General information that can be used when writing anyone, although a particular emphasis is placed here on American men writing Russian women.
- Use an uncomplicated, straightforward approach.
- Be friendly, polite and respectful.
- Begin with a simple "Hello, my name is so and so" followed by your age, height, weight, occupation and marital status.
- Write about the town you live in, what rivers or lakes it's near, what makes it unique and what its attractions are.
- Move on to your interests and hobbies.
- Ask her questions.
- Avoid talking about controversial topics. Asking about a negative topic you may have heard about their country could offend them.
- Stick only to positive themes in the first letter.
- Stop short of revealing your past relationships or any skeletons in your closet at this point.
- Give them a clear idea of what sort of person you are and enough information to decide if you appeal to them.
- Do not tell them everything about yourself in your first letter.
12. You may consider asking for their phone #, fax #, or e-mail address.
13. Stay away from the use of idioms, slang or colloquial references.
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