Viral video highlights societal pressures faced by single women in China.
A video of a 28-year-old woman in China tearfully sharing her struggles with never having had a boyfriend has gone viral, resonating with countless social media users who empathise with her situation.
In the video, the unnamed woman is seen confiding in her sister-in-law about the challenges of finding love and the mounting societal and familial expectations she faces. “I have never held a man’s hand,” she admitted, adding that despite trying blind dates, she has yet to find a partner.
The woman, based in Shanghai, also expressed the pressure she feels from her parents. “I can’t let them down, so I force myself to go on blind dates,” she said.
The video, initially reported by Star Video, prompted a wave of sympathetic responses online. “I’m two years older than her, and her anxiety mirrors mine,” one commenter shared. Another wrote, “I completely understand her feelings. My parents also pressure me constantly.”
This situation reflects broader societal expectations in China, where single women often face scrutiny as they approach their late 20s or early 30s. In response to this cultural phenomenon, some companies have taken unique steps. In 2019, two firms—Hangzhou Songcheng Performance and Hangzhou Songcheng Tourism Management—announced policies granting unmarried female employees over 30 an extra eight days of annual leave during the Chinese New Year to focus on dating.
According to Huang Lei, a human resources manager at one of the companies, “Female employees in certain roles, like internal departments or performers, have limited opportunities to meet people outside of work. This leave aims to give them more time to socialise and find partners.”
The viral video has sparked discussions about the societal expectations placed on women and the emotional toll these pressures can take. Many see it as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding singlehood and fostering more supportive environments for personal choices.
