Chris Edwards 2045038940@qq.com THE independent Chinese media outlet Sixth Tone recently published a video of six bridesmaids running away from a bouquet at a wedding. Predictably, it led to considerable debate on Weibo. While one of the bridesmaids said she hoped it would not become a trend and that people do not lose their faith in marriage, it was still a source of significant discussion. Sixth Tone pointed out that 2020 was the seventh consecutive year that the marriage rate in China had fallen, from its high in 2013. Part of the reason can be connected to the inevitable change in demographics. With an aging population and the current “only-child” generation, it should be expected that the number of marriages would drop. The more significant concern is why the women ran away from the tossed bouquet, the superstition in Western cultures being that the woman who catches it will be the next bride. With all six avoiding the flowers, people would ask why they did not want to be next. One issue that keeps appearing in the comments is the level of willingness of women to find a partner. Worldwide, women, with a shift in their needs, are opting to delay parenthood in lieu of having a career. Women are becoming more self-sufficient and are prioritizing their individualized taste for a partner. In addition to singles markets and parentally-arranged dating, more women find their partners elsewhere. Women are also heading to larger cities faster than men are, leaving men behind in their hometowns. Once in big cities, women become pickier. While some parents may regret their daughter’s choices, circumstantial evidence would suggest that these relationships tend to last longer. A relationship and a marriage are two different things. The willingness for the urban lovers to date before committing to a relationship indicates a desire to learn about each other. So, is marriage truly undesirable? I don’t think so. And I think it is wise for couples to get to know each other before they commit to marriage. ( The author is a senior copywriter in Nanshan.) | 