likes you, it simply means that she is open to explore in that direction)

Great video, there is nothing like a perfect marriage or relationship, I learnt that in everything there is always a solution, 5 years ago I and my wife divorced because we were having some difficulties in our marriage but we are back together ,it was a really bad phase but we got through it

Great and well researched and explained video 👍 Well done again! Greetings from Spain

as a German individual I offer help rather depending on the situation/context (less than on gender). Apart from that, I switch, (again depending on the situation/context/person) between all kind of roles, often just of being playful. Means, I could also just switch to a classical gentleman for a situation then continuing rather casual. acting individual is the key here, irrelevant weather it fits to certain stereotypes or not ...

Wonderful video! Very well done and fully agreed with you.

Very fascinating facts. I loved it💙💙💙💙

You're killing it with these videos thank you so much for this cultural insight.

As a German I also prefer the Eastern European way where women are women and men are men. 😅 Not saying our Western ways are bad but I personally have no problem providing for the family and paying for most of our activities. I like my woman to be caring and temperamental on the other hand.😊

Great video.

This was so interesting!

you are super cool 🥰🫶🏻 I adore you! Tysm for these videos I’m so excited to watch it! LOL

I’m colombian and I lived in the US for some time with a woman from Ukraine. We were shocked about the similarities in terms of dating in our countries even though they were so far away from each other. I used not to care about chivalry until I received my first bouquet of flowers and was treated with chivalry. It’s a beautiful feeling and it makes me feel loved and cared for. I recommend it 😁🥰

This is was a great video!

amazing as usual you are a social researcher and I follow and view you all the time regards from Iranian lady in Qatar

Your channel is by far one of my favourite!! I grew up in a household that was mixed between North Africa and Western Europe and I was happy to get a wider view on cultural differences and dating! If a guy pays for me at the end of the date I'm super happy and see it a huge green flag, but him not paying for me is not a red flag either as I am a very independent person and like to be able to not rely on anyone to keep myself together :)

regarding restaurants. My wife is Russian, and I'm from Eastern Europe. We live in the U.S. One of my wife's friends is also Russian, and she earns a very decent amount of money. She can easily afford going to mid-priced restaurants with her friends, and pay for it herself. But in dating, she always looks for men who will take her to the most expensive restaurants where she normally would not afford to go. She says, "what's the point of a man if he takes me to the same restaurants I could go to myself"? I find this very annoying. Honestly, if the only point of a man is to pay for restaurant meals, then she should probably leave men alone! I would certainly not want to do anything with a woman like that. Thankfully my own wife is not like that..

Very true all of this. I have noticed all these things. I have lived in Norway, the UK, the USA, Colombia, Mexico and now Bulgaria.

As a western European girl in a relationship with an eastern European girl, I can't agree more with you about the "commitment" in a relationship when you date which is very strong in eastern Europe. When I had dating experiences in my country (France) I would ask my date what are they looking for after a couple of dates. While in Hungary it was more "of course it's for serious what are you insinuating?" Also the whole concept of bounding with someone, true love to contract something together is waaaay stronger there. Like having a couple of relationships and traveling for example or having fun is way less commun.

Nice observation. Status is very important in EE. ;)

Marina, you are well dressed and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this video !

Indeed I found men in the Balkans and in Turkey very chivalrous, who wouldn't feel good to have a man holding your coat, giving you a lift until your door step to make sure that you'll be safe. Lately I've been also very much impressed and charmed by the chivalry of Russian men they showed a very respectful, sweet and genuine attitude toward me.

For a man, nothing lights up your day more than a woman sharing a beautiful smile after you made a small gesture for her. Probably something that has been biologically implanted in us through long evolution. A thing hard to accept for western women nowadays as they automatically associate with being submissive instead of just accepting that in certains aspects we are and always will be naturally different.

As a country gets richer and more advanced, its culture generally also becomes more liberal and progressive. Once your material needs are met then you move on to improve social needs. If Eastern Europe reaches a compatible GDP per capita with Western Europe then their dating culture will definitely become more egalitarian.

