Matchmaking event paired up 3,000 couples, association says

Some 3,000 pairs of singles have expressed intention to start dating among participants to the city's massive matchmaking event held over the weekend, the Shanghai Matchmaking Association said on Thursday.

The figure was recorded by matchmaking agencies providing services at the scene. The agencies received more than 8,000 people for consultation services, according to Zhou Juemin, director of the association.

Nearly 30,000 people, including 5,000-plus parents, attended the two-day event. The ratio of single men to women was about 45.6 percent to 54.4 percent.

Some youngsters with strong qualifications were chased by anxious parents at the scene.

Some singles were taking the initiative to talk with parents, whereas in the past, it was parents who initiated discussions about possible match-ups, Zhou said.

Psychology consultants who provide free service at the event received more than 800 people over the two days.

"Why can't I find a suitable partner after searching for so many years?" and "Why do those who I love not share the same feeling as me?" are some of the most common questions from young singles, while "Why don't my children even want to have a look at the people I introduce for them?" and "What can I do as my children don't worry about single status at all?" were questions from worried parents.