Regardless of who comprises the better halves of the whole, any relationship can indeed be challenging. It becomes doubly challenging when you are dating a lady from another country. Then you would have to deal with things you do not have to deal with if you were dating your own countrymen: language barrier, differences in culture and lack of knowledge about your fiancee's views on life's issues. But you can always start hurdling the challenges from the point of the most mundane - knowing your ladylove's eating and drinking habits.

What you should know about Ukrainian cuisine is that Ukrainians are very hospitable to their guests. Indeed, they are very generous at feeding guests. Chances are, your Ukrainian lady would also know how to cook. Thus, the first dating tip that we can share to you is to prepare yourself to eat a lot of what you have been served and exerting your best effort to not refuse a second serving of anything when you are having dinner at your ladylove's home. Otherwise, they (herself included) might think you are rejecting their hospitality and do not like their food (as well as the effort that they put into the cooking).

You should know that Ukrainian cuisine includes some very tasty dishes along with some more exotic ones. Among the most traditional Ukrainian dishes there are Borshch (beet soup), Vareniki (sort of Ravioli), Nalisniki (pancakes), Golubsti (cabbage rolls) and Salo with garlic (Pig's fat). Some of these you may like, while others you may hate. So, another one of the Ukraine dating tips is to think out some nice explanation as to why you do not want to eat or even taste some of the food offered to you.

Of course, you should make sure that your excuse is nice, and more importantly, believable. Pig fat is not eat in the United States and in most countries of Europe. You might even be feeling sick now as you are reading this (more so if you eat it), but do not tell it to her family. So think ahead and come up with a very good reason why you deny it when it is offered to you.

Many Ukrainian women drink a lot - cognac and vodka are the most preferred drinks. In fact, it is precisely because of this heavy drinking that many Ukrainian women are looking forward to marrying foreign men. So if you want to succeed in your relationship with your Ukrainian lady, do not drink too much and, more importantly, do not share with her your drinking adventures.

Of course, there are some Ukrainian ladies who drink a lot. Most Ukrainian women, however, would think it is acceptable to drink only during dates, holidays or celebrations. Some Ukrainian women even require their men not to drink any alcohol at all.

Before you go out and visit her family, it would be wise to discuss drinking with her. If she is not totally against it, you may opt to bring a bottle of good wine, vodka or cognac for father or her entire family. At all times, drink only a few shots of drink, even if her family offers you to drink more.

In dealing with Ukrainian eating and drinking culture, do keep these things in mind. You would want to impress your love and avoid unnecessary fights in your relationship.