Solid video, Marina. 😁 I wouldn’t say that most women in Ukraine and Russia are really ‘traditional’. They’re less financially emancipated for sure and also put a bigger emphasis on their appearance (hence why obesity is not an issue for under 40s) as you say. However, divorce rates are sky high, fertility rates are super low, as are religiosity and virginity until marriage etc. So I’d say that they’re more ‘conservative’ than ‘traditional’. Also young Italian men cook better than young Ukrainian or Russian women in my experience. ✌🏻😁

Giving flowers was a thing in America in the early to mid 20 century. It's dying out now in America really fast. You are correct dating with a purpose is dead in the western world, it's an lost art. This is why you have the beginning of the " Passport Bros Movement " in America. Another Great Video.

I’m loving your work and gain huge insight into my Russian lady friends from you, thank you!

What you said is true. Have online friend's from Eastern Europe. They have those opinions.

I was born in Colombia and moved to the states when I was 11. I can definitely see huge similarities between Colombian culture and eastern Europe, it's really fascinating. I personally prefer the western Europe mindset like Netherlands where everyone is more or less equal, but at the same time I really appreciate chivalry.

It's true about flowers 💐 I'm a florist and estern Europe buy way more often.😊

Great video and Marina is so beautiful❤❤😍😍

You are doing a awesome job. Could you talk about China.

Marina, when was the last time you were in Ukraine? I was in Ukraine in 2021, the year before the Russian war. I saw a lot of stylish young men in their 20s and 30s. Barbershops are on every corner. The images from your video are old. Women have also stopped dressing in mini skirts and high heels for years! And now the war has changed a lot in society. Both men and women take responsibility for their families and their country. Almost everyone donates to the country's defense or does voluntary work. Gender roles have changed greatly!

There is so much truth in this video. Wow! Great video!

i am an east european woman ( romania ) who did my masters in germany. at that time, i was dating a german guy. for the first 6 months everything was going so great ( even thought about moving there permanently to be with him ) but he switched after those months and showed me that his career and social life were way more important than our relationship. i have nothing against people who want to advance in their careers and want to mantain their friendships, but going out to drink almost every other weekend ( not wanting to spend quality time with your loved ones INCLUDING family) and believing his job comes first before everything ( neglecting s.ex, family, girlfriend, being always too tired for anything else) then i have no choice but to break up and look for a guy with similar interests. needless to say, i never looked out for another german guy but i was with a polish guy from the same university and had a much better experience. what i can appreciate about german men as a whole though is their openness, high intelligence, relaxed attitude and no skewed views on women.

It would be nice to see a video that really dives into how to approach women in each respective culture. Even in the culture i’m in, it varies hugely person to person. Half want to be approached, the other half are annoyed and name call.

Thank you for this video. Despite all the beauty, authenticity and naturalness are more attractive to me in the long run.

The US especially in the southern states & areas with tons of immigrants from Mexico/South America a traditional gender role mindset is very common so our stats aren’t surprising. Especially became we tend to be more religious than Europe.

Interesting and cool video

wonderful and i love the summary about chivalry :) when i came back to Poland from holidays in Spain, I hugely appreciated it how many gentlemen are around me in my country...

I'm Latino (Puerto Rican), and I've always thought you're gorgeous, Marina. Just wanted to put that out there into the universe. Hahaha

I prefer the East European way. Could be my Polish/Baltic blood. My wife and I live in West Europe. We follow traditional roles, but we do share indoor responsibilities as a team for our children, but because I work, drive, protect and clean the home-perimeter, she prefers being at home as a wife and mother. So I always follow the East European way

I'm not surprised by this way of separating west and east, one side is more conservative and the other more progressive, this could be good or bad depending on the person who responds

Thanks this gives me insight as Iam about to date a Italian woman she's very interested but being from the west makes me feel not to traditional which Iam now I fully understand why she's pursuing me in cultural difference 😊😊😊

I wish you didn't feel that you were less attractive than Polish/Ukrainian women because I believe differently.

Eastern European for the win!!!!

Brutal but so true 😂😂

Never dated. Interesting to hear what it looks like in different countries.

I like to be equal in the relationship, splitting chores and both paying for things. But, I do like a man to be a man. It's weird I guess but I like the feeling of being taken care of and protected, but I also want to take care of him.

