Hello Once again from Gary.

I’ll write in this post about some interesting language/cultural differences that being aware of will help you make life in America a little easier for your Russian bride to get used to.

First, there’s the issue of time of day. In Russia and Ukraine it’s very common to refer to a specific time of day by what we in the west refer to as military time. Thus, 5:00 p.m. becomes 1700 or just 17 rather than saying 5:00 p.m.. And yet they will also say, when in a close familiar setting just 5 (without the p.m.). I know I’ve not done a good job of explaining this, but just be aware that she may express time of day to you in different ways, such as “we’ll eat at 6″ and “the concert is at 19″. Don’t worry, you’ll both get used to these transpositions and maybe even have some fun with them.

And then there’s the metric system issue.  Your bride has lived her whole life using the metric system of measurement. To her the terms mile, quart, and ounce are merely terms of measurement without any point of reference. She will continue to think in terms of kilometer, liter, and gram. Having lived exclusively with one measurement system, it’s extremely difficult to transition to another. So, for example, if you say your going to drive a couple miles to the store for a quart of milk and a pound of sugar, she’ll comprehend what you’re going to do, but not for how long or how much you’ll return with.

I’m not suggesting that you say to her instead that you’re going to drive about 3 kilometers for .95 liters of milk and 454 grams of sugar. (On second thought, go ahead and give this a try. This way you’ll feel what she’s dealing with. But it will drive you both crazy.) I’m merely suggesting that you maintain some awareness of how difficult this change is for her. Just your being aware of this will be very helpful for her. But you can also help by making sure your kitchen is stocked with easily readable measuring tools so she can cook according to American recipes if she chooses to; or create for her a “cheat sheet” showing the distance from your home to various local places in miles and kilometers. Use your imagination; her help with this, it’s a difficult problem of adjustment.

There are a couple other areas (at least) to cover on this topic, but for now I’ll close with the promise to cover those soon. In closing, I offer this suggestion - - I’m giving you ideas from my own experience on how to help her adjust. Your experience with your Russian woman will be different though close to mine. Use what I offer, but as well, use your own intuition and initiative to help her adjust to life in your country. You’ll be richly rewarded.

Until next time, life comes at you - - live it.

Gary.

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