As career goals and societal pressures delay marriage, a new trend of renting boyfriends is emerging among young women in Vietnam. Seeking temporary partners to attend family events and avoid the stigma of being single, women are using social media platforms to find these "rentals." 

According to the South China Morning Post, this trend marks the growing tension between traditional family expectations and modern, career-focused lifestyles in Vietnam. 

One such case was registered where Minh Thu, a 30-year-old professional, faced immense pressure from her parents to bring a boyfriend home for the Lunar New Year. Struggling to find a suitable partner, she opted for the growing trend of renting a boyfriend. She hired a man skilled in domestic chores and social manners, who successfully won over her family.

Another woman, Khanh Ngoc, faced a similar challenge and rented a handsome, younger man to accompany her on a visit to her parents. His charm impressed her family, strengthening her relationship with them.

Huy Tuan, a 25-year-old man, has turned being a "fake boyfriend" into a business. He undergoes intensive training to meet his clients' needs, whether for casual dates or family gatherings, catering to the growing demand for temporary partners.

While renting boyfriends offers a short-term solution to societal pressure, experts warn of potential risks and emotional challenges.

Nguyen Thanh Nga, a researcher at the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Vietnam, said, "If this is discovered, families could face emotional harm and lose trust. Also, renting a partner isn’t legally protected in Vietnam, so women need to be very careful."

This new trend of "renting a partner" has gained widespread attention across social media platforms, with varying opinions emerging from online communities.

One social media user said that renting a partner could be a practical solution to societal pressures, stating, "Marrying without a successful career just leads to a lot of problems. Renting a partner is a win-win – it satisfies your parents and relieves personal pressure."

However, not everyone is convinced by this approach. Another commenter expressed concerns about the emotional toll, saying, "I can't imagine how heartbreaking it would be for parents to discover it was all a lie."