Folks It's true that "if you are a decent man, finding a good woman.... is relatively easy."
However, my accounts are not to encourage nor discourage you from seeking a long distance relationship that will lead to marriage. I found this and other forums helpful, so I like to give my two cents on this matter.
I had no idea about FSU dating till I went to Ukraine for a month long job. A romantic adventure turn into a serous (long distance) relationship. After several months and visits, it failed.
Since I fell for Eastern European women, I give it another chance. But this time I used online dating sites catering for FSU countries. Since I was stationed in Europe, flying with Ryan Air or any other low budget airline was a plus and was just 2-3 hours flight compared to 20+ hrs from where I live now, California.
I managed to contact and meet up those who turn out to be real and met my requirements. No big deal since there was just one or two time zones difference. I used Skype and FaceTime a lot. No PPL, no pay for video credits, no Emails, no shenanigans. It is , what it is, so "Let's get real or move on".
The handful of girls under 30's were immature, too crazy to deal with, had deep symptoms of daddy's issues and som confused my generosity with weakness and the rest is history.
Then I redress my game and went for the over 30's age group. I'm slightly over 40.))) Out the two of them, one was acting like those girls from under 30's. But right before I gave up, because I was moving to California, I found the one. I proposed to her after a year and half and the rest is history.
Now we are waiting for the K-1 visa and super excited about it.
I have always agreed that working or living close to the FSU region gives one a much better access to dating people and being able to develop a relationship with a much better chance of success. That is not to say, that you cannot "hit a home run" on your first trip to meet someone overseas. Also, I know of marriages that involved age differences of 30+ years in my family tree. The age difference is not that much criticized in my ancestral culture since social status is regarded as more important. Who you are connected with is much more important than the age difference.
Just to update:
My fiancée got her visa and now it just a matter of time for us to be together.
From the date I sent the paperwork to USCIS to visa, about 7 months. If you want to avoid any set backs, I strongly recommend to find out and prepare for the interview. Believe me it going to get tricky between filling the correct form online. And yes, you will need I-134 Affidavit of support. We didn't use a lawyer or any legal help.
I am so excited that my fiancée is heading to me in a few days. Future days of nothing but a real committed relationship for as long as the Almighty allowed us to be. After many trails and errors; finally, a real successful story and example. I know that "players going to play and haters and going to hate", but I am solid about that.
Be advised that there is a big chance that I won't be around here to post any more comments.... Sorry, but I have better things to do than to reply and to talk smack about that dumb @$$ Raging Bully.
Thanks to all your positive and entertaining comments.
Best wishes to you. Just hope that you do not end up like some of the "train wreck" results of some who married a foreigner. Don't be too gung ho and put yourself in a financial bind if it turns out to be a serious relationship. There are lots of selfish people out in the world.
Just reporting that I am solid! A few bumps in the road but no major issues. Even though, we are married, is like we're still dating. So much to learn and work on our differences...( disclaimer....only .for mature people regardless on age ))) She likes stay home while I am outdoors type. Overall, she is my better half.
She seems like my type (the hermit type). Many profiles state an interest in travel. Traveling a few times a year is OK, but if you expect a jet set lifestyle where you exist like a nomad, then you better have the funding to support that type of lifestyle. Main thing is to maintain respect for each other. Once when that goes out the door, life with each other will be very difficult.
You hit the key points right on target, mutual respect. I want to show her the world but she wants me to settle down, and I am ok with that....Let me emphasized that we're still getting to know each other and this feeling is growing with the days if not by the hours.
D.C. and all the members of this forum,,, this type of relationship is not for everyone.
Glad to hear that all is going well, even with the "bumps on the road".
I have already settled down, even though I am not with a partner. I have seen many parts of the USA and have gone overseas. Developing relations with someone from overseas will be a challenge. I have already gone through that before.
A belated merry Christmas and Hanukkah but since the New Year is around the corner, I hope that all seeking love and prosperity may found soon.
My journey is going normal. On the not so btright side, I wish I had known earlier that she can have an Social Security Number. As you all know (USA) this opens doors to open a joint account or add her my bank account, getting her driving license and any other shenanigans needed. Since she came with a K-1 visa she can legally work.
I had noticed that during the holidays is hard, as she has been reminiscing about her family and friends. On the positive side, she had met individuals that in her situation and had encouraged her to adapt and overcome the shocking difference between our world and their.
Once again, Happy New Year and overall, take care of yourselves and your love ones. The weather in North America is horrible and so are those drunk drivers.
I know that aliens granted permanent residence in the USA can apply for a SSN. Since K-1 visa only lasts 90 days, I am not sure if getting that qualifies for you to get a SSN. Of course, if the alien gets married here, then you file a petition to adjust the alien's status and I am sure by that time, the alien would qualify for the SSN. If you marry the alien overseas, then when the alien enters the USA, the alien can apply for the SSN immediately since permanent residency is granted upon entering.
Holiday celebrations are different between countries and cultures. Here, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holidays where families gather together. In the FSU region, New Year's Day is the family gathering holiday. Since I was not born in this country, my elder relatives still observe the foreign holidays as well as some of the western holidays.
Weather here will be in the 60s after the new year. Glad I am not in New England.
According to the USCIS website, you have to file a form I-765 Employment Authorization document to request the ability to work during the 90 day K-1 visa period. From reading the instructions for the form, the SSN is not required. You do have to list if ever got one previously. The SSN is for immigrants, technically, the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa.