I was shocked that in Russia everything is different: “Congratulation women on March 8?” What else? British man married Russian and changed his mind

At first, British man Craig Ashton was not used to Russian men helping women, opening doors, offering to deliver heavy things or paying for dinner. In the UK, he said, such gestures may be perceived differently, as women are used to emphasizing independence and equality.

Craig was particularly surprised by the March 8 holiday. When his wife asked if he was going to congratulate her, the man did not immediately understand the meaning of this tradition. He saw no reason to organize a separate celebration in honor of women and believed that it was not necessary to emphasize the differences between the sexes.

However, his wife explained to him the significance of the holiday and the peculiarities of Russian traditions. Over time, Craig changed his attitude. Now he opens his wife's doors, helps with outerwear, takes care of her and congratulates her on March 8. As the Brit himself admits, he likes this attitude.

Another Englishman, Edmund Harris, also didn't immediately understand the meaning of International Women's Day. He perceived it as a mixture of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day and did not know who to congratulate.

Another British woman, Anna Snowgrass, who came to Russia to study Russian, noted the difference in household behavior of men and women. According to her, in England, a girl can refuse help with heavy luggage, considering it a manifestation of her independence. In Russia, on the contrary, the refusal of a man to offer help can be perceived as inattention.

According to foreigners, it is these everyday situations that help to distinguish between cultural perceptions of equality, care and relations between men and women.