During the Tet holiday season, Thanh Tri frequently faces pressure from relatives to drink alcohol at family gatherings. In Vietnamese culture, elders typically initiate the first toast, and younger participants are often expected to follow as a sign of respect and social harmony.
However, the 26-year-old freelance communications consultant has chosen to remain a teetotaler. His decision was reinforced after he became severely ill following excessive drinking at a year-end party in 2024. Since then, he has completely abstained from alcohol.
Tri notes that many of his recent business interactions, particularly with Gen Z partners, occur in cafés or casual dining venues where alcohol is not central to socializing.
Audio Session
Refusing Alcohol During Tet Celebrations
Class C
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Difficult Words
- teetotaler – a person who does not drink alcohol at all
- initiate – to begin or start something
- excessive – more than what is considered normal or healthy
- abstain – to deliberately choose not to do or consume something
- socializing – interacting with people in a friendly way
Additional Info
- What cultural expectation makes it difficult to refuse alcohol during Tet?
- What event reinforced Tri’s decision to stop drinking?
- How have his business interactions changed in recent years?
- Why does Tri believe quitting alcohol has not affected his relationships?
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