Mail Order Bride, Russian Woman, Russian Girl, Beautiful Russian Woman

Arina's Story Part III (July 2002)

February 2002 signified my third wedding anniversary. At this writing I have been in America for forty-four months.

It is with great pleasure that I share this update on my marriage, expanding business activities, and my life in America. Thank you all for your interest.

The past year was full of many exciting developments for me, not the least of which was three trips back to my home city of Togliatti.

My husband and I were guests on two nationally televised programs (The Montel Show taped in New York City and The Other Half taped in Hollywood, California), and I also did a movie review on National Public Radio for Nicole Kidman's Russian-bride themed movie Birthday Girl.

My recent decision to expand my business could not be made until I felt comfortable with the added responsibility. Within the upcoming months I will have my own web site that will allow customers from anywhere America to order my custom made window treatments.

Arina Sokolova Rich after her taping
on television's The Montel Show

Our appearance on The Montel Show was somewhat upsetting for me. There were a number of other guests on the show who expressed their belief that abuse of foreign brides is widespread. They claimed that Russian women were marrying American men and were then being exploited. This has not been my own experience, and it was very difficult to listen to these individuals made such generalizations. Host Montel Williams did take the side of the many happy couples who have come together through foreign correspondence, saying that people should be able to exercise their right to meet in any manner they wish. I fully agree.

From what we know, our Volgagirl marriages are working out very well. There have been three Togliatti ladies that have returned to Russia within the 3-month period of time allotted for couples to decide if they will marry. Two of these relationships appeared ill-suited, and one lady simply missed Russia so much she returned. While the occasion is rare ... it can happen.