My wife and I housed a Ukrainian mum and daughter for almost a year after the war. One thing I found really weird was that Luda never really trusted my abilities in the kitchen and was always watching what I was doing, expecting me to f..k up all the time. The idea of a man doing the cooking and doing it well was mind-blowing to her. But when I let her do the cooking, she would cook up the most amazing stuff with the cheapest of ingredients that I would never even consider buying. So there's that. But I did experience that both of them were very fussy about trying new foods. Also really weird was how quiet the house became after they were assigned their own place. We really miss Luda laughing at absolutely everything, being generally embarrassing and hearing the daughter's resigned "mama"...
Ukrainian food us pretty bland, they don't use a lot of spice. Like when my grandma (American) would cook things, she only used salt and pepper. I theorize this is why they're picky
@@andrewcarlson2178 You never tasted solyanka? That's very aromatic. OK not spices so much, but plenty of lemon and garlic make it pretty wild - almost like a Thai soup.
So far, I think Ukrainian people have far too much expectation from their leaders and expect too little from themselves yet, paradoxically, do so much for their communities and their country. This is what helped me to see the extraordinary potential Ukraine has. Other Americans I have spoken with who follow what is happening in Ukraine--even some Republican politicians--have commented on the heroism and how highly freedom is valued by the Ukrainian people... It is reminiscent of many of our own older generation of what America was more like, in years past, than it is today. I will visit Ukraine (Kyiv) for the first time very soon to see how people are, in person. I am hoping to meet people--the young, the old, the soldiers. I like to learn how people think and see things. I also hope I can help provide some comfort and inspiration because I know the war has been long and difficult. I am convinced that the Ukraine that rises from what remains will quickly ascend to being among the most wealthy and most modern nations in the world. It's like my advice for women seeking a man--don't look so much at what he has but rather what he is. A man with a strong work ethic and a strong heart is a good omen for the future. A man who spends lavishly is a bad omen for the future. People who are good for each other are those who, instead of expected to spend on each other, work to secure their future together. They think of each other's well-being now and for tomorrow. This is what the Ukrainian people do today, as a nation. Thank you for your video. I truly appreciate it.
Americans don't know what Borscht is, much less saloh. And we have no picture of Ukraine, peasants or otherwise. Until recently anyway. So thank you for doing this.
I try to look for the most up-to-date information, but unfortunately I don't have anyone to ask on a regular basis yet... but when they write to me here in the comments I'll find out how it is from Native Americans and already be guided by your up-to-date information. Thank you so much for telling it like it really is 💖🤗
@@Mary_Yen What I meant was that the way you were describing things in Ukraine other than the social media seems a lot like the US from years ago. I love your channel. I have a female friend in Ukraine and I think I understand her better after watching your videos.
Mary, I'm so glad that I found your channel! I have been studying Ukrainian history, culture and traditions for about 16 months now preparing for my trip to Kyiv. I have seen many videos but your insight is invaluable! Thank you and keep up the great work!
Be careful of Ukrainian women. They will cook delicious food and practically force you to eat more than you ask for. Been there. Done that. It sounds wonderful but at some point you will either get fat or extremely frustrated at their determination to feed you. Now I know what French ducks feel when they are making foie grois!
We also remove our shoes when we are at home or visiting someone in Canada as well. Our politicians are also not trusted or well liked as well generally. ❤️
Finally, a helpful video about the differences in culture. Thank you!! Can you please do a video on where it is best to meet single Ukranian women since flying to Ukraine now is not possible due to the war.
Thank your for the nice words 💛 Yeah, I decided that now I will have more useful information about relationships with Ukrainian girls and how not to fall for scammers. And where you can find right girls 🔥
I would say these are different habits, but not weird or all that different. Consumer culture is similar in the US. Old people still like to gather and talk, but not on the sidewalks. Much less walking here as everything is so spread out. Excessive smiling is more typical in smaller towns and not big cities. Thanks for the information, I loved it !
I found this very interesting. When I was serving in Ukraine in 2022, I viewed it as a proufound privilege to do so and, as a guest, would have never considered critisizing anything about Ukraine's politics or policies. American weird. Everyone I met were amazing patriots. I was wounded and while recovering, we hosted a Ukrainian family. The family included a weakling little draft dodger who bitched about everything American. He too said Ukrainian's are just blunt, which I could live with. When he quit every job we got him, it was too far and we punted him back across the pond. Enjoy Bakhmut. I didn't. Lol. The other families our group sponsored were amazing.
