Tired of Pressure to Marry, Young Chinese Turn to Their Best Friends

Rise of friendship marriages among young Chinese and the reasons behind the trend

A growing number of young people in China are entering friendship marriages to avoid pressure from their parents, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Tuesday.

With singlehood emerging as a serious social issue in China, parents are increasingly pressuring their children to get married. In response to this pressure, more young men and women are opting for formal, non-romantic marriages with friends.

A friendship marriage is a relationship based on shared values and interests rather than romantic love or sexual connection.

Although the couples live together, they use separate bedrooms and do not engage in a sexual relationship. Both partners are free to date other people, and if they choose to have children, they may consider artificial insemination or adoption.

Legally, they are recognized as married through formal registration, but do not function as a traditional married couple.

In fact, agencies specializing in arranging friendship marriages have begun appearing in China. One example is Meilan, a woman in her late 20s living in Chongqing, southwestern China, who entered a friendship marriage with her closest male friend four years ago.

They registered their marriage but agreed not to hold a wedding or have children.

Their arrangement allows them to be each other’s legal guardians and make medical decisions for one another in emergencies.

Meilan and her partner share their life on social media and have gathered over 12,000 followers.

While older generations struggle to understand this form of marriage, it is gaining support among younger people.

One young internet user commented that the two friends’ admirable support and care for each other show that they are independent yet full of love for life.