Sometimes it's very interesting to hear a foreign woman's opinion about our men. Especially if that foreign woman is an elegant Frenchwoman, Ukr.Media reports.
One evening, in conversation, she shared an observation that, I admit, made me think.
When the French woman started talking about our men, at first it seemed like she was going to get a compliment. Well, like “brave, strong, reliable,” everything we like. But no — instead of a compliment, I got a culture shock.
“They are very… brutal”
According to the French woman, Ukrainian men are like well-fried meat: strong, tasty on the outside, but a little dry on the inside.
– They are cold. They don't show emotions. I said “I love you” once – and for life. No romantic text messages for you, no tears during a movie. In France, a woman knows that she is loved every day! And she also knows that a man can cry. Not with you.
I smiled. Because in reality it's not about coldness, but about depth. Our men don't say too much – but if they promise, they will do it. This is their strength and authenticity. They know how to keep their word, build a home, be a support in silence. Yes, not always with a bouquet of roses, but with a sack of potatoes – this is also love.
Although our husbands sometimes cry too, but not near us, but somewhere in the garage when the starter won't start.
“Your woman is still a saucepan and a cradle”
But then she threw in a philosophical cocktail of sociology and everyday life:
– Your men believe that a woman should stay at home, give birth and cook borscht. And also that a career and self-realization are not women's business. We broke up with my boyfriend from Ukraine because he wanted children and a wedding right away. And I wanted to become someone other than a “mommy”. Here in France, men don't just help, they really take part – in raising children, in cleaning, and in everything.
It's not about character, but about social habits. And indeed, in Ukraine, there is still a magical phrase: “Who will raise the children if not you?” But it's important to understand here: our men don't want a “housewife” out of malice, but often because they were raised that way, because they themselves grew up in families where the mother was the heart of the home.
Despite all the French logic and progressiveness, many women here do not consider this a minus. We grew up with the idea that a man should be a wall – even if this wall is silent. And that a woman is a protector. And although time changes roles, and more and more men in Europe today dress in women's clothes, swaddle children, cook and cry – the traditional model still holds its ground.
Because for someone, a calm, reserved man who doesn't shout about love every day, but carries potatoes from the market every Saturday and will protect in any situation – this is a manifestation of deep feelings. And who said that love is just words?
Summary with a smile
So yes, French men cry, make tarte tatin, and can sit with their child while their partner builds a startup. Ours are sometimes silent heroes who bear the cross of responsibility and do not admit tears.
And you know, between Paris and Kyiv — not an abyss, but a cultural distance. Every minus can be seen as a plus — if you look at it with love.
Ultimately, the difference between our men and the French is not about “better or worse.” It’s just a different upbringing, cultural context, and traditions. The French talk more freely about their feelings, while ours know how to act without unnecessary words. They are different, but both can be great partners if there is respect, love, and a desire to understand each other between people.