Thanks for pointing out the social smile. By comparison, Americans and Australians seem to "grin at everybody;" lots of European cultures find this puzzling. It seems to be tolerated more from an Australian than an American; we are seen as untrustworthy when we do it. As an immigrant, I never picked up that particular habit. I'm frequently told that I have "resting b*tch face" or that "I should smile more." No, thanks. A social smile that may or may not reach the eyes is sufficient. Open smiles are reserved for people I know well and am genuinely glad to see. As for beauty... please, please, please avoid "duck lips!" Let's leave injections to make lips puffy to the russians! That's ...SO not a good look! 🤣
Haha thanks for sharing 🔥 your feedback is very interesting 🤗 In Ukraine it is 100% as you indicated and believe. Of course, there are exceptions, but in normal life it is not normal for Ukrainians to smile at strangers.
Ukraine still sounds fine to me. Shoes off in Canada, and Taiwan too...walking is wonderful along with punctuality and keeping promises. Not a fan of debt, or paying extra for brand image, fresh veggies and hospitality always a plus.
I have been dating a Woman from Ukraine online Almost 4yrs. I am Not! Your typical American.🤠Born in Texas! So Always The Cowboy, hunter, Outdoorsman, ect. But i am Also Half Dutch, Been to the Netherlands 3 times, and Grew up basicaly speaking 2 languages. I hope she decides to come, we both speak only of Marriage to one Another. I always feel as though her family, and friends? Do Not want her to Move To America. Then? I will Renew my Passport? And visit other countries IN PERSON ! To find a Wife. I have No interest in American Women... They only care about Money. And most? Have No interest in Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, shootingsports, carring Guns for self deffence, ect. Me? I was a Soldier, Armed Security Officer, ( like a Policeman) and i am a Blacksmith/ knife & sword maker, Gunsmith, Combat instructor, sing and write music, teach many arts and crafts... So a Person 50 or 60 yrs. Old like me? Would not do these things like go to a National or state park and Hike 5 or 10 Miles... I am physicaly fit, so i am only attracted to Younger women who are Athletic as Well, and will Go Places and Dothings, and love to Travel... My fiancee is only in Her Late 20's so many people would say i am too old for Her? Or she is too young for me... 😂 No... It All Comes Down to The Matter of weather you both Have similar Hobbies and Interest you can do together? Or the relationship will eventualy fall apart, because you spend too much Time apart... Oh, well .... All the Best to You and Your family! 🌹💞🙏 from Jinx the Wolf🐾🐾🐾... .. . " GOOD MOOD, SAFE ROAD... .. . 🇺🇸🌹 💕 Ukraine!
Wearing shoes inside the house is definitely a strange custom. The soles of your shoes are dirty because you step on all sorts of dirt, including pee splashed on the public toilet. You come home in the same shoes and step on the carpet where babies are crawling around. It is definitely unhygienic. There are many other countries where people don't wear shoes inside the house because they have common sense about hygiene. Ukrainians, be proud of your country; not everything Americans do is up to world standards.
I don't mean to offend anyone, 🙏🏻 but gosh how I agree with you! 🙈😁 When I watched the show "friends" I was just shocked where they could lay on the couch or bed right in their shoes..... They say they wash the asphalt in the States, but, God, what about the other places? 😅
As a Brit I do tend to find American knowledge of many foreign countries is somewhat lacking. Even my own. The consumerism you talk about in Ukraine, it is very similar here. I've just had a thought. The Ukrainian place name Balaclava is used in British English for a hooded woollen hat.
What throws Europeans off about Americans is that the vast majority don't leave the country, or it's Mexico or Canada. We're separated by large oceans and travel is very expensive, whereas it's faster and cheaper among European countries. Just the flight starts out at over $1000. It's why we tend to be insular.
@@andrewcarlson2178 I agree. Having travelled through the US by car and train, it's a massive country with lots of different places and experiences. I can fully understand why Americans don't tend to travel, I probably wouldn't either.
