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Original poster

Ukrainian welcoming them to neighborhood

17 replies

summersbysea · 04/07/2022 19:32

A Ukrainian lady with her two kids has moved in a few doors away and is very friendly. She smiles at me and says hello but her English is very limited. I've got the Ukrainian flag in my window and just find it's so important we help them. I'm not well off and struggle as a single mum.

By chance she and her kids also attends this martial arts class that I've started with my kids.

I just wasn't sure about their culture like. Would they be ok if I invited them over for a barbecue or invite her to the pub with my mates. Just to welcome her to this country and the area as it's absolutely horrific with what's happening to them.
Entire cities turned to rubble. Does anyone have experience with their culture etc

OP posts:
User79865765 · 04/07/2022 19:38

They will be delighted I’m sure if you invite them over. My guests are very keen to mix as much as possible and make new friends. Culturally they are actually very similar to us. Main differences are that they cook a lot more from scratch and the kids stay up quite late.

lady3009 · 04/07/2022 19:43

You nailed it @User79865765!
I’m from that region (not Ukraine but very close to it) so can reassure that she will be pleased
so nice of you 🙂

AuntieMaggie · 04/07/2022 19:47

A Translate App on your phone is a brilliant way of communicating so if you can download one and practice using it so it's less awkward when you are in each others company.

Sundayfootball19288228282 · 04/07/2022 19:51

My Hubbie is Ukrainian, culturally really similar - he’s always liken Ukrainian to a few years behind, Similar to the Uk but 5-10 years behind us.

just go for it, we’ve family staying at the min from Ukraine and it can be really isolating so go for it!

Okeydoky · 04/07/2022 19:57

Definitely invite her over.

If she's anything like our guest she'll be so happy to see the flag in your window every time she walks past.

I've been surprised by how similar the culture is to ours.

Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 20:23

User79865765 · 04/07/2022 19:38

They will be delighted I’m sure if you invite them over. My guests are very keen to mix as much as possible and make new friends. Culturally they are actually very similar to us. Main differences are that they cook a lot more from scratch and the kids stay up quite late.

Yes they do seem very similar to us and I'm so glad our government let them in.
It's just I wasn't sure if they like traditional British food. Im guessing they drink vodka.
I just didn't want to cause any awkwardness

OP posts:
Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 20:31

Okeydoky · 04/07/2022 19:57

Definitely invite her over.

If she's anything like our guest she'll be so happy to see the flag in your window every time she walks past.

I've been surprised by how similar the culture is to ours.

Good to know I just thought they'd like the welcome

OP posts:
Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 20:33

lady3009 · 04/07/2022 19:43

You nailed it @User79865765!
I’m from that region (not Ukraine but very close to it) so can reassure that she will be pleased
so nice of you 🙂

Being nosy where and are these countries similar to England?
Also I'll invite a few neighbours over and they'll get a chance to meet our diverse people.
I'll get my friend to make some indian food and show them bits of our culture

OP posts:
Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 20:48

Okeydoky · 04/07/2022 19:57

Definitely invite her over.

If she's anything like our guest she'll be so happy to see the flag in your window every time she walks past.

I've been surprised by how similar the culture is to ours.

Yes definitely. It'll be great having them here.

OP posts:
User79865765 · 04/07/2022 20:49

My guests are not used to lots of spicy food but bbq is fine. They don’t drink vodka either, they drink wine.

User79865765 · 04/07/2022 20:49

But everyone is different of course

Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 20:52

User79865765 · 04/07/2022 20:49

My guests are not used to lots of spicy food but bbq is fine. They don’t drink vodka either, they drink wine.

Oh thanks for the heads up! I thought I'd introduce them to some Indian, Chinese Carribbean foods. I'll have to tell my friends to tone down the heat.
BBQ ? I suppose they're ok with meat from Asda.
Wine why particular type (cheap version please!)

OP posts:
Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 21:02

Okeydoky · 04/07/2022 19:57

Definitely invite her over.

If she's anything like our guest she'll be so happy to see the flag in your window every time she walks past.

I've been surprised by how similar the culture is to ours.

She's the same age as me and her kids too.
I reckon we will all get on well together and we can spend the summer doing activities.
It'll be good for them with what they've gone through and I'll learn about another culture..

OP posts:
Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 21:06

User79865765 · 04/07/2022 19:38

They will be delighted I’m sure if you invite them over. My guests are very keen to mix as much as possible and make new friends. Culturally they are actually very similar to us. Main differences are that they cook a lot more from scratch and the kids stay up quite late.

Are they ok with cooked from frozen burgers, meats etc

I just feel pleased they'll get to meet different people, we've got a diverse bunch here. We're all more like a family around here like no one will hesitate to knock on someone's door for help. We still got that community thing here.
I just want them to feel a part of us

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 04/07/2022 21:08

My ds swim club is hosting a family and I'm teaching the mum English.

They very much appear to have a similar life to what we have here. Or this family do.

But absolutely what they've been through is just unimaginable.

The lady I know absolutely wants to involve herself in the community and get involved in the local area etc.

I think inviting them for a bbq as a starter (more intimate and less pressure) would be a great start.

Tonkerbea · 04/07/2022 21:12

No need to overthink, a thoughtful gesture and warm welcome transcends language and culture. I'm sure they'll enjoy whatever food/drink you provide because it was offered with kindness.

Original poster
summersbysea · 04/07/2022 21:14

itsgettingweird · 04/07/2022 21:08

My ds swim club is hosting a family and I'm teaching the mum English.

They very much appear to have a similar life to what we have here. Or this family do.

But absolutely what they've been through is just unimaginable.

The lady I know absolutely wants to involve herself in the community and get involved in the local area etc.

I think inviting them for a bbq as a starter (more intimate and less pressure) would be a great start.

Perfect I just try to make everyone feel welcome here. We had a Afghanistan family here last year and I put my foot in it a few times trying to welcome them here. I gave up.
Just didn't want to cause another embarrassment.
I knocked on her door with another couple of neighbour with a cake. This woman hijab opened the door not a word of English and started getting suspicious like we were the bailiffs or something and she shut the door on us!

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