Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Secret Lives of Women TV Segment Reveals International Dating from the Foreign Women’s Perspective

Before a single interview was filmed, WeTV’s editors decided to create a segment they would call “Mail Order Brides”. But what does that mean?

Men who traveled overseas to meet women have often been chided with, “What are you doing – trying to find a mail order bride?” Yet people with any common sense understand that you can’t order a human being through the mail. How is it that this 150-year-old phrase still remains a part of western culture vocabulary?

It may be acceptable to criticize men for going overseas to find love, but what happens when a women’s television network does a show featuring the foreign women’s stories? A drastically different perspective unfolds.

As millions of TV’s viewers were glued to their screens on Tuesday night, many watched WeTV’s “Secret Lives of Women” and heard things they had never considered before. A clear case was made that women from other countries have valid and intelligent reasons for looking abroad.

“With over 3 ½ million more women than men in the Ukraine, women are looking elsewhere to find love”, said the female commentator.

You can view two trailers from this episode at: www.YouTube.com/iDatingforMen

“Men in Ukraine aren’t bad here. There are good men, but they aren’t looking for long term relationships”, said, Anna, a 21-year old woman now married to Mark, a man from Sacramento, California.

That appeared to be the common theme. Men have too many choices overseas and have less motivation to settle down. So what do these women do to find family-oriented men? They sign up with “Marriage agencies” in hopes that they can help them connect with good foreign men through this form of international dating.

“Marriage agencies are popular here,” said Nastya, an 18 year old Ukrainian woman. “When women here get to interact with foreign men they are very excited. American men have made a good impression on me.”

“In my opinion, American men are smart people – intellectual people”, said another 18 year old woman names Valaria. “They seem to immediately understand what girls want.”

So how does East meet West? The agencies facilitate international dating through letter correspondence and personal meetings. In this segment, crews followed a social gathering where 200 women came to a party, but only 25 foreign men were available for introductions.

The reactions were mixed. Many women were obviously disappointed that there weren’t more men. Others experienced cultural clashes as some of the men tried to impress them with their lives in America.

“Some men wanted to impress me. They’d show me pictures and say look at my house or my car. I don’t care about houses or cars or money. If I like you, I’m going to like you”, declared Anna. “Maybe some women are after money, but I was after a husband.”

Nastya and Valaria attended the social, but weren’t approached by any of the men until right at the end. They didn’t find what they were hoping for, but said they would certainly like to try again.

WeTV says this about themselves, “Available in nearly 74 million homes, WE tv's programming offers viewers compelling perspectives on women`s lives ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary, presented in a non-judgmental voice.”

This segment appeared to deliver on that pledge. It may very well have been the first program ever to provide such a non-judgmental voice on behalf of these women. Perhaps a new day and new tone has been set for dialog about the true story – the human story – that is international dating.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Boy Meets Girl and East Meets West - Where's the Controversy?

Everyone wants to think that they are enlightened and open minded. Everyone believes that we should bridge gaps with nations all around our global village. That is, until they hear that a friend wants to date someone from another country – then everything changes. Why?

How could something as simple as a man and woman finding each other be so maligned? If you were to tell your friends that you were going to a singles dating event in another city, there would be nothing wrong with that. But if a guy tells his family or friends that he wants to go on a singles introduction tour in another country – watch out! Here come the conformity police!

For those of us who ventured abroad to find love we have been warned that all of these women just want to take our money and get green cards. Not only are we told that these women have ill motives – our motives are brought into question as well. “What’s wrong with America?” we are asked. “You can’t find a girl in this entire country who will take you? Are you looking for something kinky?” The women overseas experience something very similar. Mothers warn their daughters of men who will love them and leave them stranded in a foreign land with no money and no way home. They are told to watch out for the slave trade and men who are looking to imprison them.

With all of that drama coming from people who haven’t dated overseas, it’s no wonder that few venture out.

But for those who do, the story of boy meets girl and east meets west is filled with adventure and joy. It is very much like Romeo and Juliet, but with a very happy ending.

