Matt_Stevens

The consulate in Vietnam requires the amount deposited for the last year. Some require it and some do not. My problem is trying to find out what the HCMC consulate in Vietnam requires for other I-134 evidence. It's impossible to get a clear picture.

When it comes to Anh's family, so far it seems they are anything but into the money thing or expecting me to shower them with gifts, their daughter with "stuff" or any of other unfortunate things one hears from timeto time. But then again, I have not met them in person yet.
Knowing how much Anh is against my spending money on her and how she got her education by hard work resulting in scholarhips and grants, I imagine she was raised a certain way and that her family will be much like her. That is what I hope, anyway.
In my career I am not making lots of money. But I will do better every year and eventually will be able to provide my wife-to-be a hell of a lifestyle and maybe even a serious upgrade in lifestyle for her parents down the road. It's certainly a goal of mine.
But for now I am just the average Joe and all this travel is a big expense.
As STL_HCMC says, the ring is a symbol of love a commitment. One reason why I just won't settle for less than what I know I can give her down the road. But also one reason why I must give her a ring in May when I arrive. I want her to have something from my heart on that finger. It is very important to me.

I don't think you get it at all. My point is, people who are struggling financially shouldn't get into this sort of thing. It's a recipe for disaster. Since 2006 I have watched one couple after another bust up where the man, who was the USA citizen, clearly was not well off and had very little money, if not any.
Finances matter. They can kill of any union. Love does not conquer all.
Forgive me for trying to make that point in a diplomatic way.
And considering how well my wife and I get along these days, I think I am doing it right, thank you very much.
We also had an advantage in that we met in France. Then I went back when she was in Germany. then I went to Vietnam for nearly a month. All between we talked daily. We saw each other much more than most here and STILL it wasn't enough, in my view. We are fortunate that we worked through the difficult first year and a half. This ain't easy, as many of you know.

Some of you are pretty serious.
Now, I will give you an example. My wife is here with three of her girlfriends. I come in from a run. I'm hot, sweaty, it was a good run. They all say "Hi, Matt!" and engage me in conversation.
I then say, "Well, I really need a shower. Who's taking on with me?"
The girls all start laughing.
That's flirting and it's harmless. It doesn't mean anything because it's just a simple joke. My wife laughed just as hard as her girlfriends.
But I don't flirt on a level that some of you here are likely thinking. No need. I have a super hot wife. I prefer flirting with her.

Some of you are pretty serious.
Now, I will give you an example. My wife is here with three of her girlfriends. I come in from a run. I'm hot, sweaty, it was a good run. They all say "Hi, Matt!" and engage me in conversation.
I then say, "Well, I really need a shower. Who's taking on with me?"
The girls all start laughing.
That's flirting and it's harmless. It doesn't mean anything because it's just a simple joke. My wife laughed just as hard as her girlfriends.
But I don't flirt on a level that some of you here are likely thinking. No need. I have a super hot wife. I prefer flirting with her.