It’s tempting to think there’s a magic recipe for developing a deep emotional bond with someone. A growing number of people now feel they are unsuited for human relationships. A growing social pressure to be or behave in a particular manner, or some unspoken expectations that have developed with the times, might be the cause. How then do you handle this situation? China appears to have looked for a workaround, as the young adults in the nation are now “purchasing emotional connections” via street vendors.
So, how does that even work? Several young women are reportedly willing to offer these services, making them conveniently available and reasonably priced to purchase, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP). The “street girlfriend” phenomenon was initially covered by Southern Weekly in April of last year, but it didn’t receive much internet attention.
It has been reported by NetEase News that mainland internet users have recently noticed the service showing up on Shenzhen’s roadways.
There has been a renewed debate on social media over the paid companionship economy after it was claimed that young women were seen selling their company, hugs and kisses from street stands. A young lady allegedly set up a kiosk at a Shenzhen metro station with a sign that said, “One yuan (Rs 11.58) for a hug, 10 yuan (Rs 115) for a kiss and 15 yuan (Rs 173) to watch a film together,” according to SCMP.
In a pedestrian street area, two more women reportedly put up shops with placards that said, “20 yuan (Rs 231) to help with household chores, 40 yuan (Rs 463) per hour to drink with you.”
Some of them, according to SCMP, are capable of making 100 yuan (almost Rs 1200) in just one outing. On mainland social media, though, opinions on street girlfriends are divided.
One online observer was quoted by SCMP as saying that these girls have a great way to kill time on the weekends and meet a lot of interesting individuals. The user reportedly said that he would love to try and communicate with them.
The “street girlfriend” practice is completely optional for both customers and females, as per another user cited by SCMP. It may also be viewed as a means of socialising and stress relief, the user commented.
A counterargument stated that it is impolite and injures women’s dignity to place a value on their company.
The Post was informed by He Bo, an attorney with the Sichuan Hongqi Law Firm, that the “street girlfriend” service is currently operating outside the explicit legal framework and runs the potential of turning into prostitution or other sexual services.
He Bo continued by saying that in order to address the social and emotional requirements of young people, all facets of society should assist them in finding alternative, healthy methods to participate in everyday social interactions.
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