I went on one of those introduction dating tours to the Ukraine and met the most incredible woman in the world, Anna Astafieva. As Anna and I celebrate three years of being together, we have come to realize that, even though we come from different cultures, we are more alike than we are different. We are more in love with each passing day and our passion for life continues to grow.

I’m grateful that I did not listen to the critics. I believe that the greatest rewards in life will always go to the risk-takers. For those who have not found their soul mate here – it may be because she is waiting overseas.

We embrace the variety this world has to offer and support the efforts of those willing to bridge cultures and countries in pursuit of love.

Mark & Anna Davis

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Ugly Truth Movie: 7 Truths About Men - Part 1

The Ugly Truth is one of the most refreshingly honest dating films since What Women Want – but this time, the topic is about what MEN want. This is one of those rare date movies that both men and women are talking about – and with good reason. It just may touch on some truths.

Abby Richter, played by Katherine Heigl, is a romantically challenged morning show producer in Sacramento. Mike Chadway, played by Gerard Butler, is her new male chauvinist talent. As much as it kills her, his testosterone-driven advice makes him a new superstar and helps re-spark flames of passion for many couples. Reluctantly, Abby admits that Mike may be able to help her land her dream guy; a doctor named Colin.

This is where the fun begins. So now I give to you Mike Chadway’s “Truth’s for Women to Date By”, as interpreted by yours truly, Mark Edward Davis of International Dating for Men.com:

Mike’s Truth #1: Courting is About Lust, Seduction, and Manipulation

Abby is adamant that the pursuit of her dream man is about love, “Colin is a man who knows about love; which obviously you know nothing of.”

Mike retorts, "What I do know about is lust, seduction, and manipulation; things of which you know nothing of."

What is the truth? The truth is that both people want first-impressions to communicate that:

· They are comfortable in their own skin,
· That they already lead a successful life,
· But that they are interested in getting to know the other person.

As detestable as it may seem; the ways that you communicate these three points are manipulated and calculating. Courting is a game of controlled disclosure; but that’s necessary. How can that be true? It’s true because more disclosure is given only as trust is earned. That is just self-respect. It’s not a game. Those are healthy boundaries.

But, with all of that pushing back, how do you keep him coming toward you? Mike has that answer up next.

Mike’s Truth #2: Ladies, You Need to be both the Stripper and the Librarian

I can’t help but agree with that one. I’ve said it myself that I wanted a woman who could go mountain climbing, look elegant at a social event, and be the vixen behind closed doors. Ladies, isn’t that who you want to be as well?

Mike’s Truth #3: You Have to Like Yourself if You Expect Anyone Else to Like You

How can you argue with that? He goes on to say that you have to feel sexy in order to be sexually attractive. This is why we sometimes describe a particular woman as radiant. It comes from a state of feeling beautiful. Do what it takes for you to feel beautiful.

Check back here or at InternationalDatingForMen.com to catch Part 2 of this article where we’ll look at Mike’s last four “truths”:

· Laugh at all of his jokes
· Don’t complain or talk about your problems
· Men are only interested in sex and beauty
· Women are control freaks

The real-life insights behind these “truths” may be The Ugly Truth. You’ll have to judge that for yourself.

Monday, August 3, 2009

The Ugly Truth Movie: 7 Truths About Men - Part 2

The movie The Ugly Truth touched on real life battle-of-the-sexes issues with no holds barred. Gerard Butler’s character, Mike Chadway breaks into some touchy topics with such a storm of audacity and candor you can’t help but laugh.

Ladies, we’re going to be taking material from the movie and letting you in on some guy secrets.

In Part 1 of this article, we talked about the first three truths about men from Mike Chadway. Now, here are the last four “truths” from Mike C., as interpreted by me, Mark Edward Davis:

Mike’s Truth #4: Laugh at All of His Jokes

That may sound like a fake and shallow effort to feed his ego, but I’d like to offer you an alternate perspective. When anyone tells a joke; understand that they’re taking a social risk of rejection.

These are unique moments when even shy people get to be center stage; if only for the time it takes to tell that joke. I always laugh and enjoy their moment, even if I’d heard the joke before. Regardless of who you’re with; you’ll score points by laughing at their jokes. Mike has a valid point here.

