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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Youre not overweight; you’re probably severely obese compared to people around you?
Yes, very common based on my 7 years living in VN.
So their culture is different, especially amongst the older generations. It was explained to me that a lot of them were bought up In poverty where there wasn’t enough food. Comments like oh you so fat it is actually a compliment. It means you have money and can afford to buy food.
Most people in Asia are pretty forthcoming with reality comments
Vietnamese are not very refined, sophisticated in western point of view. Obesity is very rare among them drawing attention.
Rub their belly and ask, “How many weeks?”
The whole world looks down and mocks those whose greed, entitlement, and selfishness is on full display. You blame others for the natural reaction of disdain.
It’s cultural, so learn to deal with it or go somewhere else
You would never know if they are making fun of you amongst themselves as they are took polite, however I am sure that if you eat Vietnamese food during your holiday and walk daily on tours you will lose some weight. Happy holiday.
Expect comments. They probably won’t be meant nastily, but you’ll probably get comments. Vietnamese people are very direct, I love that and it’s one of my favourite things about Vietnam, but if having the obvious said out aloud isn’t comfortable for you, it’s probably a good opportunity to harden up a little.