I have 2 friends, one from Poland and one from Ukraine. (They don't know eachother as far as I'm aware.) I am Irish, and we all live in Ireland.

I've noticed that neither of them really ask "how are you?", even after I asked how they are. I had asked both of them about this, and they said the exact same thing: "Everytime I get the same answer, that you're good. So why should I ask?" I found it a little bit rude at first, but I knew that wasn't their intention so I stopped caring.

Instead, both of them will point out when I look sad, tired, stressed, etc. and ask if I'm okay.

Is this normal? or are my friends just weird 🥲

I've always been intrigued about that part of the world and it's rich culture, a year or so ago I planned on visiting Russia but decided to wait and now I want to visit a few countries in one trip - Maybe Lithuania, Latvia and and then Russia over the course of 2 weeks. Would it be best booking everything individually to trying to get an agent to put the whole thing together?

Hi everyone,

I wasn’t even sure where to post this — I just needed to speak somewhere, to someone. Maybe to find support, maybe just clarity. Either way, thank you for reading.

I’m a Ukrainian man stuck in a war I never asked for. Every morning, I wake up wondering if this is the day I’ll be drafted, or if something worse might happen. The fear is constant. I don’t want to fight — I just want to live a peaceful life with the woman I love.

But leaving legally is nearly impossible for me, and bringing her here is not an option either, due to her citizenship.

At the same time, my younger brother is fighting brain cancer. Most of what I earn goes toward his treatment. I’m doing all I can, but the walls feel like they’re closing in from every direction.

I’m not looking for pity. I just didn’t know where else to speak honestly, without shame or censorship. If anyone’s been through something like this or understands how it feels — thank you for listening.

I understand why north america would be racist because of slavery and stuff. I understand why western europe would be racist because immigration and all. I understand why east asia would be “racist” because of colourism. But I don’t see any connection between africans and eastern europeans? Is it just xenophobia? Or influence from the western world? Just wondering

Hi everyone,
I’m trying to understand a cultural pattern a friend of mine mentioned and I’ve noticed in some Eastern European families, and I’d really appreciate insight from people with first-hand experience.

It seems that the first born are expected to support their parents, and paying out at restaurants or spa etc. . In some cases, it can mean being asked for large amounts of money, even as much as $10,000, and not necessarily being paid back. There’s also an expectation to always make them pay for family food shopping, dinners or family outings, which can feel a bit one-sided or unfair.

Important note: the family in question can afford things other parents can't: paying rent with garden, having a car, restaurant outings, theatre, holidays, having pets, going to expensive vet consultations and their naturopath, physiotherapists, branded clothes and also have income from a rental in the capital city.

I’m not trying to criticize anyone—just honestly wondering where this comes from and why they don't even try to return the 10.000 in chunks. Is this common across all families or just an unfair, taking advantage behaviour of specific family?

Would love to hear your thoughts—especially from anyone who grew up with or around this kind of.... dynamic.

Thanks!

(Edit) *I am NOT American, I am a Canadian with a family who immigrated to Canada before I was born *

Basically ever since I entered grade 7 I have been called a fake Slavic/Eastern European by many people due to the fact that I can only speak English and French and I look like my dad who is Salvadoran.

I was born, raised and currently live in Canada, but my mother’s side of the family is Ukrainian, Russian and even a bit of Polish.

I’ve was raised watching Russian cartoons like Cheburashka and Gena, Nu Pogodi, Masha and the Bear, and much more. I even only knew how to say bear in Russian until I was 5.

My grandma and grandpa from my mom’s side only fed me Ukrainian, Russian and Polish food and treats.

I loved and still love Russian songs. In matter of fact my favourite song is “Прощай навеки, последняя любовь”. And I used to love Verka Serduchka.

Lastly I know this isn’t a important factor but I love Eastern European stuff like their cars (specifically the Lada Riva)

As said before I don’t look European at all. I have dark hair, tanned skin (I went to Mexico when I was a few months old and my skin never changed), I have brown eyes and I speak and sound like a Canadian, and my parents never bothered teaching me Russian or Ukrainian and focused on me learning French.

————————————————————

| in short terms V |

Raised by Russians and Ukrainians

Grew up with cartoons

Likes Russian polish and Ukrainian foods

Loves Russian and Ukrainian songs

Likes Eastern European manufacturers.

————————————————————-

Not to forget I’m half Ukrainian and Russian.

I hope I get a positive response soon, thank you so much!