1. Russia is more economically advanced than a lot of the third world countries where women seek overseas husbands. Many Russian women are already educated and successful, and thus they may not be seeking to immigrate for financial reasons. Thus, the thinking goes, their motivations are pure and they’re not so likely to leave you alone, confused and crying in the airport.

2. Word has it that men who seek mail order brides find Russian women more feminine than Western women. To hear them tell it, Russian women are more attractive than Western women. How much of this perception is real and how much of it is superficial “exotic appeal” remains to be seen is unclear at this point.

3. Most men who seek overseas brides are middle-aged or older, and young Russian women tend to be more open minded about marrying an older man compared to Western women. They tend to believe that older men treat their women better than young men do. For better or for worse, most men prefer beautiful women, and most men find younger women more beautiful. A middle-aged man can easily find a young and beautiful Russian woman much easier than in his home country.

4.Language: The United States is the most desired destination for most Russian mail order brides, and English language skills are spreading rapidly throughout Russia. DO remember, too, that mail order brides are probably more motivated than most to learn English, thus removing one of the greatest barriers to international matchmaking. Of course, complete fluency might be too much to expect, but once she gets to the US she will have the chance to practice daily. Who knows she might end up speaking English far more fluently than you’d like her to.

And let’s not forget, there is a certain type of American man who, for perhaps dubious motivations, would actually prefer a wife who can’t talk…