On a whim, I started reading through the qualities that Russian mail-order brides say they are looking for in a man. No, I’m not in the market for a foreign wife; I am blessed to already have met the woman God has created me to love and to serve for the rest of my life. However, the sentiments expressed in some of these listings really stood out to me, and I decided to quote a few anonymously (to protect the innocent). These girls are listed like auction items, but I’m guessing they have final say in the matter and can bail out at any time. Assuming that they realize this is their life they’re advertising, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt as to the sincerity of the message. Some of these hit me like a ton of bricks; a few made me misty-eyed. Maybe that was their goal. Still, I found these 10 quotes below worth sharing. They are quotes taken from the “Ideal Relationship” sections of each girl’s profile:

“I value his diligence, mind and a keen sense of humor, he should be generous and caring with the people who are close to him. I value honesty and devotion most of all. And of course he should be family oriented.” – A, 20

“I am searching for a smart, brave, handsome man, LEADER by his nature. A person, who will put his wife and children on the first place in his life.” – J, 21

“My ideal relationship is one of deep mental, physical and emotional attraction. It is between two persons who care more for the other person than they care for themselves. It is between two persons who stand strong alone, but who stand stronger together. It is total, complete and fulfilling by itself – it does not need anything outside of itself to be ultimately fulfilling. To be best friends and devoted lovers – all in one...” – A, 21

“I just want to be happy and loved. I am willing to meet a man who will become the best friend, partner and husband for me. I am sure that there is no more dear person for a woman, then her beloved man, as he can be everything for her. I will love my man with all my heart. I just need to meet the right person and that is all I need in life.” – A, 21

“I want to be a single whole with my beloved and enjoy good and bad times together! I want to trust him and be his support!” – D, 18

“For me the ideal relationship is the life with person who will be tender, careful and will love me. I don't need more, only simply things. I need person who will be the support for me and our children. I also value friendship, confidence, respect and love:). I think there are not so much, am I right?” – M, 26

“I believe that when two people commit themselves to one another, they are marrying each others family, not just the person. One should always respect and be proud of their family. I want to find a man who is kind, loyal, confident and really knows what he wants!” – A, 23

“I am looking for an interesting man. I am the person who knows for sure whom she wants: that is a real man near me who can make me the happiest woman in the world. I am very serious in my search for my husband and believe that he must be an extraordinary man, too. He has to be secure, optimistic, reliable, neat, hardworking, outgoing, sociable, rarely irritated, trusting, organized, strong, practical and adventurous. It is very important to me that my future husband has a good sense of humor. Besides he should be a good father for our future children.” – N, 20

“I’m looking for sincere, caring, cheerful and generous man. The one, who will be able to complete and support me in everything. Someone, who is willing to work at our future together, with whom I can grow up to a unit of harmony, sharing our deepest thoughts and dreams.” – T, 20

“I prefer to associate with clever and polite people, I dislike when somebody whom I trust turns out to be unreliable. I hope to find my soul-mate who will be my friend and lover for all my life. It does not matter whether he is rich or poor, I just want him to be intelligent, generous and reliable. I am looking for serious relations. I would like to share my love and life with a man, who will appreciate and understand me in different situations. And in my turn I promise to give him all my love and care.” – Y, 22

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