80 parents turn up for first matchmaking session at Hong Lim Park
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first mooted the idea in his National Day Rally Chinese speech. And now, for the first time in Singapore, dating agency Clique Wise has organised a matchmaking session, aimed solely at the parents.
The usually quiet Hong Lim Park was bustling with activity, as over 80 eager parents turned up for the matchmaking party.
They may be camera-shy, but when it comes to finding a spouse for their child, they are anything but coy.
One parent said: "A girl normally is very shy, and more cautious than a boy. And so the parents should make the first move and you know, nudge her along."
When asked whether their daughter knew of their presence there, another parent said: "I told her, and she didn't react, just gave her silent consent."
So it's the daughters, it seems, who need help the most. And these parents certainly came prepared - exchanging personal information such as job and educational histories, contact details, and photographs.
Most have children who are degree-holders in their mid-20s and 30s.
Organisers say the response had gone beyond their own expectations, and they are planning to hold more of such events in the future. - CNA/de
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In this modern era, the idea of matchmaking is gradually diminishing. However, the rising number of matchmaking firms in Singapore, indicates that there is still a high demand for it.
Today, matchmaking firms have taken a different approach towards attracting its customers. Scheduled activities would not end just in a single day. The entire service stretches to a few weeks or even a month, where they plan various bonding and interactive activities between potential candidates. This exciting experience has attracted many single men and women, even those in their 20s.
I believe that Knapp's Model of Interpersonal Relationship can be applied in present matchmaking services. The first 5 stages of Knapp's Model include - initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating and bonding. Matchmaking activities serve as a platform for individuals to form social relationships, to meet new people rather than merely searching for "Mr Right".
In this article, the matchmaking event was aimed to attract parents who wanted to find suitable mates for their children. Personally, it would be deemed acceptable only when parents had the consent of their children before joining this event. Otherwise, i would think that it is extremely annoying. I believe women or men these days, have the right and freedom to choose their own partners and parents also have become more open on such issues. In our modern society, it would be rather ridiculous to stereotype women as "shy", as women have become more independent and are are confident to speak up. Therefore, i find this quite skeptical as it would not be an effective way of helping singles find true love.
8 comments:
Indeed, matchmaking does not equate to love. It merely brings 2 individuals who has/want to get married together. In Singapore, people are expected to get married. Perhaps these individuals suffer from the pressures to get married. The government definitely hopes they do get married and have kids. They need to solve the country's problem of diminishing population.
Indeed, let's say the government is taking an active approach in salvaging the decreasing birth rates in Singapore. I actually think its a great movement, it could bring out the singles to take a more prominent part in family planning, which was lost over the years by the prospect of money making. If two people could actually create a happy family out of this campaign, it could actually bring forth a new surge in traditional matchmaking and focus on family building. Of course, love should and MUST play a part in all areas, what's the point of marrying for the sake of marrying? It's not a title nor it is an exclusivity.
I feel that it would be ridiculous for parents to decide on their child's partner via match-making sessions.
It's lifelong partner we are talking about. I also doubt that these couples, who are eventually made together by their cupid-parents, will last through their marriages. A successful marriage depends on both involving party to commit and work on, and not by an outsider's initiative.
Hence it brings out the paramount importance of Communication. Parents-Child and Partner-Partner. Only then will we find the joy in life. (haha)
Indeed marriage is an important step in boosting the nation's declining birth rates. But does match-making sessions serve its purpose in encouraging more marriages? Match-making sesssions only serve to encourage singles to meet more people, however, not all match-making sessions will end up in a friendship. So, if it does not reach the 'friendship' stage, will there even be marriage? I personally doubt this method will work will in encouraging more marriages. Afterall, a marriage involves 2 willing parties who loves each other. Imagine marrying someone for the sake of marrying or even for the sake for carrying on the family's bloodline, I believe this marriage will not last and the society will be faced with another social problem and that will be a surge in divorce cases. Marriage is indeed an issue that should not be rushed or forced.
It's interesting how people have made use of the space at Hong Lim park to do matchmaking. However my personal opinion is that match making seldom work in such cases because choices are made based on superficial cues, such as the appearances and verbal descriptions. Maybe it would be better if the candidates went down to the park itself to do some matchmaking, as well as socialising. haha...
Matchmaking although does not bring to people in love together, however, it is a protrayal of love that is asoociated and nurtured after marriage.
I can understand parents worries regarding their children being single..especially in tradition families of Singapore whereby having descendents are important.
however, for me, i personally feel that parents should let their children be in control of their love life.
i would have say i come from an indian background and i have seen more than my fair share of matchmaking happening. But i suppose they may believe that the couples wouyld learn to love each other when as they progress into their married lives.
As you have mentioned i would have to say i feel that the couples should be given the right to choose who their life partner should be. It's difficult to imgaine yourself spending a future with someone who you know little about.
im not exactly fond of this idea. in fact, im quite against it.
As you have metnioned, this is a sterotype of women -.- I beleive that women today are quite different from women from the past. Unlike those traditional views that women are still shy and conservative, women today are willing to, and are able to, fight for what they want.
SO, i believe that, these parents worry too much. Things such as fate, is not something that anyone can control, right.
What is meant to be, is meant to be... haha.
Yijing
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