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In Vietnam, there is a new trend where young people are renting boyfriends to satisfy family expectations. This trend has gained traction on social media and you may be wondering what it all about.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this trend resulted from the need for young women to avoid the stigma of being single. Hence, they rent temporary partners, especially during cultural events like the Lunar New Year.
Minh Thu, a 30-year-old professional is a prime example of one of such women. Under mounting pressures from her parents to bring a partner home, and her job not allowing for time to date. Thu was left with no option than to rent a partner. The man quickly won her family over with his domestic skills and social charm.
“On the day he came to my house, he helped my mum cook and chatted with my relatives”, Thu told SCMP. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my parents so happy and proud of me. Since then, my relationship with my parents has improved.”
Similarly,, Khanh Ngoc, another woman, turned to the same solution. She rented a younger man who won her parents over during his visit.
This trend began a career path for 25-year-old Huy Tuan, who undergoes extensive training to a be a “fake boyfriend.” He works a boyfriend-for-hire, and has been hired by various clients. His services ranges from casual dates to family events.
“I have to go to the gym, learn to sing, cook, take photos, and work on my conservation skills to meet the expectations of many clients”, Tuan told SCMP.
However, experts have argued that this trend could cause “significant emotional damage”. Nguyen Thanh Nga, a researcher at Vietnam’s Academy of Journalism and Communication said, “If exposed, families could experience significant emotional damage and lose trust. Additionally, renting a partner is not legally protected in Vietnam, so women should be especially cautious.”
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