Men in the US and Russia seem to have drastically different opinions about what a successful relationship looks like — especially when it comes to money.
When an interviewer on TikTok known as “World Opinion” took it upon themselves to ask American and Russian men whether they would “100% financially support their woman,” the contrast in their responses was strikingly obvious.
Highlights
- Russian men are more willing to fully support their partners financially than American men.
- American men emphasize equal contributions in relationships, sparking criticism.
- Viewers were shocked by US men's reluctance to fully support partners financially.
Many of the replies, especially on the American side, have left viewers shocked and disappointed.
A video comparing how much financial support an American man would provide for their female partner with a Russian man has gone viral on social media
Image credits: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
The clip began with the interviewer prefacing, “America versus Russia — asking men if they would provide for their women.”
The first candidate, from the US, started things off with a bang.
“Well, it just depends,” he said, hesitating. “Number one, what is she doing while I’m working? Each relationship now is a 50-50.”
Seconds later, the video panned to a Russian man stating, “If it’s my wife, then yes, because ultimately I’m responsible for her.”
“Nah, she has to provide for herself,” an American subsequently replied. “She’s an adult.”
Image credits: world.opinions
The next few interviewees followed the same pattern, as those from the US emphasized how important an equal contribution was to their relationship.
But the consensus for men from the European/Asian country was that they’d be comfortable with fully providing.
“If she doesn’t feel like working, if she doesn’t feel like self-actualizing and she’s comfortable being provided for, then why not? I can afford it,” answered a Russian.
Viewers were not impressed with the responses from the American men
Image credits: world.opinions
“‘[She] has to provide for herself, she’s an adult,’ then expecting her to cook and clean for him,” one user scoffed.
“So there are no husbands in America,” another added.
Image credits: Lucky Fenix/stock.adobe.com (Not the actual photo)
A few users seemed to pinpoint these as reasons why Russian men seemed to look better and more put-together than their American counterparts.
A third wrote, “Here’s the thing, American men say they want 50/50, but really what they mean is 50/50 financially and 100% her still taking care of the cooking, dishes, laundry, and everything else that comes with.”
Image credits: world.opinions
“Women in America are you ok?” someone asked.
“The obvious difference in levels of testosterone are insane,” a viewer pointed out, and many others agreed as they referenced the deep voices of the Russian men.
However, these stark differences in personality are not a new revelation
Image credits: world.opinions
Certain cultural norms are ingrained within people in a specific region, and it’s no different when it comes to Americans and Russians — but it is important to note that every person is different, so these mindsets are not set in stone.
According to Far West Credit Services, those from the US are more likely to prioritize “individualism” and “personalized independence” to a higher degree. Marriage is important to them, but for many, it isn’t the sole purpose of dating.
Image credits: Cavan for Adobe/stock.adobe.com (Not the actual photo)
On the other hand, Russians tend to approach their potential significant other with a more “hands-on approach,” and may express their adoration through material possessions, such as extravagant vehicles or homes, to mark their status and power.
Another startling contrast, as per Forward, is that the expectation in Russian culture, perhaps more so than others, is for the wife to stay home and take charge of household and child-bearing duties.
Dating standards in Russia seem to be much more "traditional"
Image credits: world.opinions
Stay-at-home fathers, while somewhat rare, would most likely not be frowned upon and ridiculed in America — but the same most likely can’t be said about Russia.
Gender roles are much more defined and men are expected to be more courteous, with behaviors such as holding doors, helping with coats, paying the bill, bringing flowers, etc. In response, women are viewed as more affectionate and supportive.
Image credits: world.opinions
In the show titled Russian Dolls, the mother of a 23-year-old girl emphasized how important it was for her to master the art of making borscht, a sour soup made with various seasonings if she wished to secure herself a husband and start a family.
The main reason so many viewers were disappointed was due to their insistence on being in a "50/50" relationship
