Getting To Know The Vietnamese Greeting The Vietnamese are basically very polite, hospitable and sensitive people. With 4000 years of civilization, they are proud people who like to recite to a myth that they are descendants of an angel and a dragon. Their manner is casual, friendly and they take pride in their hospitality. Not only are the Vietnamese deeply attached to their families, they also view friendship as a very important aspect in life, so important that in Vietnam, there is a saying " far away relatives are not as important as nearby neighbors." Personal and business matters could be confined among close friends since friendship is not only necessary for their emotional supports but also for mutual assistance. Their homes are always open to friends. No appointments are necessary for casual visits to their homes and visitors are usually received warmly. However, it is best to let them know or phone them in advance if it is a business visit. If you happen to be in their homes at meal time, they will probably invite you to sit down and share whatever food is available. They may not hesitate to offer you the best portions as a sincere gesture of hospitality and close friendship. Let them know that you enjoy their food is one way in successfully building a better relationship with them. When they invite you to their homes for a meal, celebration, or special occasion, some gifts -- usually food, fruits, chocolate or liquors (especially American and French liquors are favorite) -- should be offered to the host's family. Although the Vietnamese may be happy to accept your offer, he usually refuse the first time or even the second time, for fear that he might be regarded as greedy if he accepts your offer the first time. He may claim that he already has or does not need it. It is recommended that you have the patience to repeat the offer once more. Patience is one of the keys in successfully dealing with the Vietnamese. On the other hand, when they offer you gift, they will usually speak lightly about it. Even though it is an expensive gift, they may pretend it is of no great monetary value, since boasting is often criticized. Having a few drinks in a social gathering is widely acceptable. Like many other parts of the world, Vietnam does not sanction heavy drinking. Alcoholism is often kept hidden since it is viewed as a social disgrace to the family. Alcohol drinking is now increasing among men and drunkenness in public does occasionally happen. However, the Vietnamese, at present, do not view this as a social problem because alcohol consumption level per capita in Vietnam is still one of the lowest in the world -- average about 5 liters per person. The majority of Vietnamese women never drink and it is not unusual if they decline when alcoholic beverages are offered to them. Drinking problem are rare among women. While smoking is considered the norm among men, even young men; very few women smoke. Women's smoking in public is seen as tackiness and those smoking women are often regarded as "liberal".