Mike’s Truth #5: Don’t Complain or Talk About Your Problems

To watch this movie and see how badly the leading lady, Abby Richter, played by Katherine Heigl, interacts with her dates, it makes you want to leave the table yourself! She complains about the water and then cross examines her date as if he was there for a job interview.

The truth in the ‘don’t complain’ mandate is really about attitude. Vince Lombardi, a legendary football coach, said, “When you’re winning; nothing hurts. When you’re losing; everything hurts.” If a guy hears energy and optimism in your attitude; he knows he’s with someone who loves life. When he hears complaining and problems, it tells him he’s with someone who does not love life. Sorry for that bit of Ugly Truth, but that’s just the way guys are going to read it.

Mike’s Truth #6: Men are only interested in sex and beauty

Just today my wife and I were having a conversation with a mid-twenty something woman who said, “The movie confirmed that men have an order of importance when looking at a woman: body, face, and then mind.” Well, if you’re talking about first impressions, that’s true.

But that’s kind of like saying I noticed the peacock’s feathers before its head. Isn’t that the point of beauty – to attract attention? Once you’ve started a conversation with a man he can become fascinated with you. However, if you want that guy to come over and have that conversation then you’ll need to be attractive – and most women know how to be attractive with what they were given.

Mike’s Truth # 7: Women are Control Freaks

As my wife pointed out; women may have been given this tendency by God so they can be protective mothers. That may be true for mothering, but if you treat guys that way; you’ll only attract the immature ones. Learn to be fascinated with how men lead and go with it. Have a little adventure.

The dirty little secret is that men are looking for women to appreciate the way they lead. The slightest words of encouragement will buy you more than you can imagine. He’ll want to stay around to hear more words of praise and admiration.

If you are trying to attract a man, don’t you want to know how he thinks and what he’s looking for? Thanks to The Ugly Truth, many guy secrets are now out in the open. And, honestly, they’re hoping you were taking notes.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Do I Need to Get a Visa Too?

I was asked this question about guys needing visas twice
this week in emails; so I thought I'd get it on record in
case there are others who have the same question.

The visa is basically an extra step of precaution one
country wants before allowing citizens from another country
to enter. When I traveled to Brazil, they did require me
to get a visa prior to visiting. This will also be true in
China and Russia. However, that is more the exception than
the rule.

Most places on this planet regard the US citizen's passport
like a golden ticket. You can come and go with very little
restriction. You don't need any other document to get to
Ukraine, Costa Rica, or most every place you could go on a
romance tour. Other countries may have requirements, such as
Russia or China, but I wouldn't be intimidated by it. The
tour packet you receive will explain if anything else is required.

So what is the deal with the girl's visa? Well, she is coming
from a country that may have had some questionable people
try to enter the US in the past. For example, the US now has
friendly relations with many of the former Soviet nations, and the
people there seem to be very warm and welcoming to American
visitors. But the US government still likes having that
one extra step involved to verify identity and intent of people
coming here.

There are other reasons why the US may require visas from Russian,
Latin American, or Asian citizens. But the process in place
remains the same. I've worked with numerous guys as they've
gone through the process and, so far, none have had any
complications. It takes three to five months to have your
application approved. It may be another month or two
before you can arrange to have her in your home.

This is a very reasonable process. The documents
required are only trying to verify that you are both who
you say you are. That she has no criminal record or
disease. And that you are serious about your intent to
pursue marriage.

In my case, I went from the day I met Anna at a social to
the day we were married in 10 months. It's a very
reasonable time to get to know your future life partner so
you're comfortable with your decision.

You will be free to come and go as you want to. And she
will too once you get through the K-1 Visa and subsequent
travel documents.

Not much to worry about on your end, but even if you did have
to get a visa for your dating tour, I know you're the kind
of man who would do it and get it done. Just go and enjoy
being in exotic destinations around the world with
wonderful women who will see you as the hot commodity!

Come join the adventure!

Mark "the Dating Ambassador" Davis
www.InternationalDatingForMen.com
International Dating for Men, Inc.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Home Run Dates - Part 3 - What To Do

OK, Guys:

This is the day you've been waiting for! Today I will share with
you the FORMULA for creating Home Run dates.

