My partner's family all speak Russian, which is not my native language. I used to be in classes which helped me have regular practice at listening, but now that they are done, I'm finding myself in embarrassing situations with the family where I mistake one word for another (confusing "как грибы?" for "как рыбы?", and saying they are good when I clearly have no mushrooms on my plate), or they will ask me questions and I didn't even understand one word. When everybody is speaking Russian I just stay silent now so I don't make a fool of myself, but this is getting to be a big problem.

Reading is a lot easier for me since I can go at my own pace, look back at parts that I don't understand, and skim for context. All if this is impossible in conversation, but I don't want to be mute around them forever. How can I improve my listening? Most movies and TV shows are difficult for me because they speak so quickly, but maybe there are some good ones for children that aren't boring?

My partner's family all speak Russian, which is not my native language. I used to be in classes which helped me have regular practice at listening, but now that they are done, I'm finding myself in embarrassing situations with the family where I mistake one word for another (confusing "как грибы?" for "как рыбы?", and saying they are good when I clearly have no mushrooms on my plate), or they will ask me questions and I didn't even understand one word. When everybody is speaking Russian I just stay silent now so I don't make a fool of myself, but this is getting to be a big problem.

Reading is a lot easier for me since I can go at my own pace, look back at parts that I don't understand, and skim for context. All of this is impossible in conversation, but I don't want to be mute around them forever. How can I improve my listening? Most movies and TV shows are difficult for me because they speak so quickly, but maybe there are some good ones for children that aren't boring?