NDC Desk
In Vietnam an unconventional practice has gained traction among women seeking to dodge the stigma of being single, especially during family gatherings like the Lunar New Year.
Vietnamese women had started to hire boyfriends to avoid pressure of marriage by their parents as reported by South China Morning Post .
Minh Thu, a 30-year-old professional, faced immense pressure from her parents to bring a boyfriend home for the Lunar New Year. Unable to find a suitable partner, she resorted to hiring a man to pose as her boyfriend. The man, skilled in domestic chores and social graces, successfully impressed her family.
This practice has also become a business for many ‘ proffesional boyfriends’ who trains rigorously to meet diverse client needs – from casual outings to elaborate family scenarios. They to go to the gym, learn to sing, cook, take photos, and work on conversation skills to meet the expectations of many clients.
While ‘Hiring a boyfriend’ offers a temporary solution , it’s not legal in Vietnam .Experts warn of the potential risks and emotional complexities associated with such arrangements.
Nguyen Thanh Nga, a researcher at the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Vietnam, stated: “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.”