Since I'm a picture and structure guy, I'm going to give you a
four point outline (each starting with the letter "A") and
examples from movies to illustrate the points.

The four points in my formula for Home Run dates are these:

1. Atmosphere
2. Actors
3. Angle
4. Action

The atmosphere is about setting the stage. Is this elegant
dining or a sports event? The atmosphere dictates the other
three components.

The actors are the highest leverage component and the most
overlooked. Remember my story of using the doorman at the
hotel? Using people who can help make the date unique are of
huge significance. It creates a sense of mystery for the woman,
and builds HUGE credibility for you. She'll be thinking, "Who
is this guy who can get all of these people to do this for him?"

The angle is a unique twist that you mix in. It may be some
special privilege you have from people you know, or it can be
something you can get by simply tipping someone to accommodate you.

Examples of unique angles would be box seats at a concert or
sporting event; the president's table at a fancy restaurant, or
access to a rooftop on a high-rise building that has a
spectacular view no one else gets to see.

Finally, there needs to be some action. This can be as simple
as taking the scenic drive in the limo after dinner, walking
along the riverfront (which is so common in movies), or actually
engaging in something physically challenging.

Let me provide another example from the movie "Hitch" and show
you how each of these are integrated into the date. The first
date Hitch sets up with his girl begins with a messenger
arriving at her cubical with a package. She goes through
several steps in order to set the stage for the date. The
messenger is the "Actor" in this date.

Next, she meets Hitch at the waterfront to ride jet skis with
him. That is both "Atmosphere" and a unique "Action". They
ride to Ellis Island where he has arranged for an exclusive tour
and set up a page in the log showing her great grandfather's
signature from when he arrived. That's the "Angle" and the
guard there is yet another "Actor" in his date. Even though
everything didn't impact her the way he anticipated; she was
impressed because of his creativity and effort.

Another movie example is from "Kate & Leopold". In his date, he
had her brother tell her to meet him on the roof of the apartment
building. He lined the path with candles, cooked the meal
himself, set a gorgeous place setting for two, and hired
violinists to serenade his event. This is a simple, yet
elegant, example of using all four components.

Let's put a date together right now. In this scenario, let's
set up a fancy dinner. When you ask her out, let her know what
restaurant you had in mind and simply set a time to pick her up.

Now, arrange your actors. I'd hire a limousine to pick her up.
As a twist to add mystery, let's say you are not in the car, but
the driver is instructed to tell her that you are finishing
preparations for your date and will meet her at the restaurant
(which he says by name).

Have the limo driver call when they are pulling up and set your
next actors in motion. Have the valet, host, or someone else,
prepared to open her door, greet her by name, and tell her that
your table is ready and that you are there waiting for her.
Have him escort her to your table - hopefully a private table if
possible - and stand up as she approaches. Tell her she looks
wonderful and offer a flower.

Next the manager comes to the table to offer his personal
greeting and the rest of the dinner is now your stage. You are
still the director of this play. At the end of dinner, have one
of the actors call the driver to be ready at the curb; waiting
for you. The last ingredient would be some kind of action.

Taking a walk in a special place where you could take in a
beautiful view would be a great conclusion.

You know you've just ruined her for every other guy she'll ever
date - every other date will be a distant second place to yours
- and we're really OK with that.

Tomorrow, we'll put the pieces together on how these touch her
core desires and contrast going on these kinds of dates here and
abroad.

Be the man for her and come join the party!

Mark "The Ambassador" Davis
International Dating for Men

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Creating Home Run Dates - Part 2

Hey, Guys,

As you'll recall from the last blog, I told you I'd share with you the Number One Rule in Dating - and that violating this rule can turn all of your efforts upside down.

This is going to sound simple, but I will explain why it is so critical.

The Number One Rule in Dating is this: The date is your experience before it's hers.

In essence, when you ask a woman out on a date, you are giving her an invitation to join you in your experience. This also fits with her second core desire, which is this: A woman wants to be caught up into an adventure.

I don't have enough time in an email to fully develop thisthought, but this is about posture, your enjoyment, and touching on a desire in a woman's heart.