You do a great job and I love all your videos …and your presentations …so wishing you all the best for 2024 and look forward to your new adventures ….💕 Alex🇬🇷

As an eastern European guy I can say how things are going in the eastern part of Europe: 1) No pressure to get married/have kids early or whenever 2) No pressure to have makeup 3) No pressure to dress fancy clothes 4) No competition between women in Russia (actually there are more women because they live apr. 5 years longer) 5) No pressure to pay on a date if you don't want to 6) Nobody brings flowers on a first date 7) We actually have mutual expenses when we are in relationship 8) Almost all wives are working and making contribution to family income 9) Men's appearance is actually important 10) Men are actually make cleaning, wash dishes and men are cooking 11) No pressure to be able to repair everything 12) Men don't want a housewife 13) Women don't want to be a housewife 14) People are looking for an equal partner and a soulmate

At first.. I like your stance on dating in Sweden.. its spot on, at least if one is a middle age person! However, as a swedish guy, I can tell about dating in sweden, at least as an middle age guy! At first, half part of the women one dates have similar or even better education/salaries, then one self Its more about to find a partner thats equal, in education, salary, life style and socieconomics! I have only paid for a date ones in my lifetime! Then to the hot topic.. casual sex/one night stand/sex befor coffe.. its not a big thing in sweden, sex between adults is rather a way to learn to know each other! Befor one move togheter and start getting children and when ones children get teenagers.. isnt it time for us to get marriged???

I'm polish-belarusian and I prefer try different things. Like with one guy I can split the bill or even pay for him (if I think it's fun), with another guy I can allow him to pay every time. I don't like to bind myself to the common opinion based on the geographical place I was born in. I can behave however I want to because this is more fun way of living 😃

My father couldn't cook, i've never seen him in the kitchen in my life. He can't do laundry, he can't go grocery shopping without me and never did dishes or clean the house lol my mother did all of that. My father was the provider, the protector and the leader of the home. My question is, I can do every my father did, and it hit me the other day, why on earth do I need a woman? I can see why my father needed my mother. They had strong gender roles. I do not need it, so what's the point.

I‘m Austrian! That means we‘re somehow in between. We have a lot of Eastern influences of dating or gift giving and we have a lot of Western influences. So I realized that a lot of men in Austria don’t know how to treat as some like chivalry and others seem to detest it. So that is really a bit difficult. I’m very happy that we still have the ball season as there chivalry is always part of the game.

Commentary suggestion: I'm Indian and wondering where expat dating for my race would have the most optionality. I've heard good things about Brazil, and have lived in countries where Indians are seen as an unattractive segment by most of the natives.

I live in Hungary and I did not recognize these things (most of Eastern customs) in my society. I guess being in the Centre you get a mix of both worlds. Also Hungary is painted really conservative in the media but culturally I would not say it is true. (maybe more in Poland) I remember girls from former Soviet Republics studying at my uni being suprised how we don't do full make up for showing up at classes men don't hold the doors for you etc. On the diagrams we were kind of in the middle and I think that is accurate. Having children is important but most woman have their first babies around 30 and I have never met anyone who looked down on my relative who did not get married. About the feminism thing: I do agree many people here do not understand it but I belive its because during communism woman had to work, so families could survive so we never really experienced the fight for jobs or even for social care which was given from the state.

Flowers in USA is only reallly given to loved ones from loved ones and the Tradition is mostly with older generations.

I like the hand movements. Maestro!

Eastern Europe keeping traditionalism alive… I love it!

I am Romanian and grew up in Italy. For me are very similarities, and I move out from both. I am not an ATM, you should know to provide for yourself. I tries after 28 years to live in Romania and I got a good salary, but I leave because of the mentality. First of all, when they say before men provide, like my grandfather, he could pay with his salary all, now with the same job, in Romania you cannot pay even for yourself. When I had girfriends from other countries and I saw they were up to pay too for some stuff, I didn't care to spend a lot of money for both, but when I see you just expect a man to pay, bye bye. Also, I know an Algerian girl who could stay with her love who had quite a bit of money but she met a guy very rich and stayed with him and cry so many times but with money

You're one of my favorite KZfaq anthropologists, especially when it comes to dating and human culture ❤Love your video❤

The real question is who is happier long-term i.e. after getting married. Eastern or Western Europeans?

Happy Thursday, Marina ❤! Thanks for sharing this video of Western European women vs. Eastern European women as I have had long term relationships with both a Western European woman who is Spanish born 🇪🇸 and an Eastern European woman who is Russian 🇷🇺 born. I find both types different but I do find Eastern European women more appealing in my perspective so I give them an advantage. I was born in the United States 🇺🇲 but I do enjoy learning about other cultures as I always found it interesting to read and know about. I have 3 words for you, Marina: You go girl!

