About One's Best Foot Forward…
As mentioned in previous posts, always put your best foot forward. When meeting a RW. This phrase is often used in a figurative sense, however in this article we will explore the literal meaning.
I was reminded of this the other day at work, of all places. We have just hired a new upper manager. He is a Muscovite that has lived here a number of years. The other day I was walking down the cubical corridor where he was walking toward me. We made eye contact and said our obligatory good mornings. Then he immediately glanced down slightly for a split second and then made strong eye contact again as we passed each other.
His downward glance was not what I expected. When I arrived at my cubical, I checked the usual suspects. I didn’t have breakfast crumbs littering my shirt or pants. All my buttons were in order. All the barn doors were tightly shut. So what’s the deal? After some thought it came to me. I guess that old habits diehard. He was checking out my shoes!
In Russia, shoe care and choice are very important in pigeon holing a person as to their character and standing. You will find that RW are fastidious about keeping their shoes clean, polished and in good condition. This is of constant concern to RW since they are very fashion conscious and perhaps more importantly want to keep the few shoes they have in sparkling condition as long as possible.
Consequently, they will look at men in this light as well. Of course their expectations are not that critical for men, however they will be looking to see what character one has. Let me put it this way. If a RW had to select between two WM where all other things are equal save that one man is more handsome and the other is wearing more appropriate footwear, she may lean in the direction of the of the man of action (the monkey factor plays into this as well). From one’s selection and condition of shoes to the actions or inactions in taking care of them. To a RW each is an indicator as to how a man is and will behave in the future.
If a RW meets a WM that is sporting tennis shoes or sandals, it doesn’t bode well. Perhaps it represents a non-serious attitude. This is a potential red or at least a solid yellow flag for RW. Another situation is donning a pair of leathers that have seen better days. A RW may gather that one doesn’t take care of their possesses. RW may conclude that the WM is lazy and perhaps is looking for a RW to do all the work for him. Also, regardless of either situation, RW put great efforts to look gorgeous for meeting WM, they don’t feel that their efforts are appreciated by a man that doesn’t’ put forth similar efforts. And of course, no woman want to be seen all dressed up and have an ill-kempt man that is tattered around the edges, holding her arm. It is downright disgraceful to a RW.
Beware of going to Russia with a ‘vacation’ mindset. Perhaps modify your thought to a working vacation. Those that go with a vacation in mind, often fail to put their best foot forward.
All we are talking are about are shoes and how we treat them. RW will fill in volumes between the lines on this one simple item. There is more than plenty of dust, mud, slush, and snow for every shoe that sets foot upon Russian soil. Just be sure to keep it off your new leathers.
Ronin
Related links:
Russian Women the Real Truth: How to Look Your Best for a RW (added 11-07).
Last edited on Tuesday November 27th, 2007 08:04 am by ronin1
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