Honest question: my wife and I are overweight and not thick-skinned. Are comments or jokes about body weight common in Vietnam? Just want to know what to expect and how to react.Thanks.Honest question: my wife and I are overweight and not thick-skinned. Are comments or jokes about body weight common in Vietnam? Just want to know what to expect and how to react.Thanks.
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Vietnam is far less judgemental than anywhere you have been in the West
They like to comment about it too much…they always notice and discuss that you have became ”bigger” or you were “bigger” before. Even if you haven’t noticed the changes in your body – they will tell you and discuss it anyway 😂🤷♀️
There are the mean girls who won’t tell you to your face, but will behind your back. But for the kind people if Vietnam, if it is ever brought up it is out of genuine health concern. They might say something like “Wow, you are very overweight. Is your health okay?” They are not saying you are lazy. Overweight can be from fluid retention such as kidney issues and heart issues, which many locals know bc of the poor living conditions such as bad air pollution, contamination of water, sick pigs used for sustenance etc.
Only if you understand Vietnamese and act and talk disrespectfully
In SE Asia being on the larger side I’d regarded as being well off, ie you can afford to eat well. But the people can be quite blunt about it, although they dont see it as rude.
Asians have no filter when it comes to fat shaming.
Vietnamese people I think will not be rude or make jokes about your weight but if you are big they will say it how it is. Just like a kid with no filters. So don’t take it personally. You are who you are and should be proud/happy no matter what.
Yes they will call you fat to your face,people will laugh at you, anyone who says they won’t is lying or does not know the norms of the Vietnamese society. Be prepared for Vietnamese calling you fatty and touching your belly!
Flash the cash and there will be no comment whatsoever 🙂 All they want is your cash. They might say something behind your back but they will do that to just anyone big or small.
I am a tall and heavy male with a pot belly. I had numerous Vietnamese comment on my belly and more than a few actually come up and rub it. None of it was mean spirited. Someone told me this was bc, in VN, being overweight is a sign of prosperity and wealth. And that my pot belly was prob enough to remind them of Buddha – a couple of people actually referenced Buddha when they commented on or rubbed my belly.