I am a Bulgarian man, and I agree with you absolutely but I have few things to add. For the women clothing its true with exception for UK and Italy (they also put shorts skirts, makeup and high heels). Also you forgot to mention the SEX culture in the West and East. In my opinion while Eastern European women show much more skin, their mentality is much more conservative and one night stands are a rare thing to see (especially in the medium to small cities). I have seen many Scandinavian and Western women in general are dressing much more casual but wayyyyy more open for fun after the bar/club ;) In the East as a man you need to spend more time showering the girl with gifts, compliments etc in order to smash, in the West not so much. While in general the Eastern women are looking for family earlier, things are changing fast, especially in the big cities. Things are getting more Americanized, except the Status thing which I hate. If you drive a bicycle in the East as a man, very few women will be interested in you. People will consider you poor in general. I find it very weird :D

I love the Eastern Europe v/s Western Europe analogy you put here. Clearly both cultures have something good to take away from each. Especially the chivalrous part, I personally find it nice too.

As a latina women that have lived in Western Europe. I did notice the similarities, in both women and men with Latin America upbringing. In fact, I became close friends with an Ukrainian girl. But neither her or I have the 'gold digger' mentality hahaha we were both thought to have a career ❤

Just a little bit of advice, don't take those polls too seriously. Who knows how the data was collected or how many people were asked or what locations the answers were collected from. All of that makes a huge difference and to label a few 1000 people in one area answering questions as the whole countries view is completely absurd. Anybody who critically thinks about this for a minute or two will realize how inaccurate that information probably is. Especially when you consider regional differences of people in a country answering the survey. It would skew the results in a completely opposite direction!

It's nice watching a video without alcohol in the channel. Congratulations.

Not weird at all. Being traditional it shows how devoted and committed you are in a relationship and that you hope your significant other also feels the same to put you first in these situations. And sometimes it's needed as a way of expressing exactly how you feel.

I'm a Colombian American. I've dated both Western and Eastern European women, as well as women from other cultures. Eastern European women win all the way. My wife is Russian, and while she's no typical Russian barbie doll, she looks after her appearance and has a more traditional outlook. By Russian standards shes not the typical woman as she's not the MOST feminine and she's also very independent. Even after all this she's far better for me than Western women. She's not tainted by feminism and understands that gender roles exist for a reason, although there are certain cases where things overlap. While there are certain aspects of Russian culture that I'm not a fan of (comparing to others, over spending, etc) I prefer this over more liberal cultures. Just my own preference.

Baltics are very funny mix of the two: Men insist on paying, supporting family, opening doors, showing attention, showing status. Meanwhile women insist on relationship being equal, they suggest splitting the bill, taking care of themselves needing no support. In my experience, both usually agree they have equal obligations in a relationship, although both try to outdo one another. Ofc, treatment of women and men in social setting is different. Women withhold their opinions and men mostly look at other men when talking to a group of people. That is ongoing change, but will take at least one generation to completely level out.

Marina, let me tell ho much I have appreciated your honesty in sharing your opinion on a very debated topic. I have been following your channel for so long, and I believe your video can be very educational material for people to get to know more about the world and about dating culture. In relation, to east and west: I come from the west, and I have dated women from both sides. They are in my opinion equally beautiful and interesting, although I could see significant differences in their dating style and culture. Anyone could have their preference and by growing up you realize where to identify on a certain scale. End of the day, you will not remember who paid on the first date. Instead, you will remember the nice times you had getting to know other people and other cultures. Dating around the world allowed me to discover the world from many different perspectives, and I embraced them all, making truly feeling me a better person thanks to them. Thanks again, Marina! ❤

Wasn't able to get flowers since all the shops were closed, got my Ukraine lady flowers I picked while walking, she really loved it I was literally shocked :)

you have inner beauty!!!

My dream is to have a Russian husband, I think Eastern European boys are very beautiful, and I really like the fact that they are traditional and gentlemen, in addition to having a masculine posture and not effeminate, they are masculine.