@@Mary_Yen First, thank you very much for your reply! Not sure if it was clear. It's a friend (we are still friends on Facebook) with whom we had daily and friendly exchanges on Instagram until january. Then she deleted her account on Instagram (not sure but i don't see it anymore) and she stopped responding (also not reacting on messenger). I am not restricted there and see when she's online. And i wasn't asking for a romantic relations (we are both married). Thanks
You are a Special women the way you explaint the life in ukraine .I like wend you said they made at home foods it the best way and better to eat .. tell me wath is your email i am in Canada-Québec . very interestude personne on it .from Charles
Yeah...but...if you ask a woman to go for a walk...you are a disrespectful cheapskate not worthy of consideration and basically a school boy 🙂 I always borrow money to buy cars. It's better to have your investments growing than to sell them to buy a car. I buy the vast majority of my food from farmers markets. I buy from the grandmothers 👍
Granted, income is low there, but I find among the women who claim they would like to move to the US , an unwillingness to share the financial burden of the travel expenses. Everything must be done by a man here. How , is a mystery, since sending money would be foolish if you’ve never met. And then I find that they require a man to carry their purse?! It explains a lot about the women. I wouldn’t be carrying a woman’s purse under any circumstance
My wife and I housed a Ukrainian mum and daughter for almost a year after the war. One thing I found really weird was that Luda never really trusted my abilities in the kitchen and was always watching what I was doing, expecting me to f..k up all the time. The idea of a man doing the cooking and doing it well was mind-blowing to her.
But when I let her do the cooking, she would cook up the most amazing stuff with the cheapest of ingredients that I would never even consider buying. So there's that. But I did experience that both of them were very fussy about trying new foods.
Also really weird was how quiet the house became after they were assigned their own place. We really miss Luda laughing at absolutely everything, being generally embarrassing and hearing the daughter's resigned "mama"...
Ukrainian food us pretty bland, they don't use a lot of spice. Like when my grandma (American) would cook things, she only used salt and pepper. I theorize this is why they're picky
@@andrewcarlson2178 You never tasted solyanka? That's very aromatic. OK not spices so much, but plenty of lemon and garlic make it pretty wild - almost like a Thai soup.
Shared your channel on my Livestream today. This is the first video I've watched. can confirm this is very accurate! You are doing important work.
Thank you 💖🤗
@@Mary_Yen I teach English here in Ukraine. I used one of your videos in my lesson today.
Wow! Thank you so much 😻💖
Are you Ukrainian? 🇺🇦
@@Mary_Yen no I am an American living here
Wow! 😻 How long have you been living in Ukraine? How are you doing now with the war? 😭
So far, I think Ukrainian people have far too much expectation from their leaders and expect too little from themselves yet, paradoxically, do so much for their communities and their country. This is what helped me to see the extraordinary potential Ukraine has. Other Americans I have spoken with who follow what is happening in Ukraine--even some Republican politicians--have commented on the heroism and how highly freedom is valued by the Ukrainian people... It is reminiscent of many of our own older generation of what America was more like, in years past, than it is today. I will visit Ukraine (Kyiv) for the first time very soon to see how people are, in person. I am hoping to meet people--the young, the old, the soldiers. I like to learn how people think and see things. I also hope I can help provide some comfort and inspiration because I know the war has been long and difficult. I am convinced that the Ukraine that rises from what remains will quickly ascend to being among the most wealthy and most modern nations in the world. It's like my advice for women seeking a man--don't look so much at what he has but rather what he is. A man with a strong work ethic and a strong heart is a good omen for the future. A man who spends lavishly is a bad omen for the future. People who are good for each other are those who, instead of expected to spend on each other, work to secure their future together. They think of each other's well-being now and for tomorrow. This is what the Ukrainian people do today, as a nation. Thank you for your video. I truly appreciate it.
Thank you for the detailed feedback! Glad the video was interesting for you 💖
Thank you for your kind words about Ukrainian people 🥰
It is very similar to America in the 1950s, with Slavic traditions
Americans don't know what Borscht is, much less saloh. And we have no picture of Ukraine, peasants or otherwise. Until recently anyway. So thank you for doing this.
Glad to be of service to you 💖
It seems for the most part you described how the US was 40 - 50 years ago.
I try to look for the most up-to-date information, but unfortunately I don't have anyone to ask on a regular basis yet... but when they write to me here in the comments I'll find out how it is from Native Americans and already be guided by your up-to-date information. Thank you so much for telling it like it really is 💖🤗
@@Mary_Yen What I meant was that the way you were describing things in Ukraine other than the social media seems a lot like the US from years ago. I love your channel. I have a female friend in Ukraine and I think I understand her better after watching your videos.
