We Don’t Understand Each Other: Non-Verbal Cues

Dear friends,

Building a relationship is never simple—but when it’s cross-cultural, even shared words can lead to confusion. You might speak the same language (or at least understand each other’s words), but still feel like something’s off. That’s because more than half of communication—about 65%—is non-verbal.

Things like body language, facial expressions, tone, timing, and even silence can completely change the meaning of a message. What might be polite or flirty in one culture can come across as rude or distant in another.

If you’re dating someone from Ukraine, Russia, or any culture different from your own, understanding these non-verbal cues is essential for avoiding misunderstandings and building a real connection.

In this article, we’ll explore how non-verbal communication works in cross-cultural dating, what common signals you might be misreading, and how to become more aware of the silent language your partner is speaking. If you want your international relationship to thrive in 2025, this is where it begins—by learning to read between the lines.

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Non-Verbal Communication

In Ukraine, when a woman smiles at a man, it means she’s interested in him sexually. She can insist she’s not interested, but if she’s smiling, it indicates she is. If that same girl smiles at a Ukrainian woman, she’s indicating she thinks that woman is silly in the head. It’s all in the non-verbals.

Typical Ukrainian woman

In Ukraine and Russia, politeness is essential

That means if you ask a Ukrainian or Russian girl to lunch on Saturday and she tells you it’s her mother’s birthday, she’s telling you she won’t be there, end of story. She might even agree when you suggest she could show up earlier or later.

She still won’t show. Family trumps a date. If you don’t know that, you could wait for hours. Meanwhile, she’ll have thought you understood her dilemma.

Why Non-Verbal Cues Matter in Your Cross-Cultural Relationship

Understanding non-verbal communication isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a powerful tool that can make or break your relationship, especially when dating someone from a different culture like Ukraine or Russia.

Non-verbal cues—like tone of voice, eye contact, posture, and silence—can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and connect on a deeper emotional level.

Imagine this: instead of misreading her quietness as disinterest, you recognize it as thoughtfulness or a cultural sign of respect. Or rather than pushing a lunch date when she subtly hints she’s tired, you suggest another day—earning trust instead of creating tension.

Learning to read these unspoken messages helps you understand her true feelings and expectations, even when words fall short. It also shows her you’re attentive, respectful, and emotionally intelligent—qualities that go a long way in building trust.

The key? Pay close attention. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity when you’re unsure. The more you understand her silent language, the smoother and more meaningful your relationship will become.

Last Updated & Reviewed: June 11, 2025

You need to discover superb overseas girls and feature an thrilling global courting adventure, however you do not know in which to start. Don’t worry, we can help you! ☝️ Ask Krystyna
krystyna yourtango

Meet Krystyna, an esteemed international dating expert, blogger, and the founder of Ukrainian Dating Blog. With over 1000 articles published in English and German, she specializes in cross-cultural relationships, prevalent dating topics, and tackling romance scams.

Featured in many major publications including DatingAdviceSpace Coast Daily & SWAGGER Magazine.
Any questions? Just ask:  [email protected]

2 thoughts on “We Don’t Understand Each Other: Non-Verbal Cues”

  1. Hello My Dear,

    I am interested in this wonderful woman who is Russian, however, has lived in Ukraine since she was 7, she is now 44. She is a true beauty…We met in Kiev a few weeks ago, I am from the US… we have talked for over three months on skype. I am considering bringing her to the US with marriage in mind…Can you write me and give me your opinion on how I can understand her better, not in words, but in culture.

    1. Dear James,
      that’s a little hard to tell you in just a few sentences what is the Ukrainian culture. I advise you to go to Ukraine for a while (of course if it is possible) or you should read my blog.

      I try to write many interesting and helpful things about our culture and traditions on the Ukrainian Dating Blog. If you have specific questions, you can contact me. I’ll help you, of course.

      Krystyna 🙂

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