If you have already been to Ukraine you will know how proud local people are when it comes to family and achievements. If you have not been here before: here are a few clues how to understand the traditions.

Ukrainians are hospitable. Sometimes they are so hospitable, that a foreigner gets scared and simply wants to leave as soon as possible. If you have spent so much money and time to come to this country, then you will be sorry, if all of a sudden you leave. Ukrainian girls will try most of the time to explain this or that and why, but you will have so many questions that it will be hard to get the answers to all of them immediately. Here are a few short guidelines that cover the basics of Ukrainian cordiality, as for the details, do not be afraid to ask your girlfriend.

Family plays an important part in the life of every Ukrainian girl. Young women live with their parents until they get married. Sometimes they leave their homes for a few years while they are in the university, but as soon as their studies are over, they go back home. They respect their parents so much that sometimes they are ready to follow a career in medicine or public sector, because according to the old generation these professions are prestigious.

Young ladies have a rebellious nature, they know that there is a whole world full of chances and good possibilities and they often search for the perfect husband out of Ukrainian boundaries. Still because they are very close to their families, their parents know about their steps and even if they cannot always agree with them, they support their daughters.

That is why when you arrive in Ukraine to meet face to face with your lady, it is quite likely that you will be invited to a family dinner. Most modern families are open-minded but they still keep some traditions. For example if you are visiting the girl's family, you should take small present for the parents. A good idea is to buy a bottle of fine wine or whiskey for the father and a big bunch of flowers for the mother.

If the girl has brothers or sisters, you should think about taking something small for them. The presents depend on their age. If they are 16-18 or less, you can go with a block of chocolate. If they are older, a smaller bouquet for the girls or good magazine on fashion or sports will be a great solution.

During the dinner or supper you should be polite and pay attention to everyone. Probably the parents will speak only in Ukrainian or Russian and definitely you will need interpreting help. Language barriers may make you nervous but do not let this to ruin your time together.

When you talk, speak slowly and try to have as clear pronunciation as possible. Wait for someone to finish the speech and then ask for translation. Alternatively, when you have something to say, ask for excuse that you do not speak the local language and ask your Ukraine girl to translate for your words.

Surely the parents will have a lot of questions: what do you do, do you own house, car, do you have brothers and sisters, what are your parents like, do they work or they are retired, what you do in your spare time and so on. Before the meeting try to answer these questions and ask your date for translation of some of the words. Learn a few Ukrainian words and surely with will make great positive impression on your future parents in law!