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Americans considering marriage to a Russian should heed this advice: While Americans are attracted by the emotional intensity, close relationships, and cultural richness of Russian life, Russians are captivated by free and easy Americans and the wide range of opportunities held out by the United States. Where Russian women look for strong, caring, and sober American husbands, American women seek romantic, passionate Russian spouses. And while American men are attracted to feminine, “old-fashioned” Russian women, Russians are intrigued by the energetic and independent American working wives. … For better or worse, in the years to come, more and more Russians and Americans are likely to become involved in the most exciting and permanent of bilateral exchanges—marriage. The risks are great, and the losses can be enormous. So can the rewards.73 Psychotherapist and sexologist professor Aleksandr Poleyev states: “The Russian woman—and this is proven by research—is more capable of love than Europeans and Americans. Passions of Russian women last longer, and dependence on love is a characteristic of Russian women.” He adds, however, that patriarchal prejudice and taboo affect the sex life of Russian women, and 33 percent are not satisfied with their sex life.67 (It is not stated where or how Poleyev did his research.) Sex may also play a role in Russian contacts with Westerners. Foreign visitors, male as well as female, may find that they are objects of considerable interest from the opposite sex. Before becoming romantically involved, however, they should understand that it may be their passport rather than their person that is the principal attraction. According to a Russian joke, a foreigner is not just a future spouse but also a means of transportation (from Russia).