@@amnamn888agreed. It's like our traditional and conservative values from when i was younger. I hope they don't lose them like we did
Mary, I'm so glad that I found your channel! I have been studying Ukrainian history, culture and traditions for about 16 months now preparing for my trip to Kyiv. I have seen many videos but your insight is invaluable! Thank you and keep up the great work!
Wow! 🤗 Thank you so much! It's a pleasure 😍💖
Be careful of Ukrainian women. They will cook delicious food and practically force you to eat more than you ask for. Been there. Done that. It sounds wonderful but at some point you will either get fat or extremely frustrated at their determination to feed you. Now I know what French ducks feel when they are making foie grois!
Keep up the great work!! Slava Ukraini🇺🇦💪🇺🇦💪
Thank you very much 😻🤗
We also remove our shoes when we are at home or visiting someone in Canada as well. Our politicians are also not trusted or well liked as well generally. ❤️
Oh! It’s very interesting 🔥 thank you for sharing this information 😍👌🏻
Finally, a helpful video about the differences in culture. Thank you!! Can you please do a video on where it is best to meet single Ukranian women since flying to Ukraine now is not possible due to the war.
Thank your for the nice words 💛
Yeah, I decided that now I will have more useful information about relationships with Ukrainian girls and how not to fall for scammers. And where you can find right girls 🔥
I would say these are different habits, but not weird or all that different. Consumer culture is similar in the US. Old people still like to gather and talk, but not on the sidewalks. Much less walking here as everything is so spread out. Excessive smiling is more typical in smaller towns and not big cities. Thanks for the information, I loved it !
I found this very interesting. When I was serving in Ukraine in 2022, I viewed it as a proufound privilege to do so and, as a guest, would have never considered critisizing anything about Ukraine's politics or policies. American weird. Everyone I met were amazing patriots. I was wounded and while recovering, we hosted a Ukrainian family. The family included a weakling little draft dodger who bitched about everything American. He too said Ukrainian's are just blunt, which I could live with. When he quit every job we got him, it was too far and we punted him back across the pond. Enjoy Bakhmut. I didn't. Lol. The other families our group sponsored were amazing.
Here in Nebraska, we always take off our shoes upon entering. Mary, I would love to see a video that shows the beauty of Ukraine.
Taken on board, thanks so much for the feedback 💖
I agree that Ukrainian women are some of the most beautiful
I think you don't know Americans if you say they like politicians.
The like THEIR politicians while hating the other side
I agree Ukrainian women are magnificently beautiful 😍
Super, thank you for sharing your opinion 🤗😍
Thanks for pointing out the social smile. By comparison, Americans and Australians seem to "grin at everybody;" lots of European cultures find this puzzling. It seems to be tolerated more from an Australian than an American; we are seen as untrustworthy when we do it. As an immigrant, I never picked up that particular habit. I'm frequently told that I have "resting b*tch face" or that "I should smile more." No, thanks. A social smile that may or may not reach the eyes is sufficient. Open smiles are reserved for people I know well and am genuinely glad to see.
As for beauty... please, please, please avoid "duck lips!" Let's leave injections to make lips puffy to the russians! That's ...SO not a good look! 🤣
Haha thanks for sharing 🔥 your feedback is very interesting 🤗
In Ukraine it is 100% as you indicated and believe. Of course, there are exceptions, but in normal life it is not normal for Ukrainians to smile at strangers.
Ukraine still sounds fine to me. Shoes off in Canada, and Taiwan too...walking is wonderful along with punctuality and keeping promises. Not a fan of debt, or paying extra for brand image, fresh veggies and hospitality always a plus.
Wearing shoes indoor is indeed strange. But a friendly smile is nice.
👌🏻😊
I support you with profound reverence❤😊
Ukrainian habits actually sound quite nice.
Aw, thank you 🤗
🇺🇦👍💐😍
🤩🥰🤗
God do these people love to argue, stubborn too. Don't mean it in a bad way, just my observation.