I’m starting to see why my Polish Grandfather never went home as it seems too much hassle!🤣 Not just women but it seems I share a lot of similar views in common with the Dutch in general after seeing them in many videos on this channel

In Eastern Europe, for sure, the rule is for men to pay, but not common at all, for men to be expected to pay for lavish dinners on dates, the way you see in the West. The expectations i hear sometimes from young women, in the West, are just INSANE! Those things are for serious relationships or wives, not for when you try to meet and get to know someone. Personally i don't even like it, when a guy plans something too fancy for the first few dates, and i see it as trying too hard with something that's irelevant, and i always tone it down, and i propose him something less. I prefer an ice cream, and a walk in the park, this way men can save money when they try to find a gf, and then they cand spend more on the gf. It's so weird and selfish to expect a man to pay for fancy things, when he is not even sure he wants to see you again, or if you want to see him ever again. I don't want my future partner to get broke, in his search for me.😅 Now ofc rich ppl date a little differentely here too. But for the average person, expesive dates are considered to be superficial, and irelevant. Sitting at a table is not the best way to get to know someone. Walks are the best, botanical garden walks, parks, city streets in small towns, on weekends, museums. I will never, ever, ever, ever pay for anything on dates, i hate to pay, and i never feel guilty of it, because as long as i keept it small (coffee, ice cream, piece of cake) i know that he feels good to pay, because the price of these things, is not a burden. And if a man tries to get sex, with expensive dates, it's totally fine, i don't have a problem, women can get the message, and either go for it, or turn it down. It's just an elegant way to signal what you want, without having to say it with words.

Wow this video was so interesting and true! After I became widow and dated an American born man I could tell the huge and honestly very disappointing difference how Eastern European man treats their women vs. how Americans do. Maybe I’m old fashioned, maybe I was spoiled by my originally Eastern European born husband, I found the American way of treating women is not for me. Thank you for this interesting topic.

The women's competitiveness in the East could be partly due to demographic imbalance..... more women chasing fewer men.

Our random friend the US 🤣. interesting video by the way.

I love Eastern European men because of their chivalrous and protective nature 🥰And I agree that chivalry should remain, but unfortunately it's diminishing due to the spread of feminism.

hmmmmmm I never knew the amount of Russian women was higher than men until recently so that plays a huge role in the competitive nature of the game I guess. I lived in Russia in early 90s. Tall dark and handsome is the stereotype of what American women want. I am dark haired so that's what I'm attracted to. The men there share the same genetics as the beautiful women though sooooo. It's just a numbers issue. Also, Navalny is VERY handsome and his wife gorgeous.

I can be quite critical of the US, but you have an error in your video. Your graph at 5:00 shows the US with 91% for gender equality. It is misplaced and should be near the top of the list. It looks like it was originally in alphabetical order and when Russia / Ukraine were separated out, it never sorted properly.

Now i know why you have so beautiful name!!! You russian born canadian woman with so pretty eyes!! I ❤ Marina Love from spain 🇪🇸🇪🇸

I like Easter European women, but it is nothing to do with the gender roles and family values you explain here. I find those women more sensible and more able to empathise by understanding the circumstances. For example, if I am cold, a Russian woman may see me and just bring a jumper or blanket for me. I have been with women from other cultures where "I wont get if I dont ask". I think it is due to the extremely harsh climate, and especially Russian speaking communities having been exposed to so much suffering throughout centuries of war with their neighbours, that they developed that compassion and understanding. Any insight anyone?

If family and marriage are seen as conservative I must say that I also was surprised by the trend of the young women to get married and have a family. This wasn't before as Christianity supported spinsterism, convent /monasteries, virtuous living in the society. I have no idea from where this view that a young woman independent having a career is not really successful if she doesn't have it all and has not her own family. Is it coming from the 19th century, from the time of Grace Kelly or the '80s? But the traditions are coming from a biological normality

Why there’s Belarusian, and Ukrainian flag, but not Russian? It’s about dating, not politics.

It makes sense eastern euro women procure securing a “life partner “ early as their bodies decay with every passing minute, being that the highest value to women in those cultures. I guess class is not mentioned and it can play a big role in intercultural relationships.

I have never heard any of my Western European female friends say that they are offended by chivalry. Neither have I ever felt this way. I think it's stupid to reinforce that stereotype.

I am curious what is the situation in Canada. Are they more towards the US trend or more European.

Romania, caught again, just in the middle :))

Will you create contents about Turkey? :)

Another informative video ❤I learnt new thing today, “ Eastern European men aren’t that good looking “! Interesting fact 🤔

During communism all people were compulsory employed. Actually, it was crime not to be employed. As a result, allmost every women had their jobs. So it makes sense, now they enjoy possibility to stay in home and take care about families.