This is in response to Philip J's review. But first, my bona fides. I'm an American Russophile who speaks the language fluently and has traveled there many times for education and business. I was also married to a Russian woman, and have dated many others.

What he says about the beauty of Russian (and Slavic) women is true. They have almost no match. It's depressing to return to the U.S. after spending time over there and realizing just how plain and chubby (charitably speaking) American women are in comparison. They are far less concocted, phony, and pretentious, as well. It's hard to believe women can be so genuine upon first meeting them, but then you eventually discover that's the norm.

Russian women are very much into traditional relationship roles, which may or may not be comfortable for an American guy more used to fluidity and equality. While they certainly like to take care of their man, they also have certain expectations of him that must be fulfilled for a relationship to be successful.

Russian women tend to be less educated than their American counterparts but more worldly. They take far better care of themselves for further into their lives. This is something I always admired about them.

With all these things going for them, you'd think they're an American guy's dream come true, right? Unfortunately, my own and others' experience has not borne that out. Of the American guy/Russian girl marriages I know, most resulted in divorces. How could that be?

Although my ex-wife lived in the U.S. a number of years before we married, I think one reason for the break-ups is that the Russian woman in Russia is sometimes different from the same woman in America. Once she arrives, she realizes she "settled" for far less than what's available to her. A whole new set of opportunities arises for her, and it's impossible to predict how she'll respond to them back in Russia. I've heard of Russian women do a complete turn from warm and sweet to class-A bitch once they come here.

Another thing that American guys underestimate is the value of shared cultural experience and language. Despite even my extensive background in things Russian, this is one of many stumbling blocks that doomed my marriage. Our level of communication never achieved a satisfying depth that I now appreciate sustains a relationship.

Too many guys, in my opinion, are blinded by the external --particularly when their American choices are so bland in comparison--that they fail to clearly see the faults and shortcomings in that Russian beauty. Once reality rears its ugly head, their disillusionment is difficult to overcome.

All this is not to say an American-Russian pairing is impossible; heck, I still date Russian women. Here's some advice that might prove useful:

1) It's fine to meet her in Russia, but it's also very important to see how she behaves in America.

2) Remember that her overriding desire is to leave her country, and while she may profess her love to you, some of that love will almost certainly be a by-product of this desire.

3) Approach the relationship almost like a business transaction, with both parties having certain expectations that will break the deal if not fulfilled. She's providing you with a beautiful and young spouse, while you're providing her with legal status to live in America. She almost certainly wants kids and someone to provide for them so she doesn't have to work.

4) Make no promises. This is important to determine her real level of interest. I would be as non-committal as possible.

5) If you can, date Russian women that have already lived in America or in some other western country for a number of years. There's no culture shock, and you can be sure they're interested in you for YOU.

6) It's a natural male desire to be with a young mate, but you're much more likely to have a lasting relationship with someone nearer your age.

7) Above all, remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Those rose-tinted glasses can't be worn forever. Be realistic in your expectations and your approach. You'll save yourself a lot of heartache and expense in the end.