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I recently attended a younger friend's engagement party. She is Vietnamese, and I am American. I had been her tutor in college and we remained friends. I have also helped her mother with a business problem.
As I was thanking her mother for the invitation and complimenting her on the wonderful party, she began to rub my back. I was not sure what to think of this because I thought it was more customary that Vietnamese men and women do not touch in public. Maybe it is just a nervous habit? Or maybe she was showing affection? Maybe it means nothing?
I'm an Australian-born Viet so I don't have a huge knowledge in Vietnamese culture, but what I do notice is that whenever guests, family friends or relatives thank or compliment my mum, she whacks/pats/rubs their backs and finishes it with a loud laugh.