First, let's talk about why this has to be about your experience. It has to do with the Law of Radiant Attraction. The term 'radiant' has to do with an energy field. In this case, you have an energy that people want to feel. Have you ever been around someone that made you just want to be around them even more? Chances are good that they were simply having a great time doing what they were doing and everyone wants to be part of the party.

In this instance, you are the party. Imagine that you are looking forward to doing whatever you have planned for this date - and that you'd have a great time doing it by yourself or with anyone else for that matter.

Picture the kind of dynamic in this story. You have a friend tell you he just won great tickets to a hot concern from a radio station and he wants to know if you'd join him. If you couldn't go, he'd still go and probably make friends with the others around him and have stories to tell that will make you wish you had gone.

That's what the Number One Rule in Dating feels like. You are going to be doing something you enjoy and wanted to know if the woman you're talking to would like to join you. Once you have this mindset, you will enjoy your evening; even if you don't have a great connection with the woman you're out with. Your zone of good energy is not subject to being burst by anyone - and it will be radiantly attractive.

The part that makes this further attractive to the women is that too many guys make the woman the center of the date. That kind of woman worship does not take her away on an adventure. She wants to be taken away into a story that she doesn't know - one that is about your experience - one that puts you in charge of writing the epic and may have surprises for her along the way.

Does this rule sound selfish? It isn't. Dates are about creating experiences and moments of escape from the mundane. It's your magic carpet. You'll enjoy the ride with or without her. This posture helps her relax. Now she knows she doesn't have to be on guard that your only agenda may be sexual conquest. In fact, she may be the one advancing on you. Nice turn about, aye?

Next we'll talk about how to take 'your experience' and tweak it to blow her mind!

The party has just begun!

Mark "The Ambassador" Davis
International Dating for Men

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Formula for Creating Home Run Dates - Part 1

Hey, Guys:

I hope you're ready to receive some gold! Knowing what I'm about to tell you will take your dating game to a whole new level. I’m talking about out-of-the-ball-park-home-run dates! And these are things you can do this week with a date here at home!

In my upcoming book, "Mastering the Adventure of International Dating" I spend two chapters on understanding men and women, what they want, and how they are influenced by cultural differences.

Even though I spent nearly 15% of the book on the topic, it only scratched the surface. I'm going to try to deliver as much value as I can for you in four emails - most of these specific tips are not in the book so don't miss any of these.

Let's talk about what women want. There are three core desires in every woman's heart. Knowing these will help you be more affective in winning her heart. Her first desire is to be pursued. I'll get to the other two core desires in other emails.

The first of these deep desires of hers is to be pursued; as in fought for, worthy of extra effort, and a feeling that someone wants to get to really know her.

So what does that look like in dating? You might be wondering, "Do I have to start a fight with someone for her?" Maybe not a physical fight, but gestures to show you are mindful to protect her are golden. Think of the movie "Hitch". Remember the first date of our chubby hero in the art gallery?

There was a scene in the movie where two completely arrogant art snobs try to hold our hero and his date hostage while they dribble on about their theories and then ask him questions to make him look out of touch. In a wonderful and daring twist, he switches the subject and asks them a sports question leaving them stunned and silent. He then excuses the two of them away and they move on – laughing quietly to themselves. Brilliant.

Defending her isn't usually about fist fights, but if you protect and defend your space together, she may just feel like you went to battle for her.

Another aspect of pursuing her is trying to get to know her beyond surface chatter. Show her that she is fascinating to you and that you are curious to hear more about her world.

However, the easiest way to touch her heart is by creating dates that show you feel she is worthy of extra effort. In fact, I'm going to spend the third email this week on just that topic; so you'll have specific ideas on how to hit that date out of the park.

In closing the email today; I want to give you a simple personal example of my own to show how this can work for you.

My wife and I had finished dinner at a fantastic restaurant in a downtown San Francisco hotel. Parking was brutal in that area and I had to park in a garage three blocks down. My wife had exquisite new high heel boots on and I didn't want to put her through more pain by walking with me. I gave her instructions to wait in the center lobby and I'd simply pull up, call her on my phone when I was there, and have her meet me out front.

