Many members of Russian dating websites have difficulty finding things to talk about. Approaching Russian women online can be more than little intimidating, and it’s not uncommon for suitors to feel terribly tongue tied at the mere prospect. Here are 3 ideas to help gentlemen get a conversation started with women on international dating websites.

One simple, yet effective, way to start a conversation is to discuss current events (though depressing or negative events should be avoided). Holidays in Russia or the Ukraine, cultural events, and amusing news stories are all good bets, as are current happenings in the FSU. Women appreciate it when suitors make an effort to learn about Russia or the Ukraine because many Russian bride seekers unfortunately do not make any effort at all.

Another easy way for a gentleman to break the ice is to mention common interests. A quick look at a lady’s profile and pictures should provide him with a few helpful clues. If the two both love animals than the gentlemen should ask the lady about her pets, or tell a lady about his own animals. If the two are into sports he may want to find out what athletic activity the lady enjoys most. It only takes one common interest to generate a long and lively conversation.

Members of Russian dating websites have likely noticed that many Russian ladies post a variety of interesting or unusual profile pictures. The photos can make for great topics of conversation, especially for men who do not share any interests with a lady or those who are not interested in discussing current events. However, men will need to say something more than the generic “You look so hot” or “I love your photos” if they want to impress a lady and stand out in the crowd. Open-ended questions or good as are comments about something noteworthy or unusual in a lady’s photos. Costumes, pets, interesting props, the possibilities are endless.

Every Russian bride suitor struggles to make conversation from time to time. If a gentleman finds himself grasping for ideas, he should remember that current events, shared interests, and a lady’s photos make great ice breakers.

Gentlemen who are seeking a Russian bride are bound to encounter critics at one time or another. While people's attitudes towards Russian dating are slowly starting to change, the industry continues to be plagued by inaccurate stereotypes. Here are 3 common arguments against Russian dating, and how gentlemen can successfully rebut them.

If you find a reputable Russian bride Website, then your chances of finding romance online will increase dramatically. Russian brides are real and looking for good men to meet.

"Russian brides are gold-diggers/are only after a green card."

One of the most common stereotypes about Russian brides is that the women only want a foreign man for two things: money and a green card. So how can gentlemen refute this persistent argument? By explaining exactly what Russian women give up when they move to another country.

When a Russian lady leaves home, she must say goodbye to all of her family and friends, learn to speak a new language, and adjust to a foreign country, just to name a few. These are all very difficult tasks! Permanently moving away from one's home country is often a painful, difficult experience and one a Russian bride wouldn't be able to handle without a supportive, loving spouse. Money and green cards may be nice perks, but they alone are not enough for a Russian woman to leave everything she knows behind.

"The profiles on Russian dating websites are fakes."

Several people think that most, if not all, of the profiles on Russian dating websites are fakes. The theories vary, but most skeptics believe the photos feature models or celebrities and that Russian mobsters post tantalizing pics to trick foreign men into sending money and gifts.

It's true that scams like this exist, but they are the exception rather than the norm. Live video streaming is the simplest way to counter the fake profile argument. Reputable Russian dating sites offer live video streaming which allow men to verify that the woman on camera is the same women in the profile photos.  Once a gentleman has seen live video of the lady there isn't much critics can say.

"What's wrong with the women here?"

A common assumption among the general public is that men who seek Russian brides are flawed in some way. After all, people ask, if these men aren't creeps or losers why can't they find a lady in their own country? The best way to counter this argument is to educate naysayers about the industry and help them see that Russian dating websites are actually just niche versions of the more popular mainstream dating services. Men may also want to explain the appeal of a Russian bride and let them know Russian women aren't sex slaves, gold-diggers, or green card scammers who will marry any guy who asks.

While a man shouldn't have to explain his personal decisions, the truth is that many people are skeptical of, and even hostile to, the idea of Russian brides. Therefore, it's helpful to be able to refute common arguments against Russian dating.