Meeting parents

MrshyONE Active member

42POSTS

12 years ago

I am meeting the parents of A woman I am very interested in for a long term relationship. I would like to make an impression but nit seem to over the top. What small jesters or gifts are allowed to give her parents on the fist visits. I know it sound like a stupid question, but vnese culture is different than Hispanic culture... Appreciate any advice.....

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treesahquiche Member

19POSTS

12 years ago

They may ask personal questions that seem very rude to Westerners, like how much money you or your family makes, or what religion you are. They might comment very frankly on your appearance (I get told I'm fat all the time by Vietnamese women around my mother's age, even though in America I'm considered thin, and also get a lot of comments on how dark my skin is). Don't be offended! This is very normal. Just smile and be polite. If you really do feel uncomfortable, just give as vague an answer as possible and change the subject.

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milkybunnyHCM Serial expat

329POSTS

12 years ago

Alcohol, fancy tea cakes, some imported goodie you think they'll like.

Make sure to greet everyone in order of age. Doesn't have to be in Viet but it'll give them something to laugh at if you try. Viets enjoy pointing out every single thing about your appearance and mannerisms, so just smile and take it.

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FreshVN Member

1POSTS

12 years ago

congrats, this is the important step because some part of Vietnamese will consider your first apparence/impression.

Just tell us where they're from - your friend's parents? then we can tell you to do things suitably.

Eg:
If they're from the North, you will see them quite strict sometimes, and first apparence/impression will be considered.
They will also care about the way you talking, eating.. -these sound severe but don't too much worried, you can make a good first meeting, if you can be confident, diplomatic, funny (sometimes), not too rude, or do sth "not-smart" ^^

If they're from the Centre, a bit likely same with the North, but people from Centre are normally hard working, and truthful (people from everywhere are - but people here consider thess criterions are the most). beside you should be not too stingy, but should NOT be too extravagant- they mostly hate this.

From the South, just be generous, and funny, friendly, especially Gentle.

Good luck, friend!

Fresh..

2 members reacted to this post

born2share Active member

37POSTS

12 years ago

Vietnamese parents are usually friendly. Just act as shy as you're

it would be alright, don't worry a lot.

MrshyONE Active member

42POSTS

12 years ago

They live in Tan Phu area in HCM. I'm taking her father a bottle Of Coppola wine , her mom some orchids with cake.......good ?

Yuli_nguyen Contributor

158POSTS

12 years ago

MrshyONE wrote:
They live in Tan Phu area in HCM. I'm taking her father a bottle Of Coppola wine , her mom some orchids with cake.......good ?

Sure, They are good. Take it easy, bring small gifts as you are intending...polite, smile, take care ur girlfriend....I think like that...her parents will pleasure and happy.

Good luck & Cheer.

Yuli

1 member reacted to this post

Saigon.Pete Member

1POSTS

12 years ago

treesahquiche wrote:
They may ask personal questions that seem very rude to Westerners, like how much money you or your family makes, or what religion you are. They might comment very frankly on your appearance (I get told I'm fat all the time by Vietnamese women around my mother's age, even though in America I'm considered thin, and also get a lot of comments on how dark my skin is). Don't be offended! This is very normal. Just smile and be polite. If you really do feel uncomfortable, just give as vague an answer as possible and change the subject.

Thanks, that will help me out. I've encountered those personal questions in Thailand. I just have to learn to go with the flow.

Happy8888 Serial expat

563POSTS

12 years ago

#10

I agree with the personal comments , what we would seem rather rude and obtrusive in the west is perfectly normal . Dont do what I did and buy some flowers on my way there , only to discover that the ones I bought are only to be put on gravestones , GULP !!!!

spajcte Guest

0POSTS

12 years ago

#11

treesahquiche wrote:
They may ask personal questions that seem very rude to Westerners, like how much money you or your family makes, or what religion you are. They might comment very frankly on your appearance (I get told I'm fat all the time by Vietnamese women around my mother's age, even though in America I'm considered thin, and also get a lot of comments on how dark my skin is). Don't be offended! This is very normal. Just smile and be polite. If you really do feel uncomfortable, just give as vague an answer as possible and change the subject.

THIS IS FUNNY ... asked this viet girl/woman how old she was.....
guess what her answered was?
"sorry, thats personal" i wanted to screamed to the top of my lungs
(Moderated: no offensive language here pls) really!!!! you telling me (viet girl) thats to personal... you serious!!!
hi hi hi hi

Saratran New member

5POSTS

12 years ago

#12

you're very humorous. hihi

mikeymyke Contributor

183POSTS

12 years ago

#13

Saratran wrote:
you're very humorous. hihi

You should say "You're very funny"

Saratran New member

5POSTS

12 years ago

#14

thanks very much! Can u give me an explanation? I don't know why we should use that sentence ? I'm so confused

MarkinNam ViP

1068POSTS

12 years ago

#15

treesahquiche wrote:
They may ask personal questions that seem very rude to Westerners, like how much money you or your family makes, or what religion you are. They might comment very frankly on your appearance (I get told I'm fat all the time by Vietnamese women around my mother's age, even though in America I'm considered thin, and also get a lot of comments on how dark my skin is). Don't be offended! This is very normal. Just smile and be polite. If you really do feel uncomfortable, just give as vague an answer as possible and change the subject.

even comment about size of your nose ( are you French?)