As I walked out and observed the entrance, I could tell that this hotel would have zero tolerance for waiting at the entrance, so I got an idea.

I would tip the doorman to work with me on a simple plan. I pulled up in front, but to a place where my wife couldn't see the car. Immediately, the doorman started toward me - thinking he was going to tell me to move on.

With a $20 in my hand, I told him that my wife was waiting in the center of the lobby. I wanted him to go up to her and say, "Mrs. Davis? Your car and husband are waiting for you out front. May I escort you to him?" I told him to also say, "It was easy to find you. Mr. Davis said to just look for the most beautiful woman in the room." He walked up to her, in his tuxedo and doorman's uniform, and executed the plan like a master.

Grand Slam. Out of the park. World Series. Home Run.

She was emotional Jello and rewarded me handsomely when we got home.

Next we'll talk about the Number One Rule of Dating that must be obeyed or the whole pursuing thing will be turned upside down. Talk to you tomorrow!

Come join the party,

Mark "The Ambassador" Davis
International Dating for Men

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Yes, this is better than an MLT

Do you remember the Billy Crystal line from Princess Bride? The scene went like this:

Miracle Max, played by Billy Crystal, was the retired magician to the king. Fezzik and Inigo brought the body of Wesley, the movie's hero, to Max to see if he could help bring him back to life.

Miracle Max told the two that Wesley would have to have a reason to live in order to be brought back to live. He asked the dead body what he had to live for and then pushed on his stomach. As the air came out you could hear him say, "True love".

"True love?" Max exclaimed, "Yes, true love is the greatest cause on earth, second only to a good MLT (mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich), when the mutton is nice and thick."

I may have missed the direct quote, and much more happens in the movie, but there is a HUGE symbolic significance that is worth talking about.

As guys, we sometimes feel dead to the world. We have the same old job. We have the same unsatisfied relationships. Nothing seems to change, and we don't feel that deep sense of love in our lives.

The great truth here is that True Love can bring your heart back to life and give you passion to live!

As we get closer to the launch of the book, I know that much of the attention goes to how beautiful these foreign ladies are. But the real treasure is how deeply satisfying the love relationships can be.

Foreign women have fantastic instincts and family values. They are in tune with their men. They are gracious toward family. They are not afraid of working on a relationship and they have giving hearts.

Any good man will respond to this kind of effort with equal effort - and the love bond between the two of you will deepen.

As for me, all I ever really wanted in a love relationship was someone who would match my efforts. I am a romantic guy. I give to my loved ones without question. If I could just find someone who would match my efforts, my world would explode with love - and it has.

In times of financial crisis, the things of real importance and significance seem to rise to the top. Even the wealthiest of men will be sad and lonely without true love.

Stay on course. Don't settle for less than true love - and you will be richer than the wealthiest of men.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Stories Worth Telling

International dating rocks! There is nothing like it. The women are looking for a good guy and truly love men. You get to go and see the world and have experiences you could only dream about. In the end, you may even want to bring one home.



These photos are from Brazil, Costa Rica, Ukraine, and then back here in the United States with the one I decided to keep.



So, how does all of this work? Much of it has been made very simple and I'm launching a book on the topic next month titled, "International Dating for Men; Take Exotic Vacations - Find Exotic Love".



I've made this process very easy to do so you can maximize the great fun and adventure and mimimize the details of getting there and logistics.



However, once you start down this path, you may never go back. One of the most common statements from guys who start to date overseas is that they'll never date a woman in their home country again!



At the same time, the hunger and curiosity to know more about what to expect grows. I get so many questions from guys and I'll try to use this blog to answer them.



I also want to use this forum to share stories of the road - of love and adventure.


Even if you are just curious about this process, you'll quickly come to realize that this option for finding the greatest women in the world is very real. This may be just what you've been looking for.



Let me tell you what this is not about. This is not about writing letters to strangers and exchanging emails with girls. This is about living the dream, traveling the world, and finding deep love with exotic beauties.



Every story is different. But most are worth telling.



Welcome to the club, my friend.



Your guide,





Mark






P.S.: The top photo and these last two are of
the woman I brought home with me. This is my Ukrainian wife, Anna.