I love this channel and Mar's honesty
Thank you 😍🤗🥰💖
As long as she is attractive she can be wierd not annoying
Thanks for sharing 🤗
I have been dating a Woman from Ukraine online Almost 4yrs. I am Not! Your typical American.🤠Born in Texas! So Always The Cowboy, hunter, Outdoorsman, ect. But i am Also Half Dutch, Been to the Netherlands 3 times, and Grew up basicaly speaking 2 languages. I hope she decides to come, we both speak only of Marriage to one Another. I always feel as though her family, and friends? Do Not want her to Move To America. Then? I will Renew my Passport? And visit other countries IN PERSON ! To find a Wife. I have No interest in American Women... They only care about Money. And most? Have No interest in Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, shootingsports, carring Guns for self deffence, ect. Me? I was a Soldier, Armed Security Officer, ( like a Policeman) and i am a Blacksmith/ knife & sword maker, Gunsmith, Combat instructor, sing and write music, teach many arts and crafts... So a Person 50 or 60 yrs. Old like me? Would not do these things like go to a National or state park and Hike 5 or 10 Miles... I am physicaly fit, so i am only attracted to Younger women who are Athletic as Well, and will Go Places and Dothings, and love to Travel... My fiancee is only in Her Late 20's so many people would say i am too old for Her? Or she is too young for me... 😂 No... It All Comes Down to The Matter of weather you both Have similar Hobbies and Interest you can do together? Or the relationship will eventualy fall apart, because you spend too much Time apart... Oh, well .... All the Best to You and Your family! 🌹💞🙏 from Jinx the Wolf🐾🐾🐾... .. . " GOOD MOOD, SAFE ROAD... .. . 🇺🇸🌹 💕 Ukraine!
Wearing shoes inside the house is definitely a strange custom. The soles of your shoes are dirty because you step on all sorts of dirt, including pee splashed on the public toilet. You come home in the same shoes and step on the carpet where babies are crawling around. It is definitely unhygienic. There are many other countries where people don't wear shoes inside the house because they have common sense about hygiene. Ukrainians, be proud of your country; not everything Americans do is up to world standards.
I don't mean to offend anyone, 🙏🏻 but gosh how I agree with you! 🙈😁
When I watched the show "friends" I was just shocked where they could lay on the couch or bed right in their shoes..... They say they wash the asphalt in the States, but, God, what about the other places? 😅
As a Brit I do tend to find American knowledge of many foreign countries is somewhat lacking. Even my own.
The consumerism you talk about in Ukraine, it is very similar here.
I've just had a thought. The Ukrainian place name Balaclava is used in British English for a hooded woollen hat.
What throws Europeans off about Americans is that the vast majority don't leave the country, or it's Mexico or Canada. We're separated by large oceans and travel is very expensive, whereas it's faster and cheaper among European countries. Just the flight starts out at over $1000. It's why we tend to be insular.
@@andrewcarlson2178 I agree. Having travelled through the US by car and train, it's a massive country with lots of different places and experiences. I can fully understand why Americans don't tend to travel, I probably wouldn't either.
What is your suggestion if a ukrainian female friend starts to ghost you? Any suggestion? Thanks
Do you mean Ukrainian friend or still a girl with whom you have sympathy? Because it's usually the second case that gets ignored 🤔
@@Mary_Yen First, thank you very much for your reply! Not sure if it was clear. It's a friend (we are still friends on Facebook) with whom we had daily and friendly exchanges on Instagram until january. Then she deleted her account on Instagram (not sure but i don't see it anymore) and she stopped responding (also not reacting on messenger). I am not restricted there and see when she's online. And i wasn't asking for a romantic relations (we are both married). Thanks
You are a Special women the way you explaint the life in ukraine .I like wend you said they made at home foods it the best way and better to eat .. tell me wath is your email i am in Canada-Québec . very interestude personne on it .from Charles
Yeah...but...if you ask a woman to go for a walk...you are a disrespectful cheapskate not worthy of consideration and basically a school boy 🙂
I always borrow money to buy cars. It's better to have your investments growing than to sell them to buy a car. I buy the vast majority of my food from farmers markets. I buy from the grandmothers 👍
Yes, unfortunately, Ukrainian women are used to being "pampered", since childhood many are raised as princesses 😅
I try to buy from farm brands, too))
Granted, income is low there, but I find among the women who claim they would like to move to the US , an unwillingness to share the financial burden of the travel expenses. Everything must be done by a man here. How , is a mystery, since sending money would be foolish if you’ve never met. And then I find that they require a man to carry their purse?! It explains a lot about the women. I wouldn’t be carrying a woman’s purse under any circumstance