Categories of shared interests include food, gaming, fitness, travel or even farming, chatting and music-listening.
A chatting temporary partner is someone who will engage in continuous daily conversations on WeChat.
The unusual farming partner is someone who is enthusiastic about agricultural TV shows and the subject in general.
Some partnerships even require no face-to-face meetings, such as fitness partners who only need to keep up with each other’s progress via WeChat.
“Having a stranger supervise ensures both of us take it seriously. If I ask a friend or family member to do it, I might not take it as seriously and even argue with them,” one such person explained.
The phenomenon has emerged to meet the emotional needs of young Chinese people and relieve loneliness while maintaining your own space and independence.
Another person who take part in the trend said: “I am truly very lonely, but I don’t like initiating social interactions. I hope to have a stranger who won’t delve into my life but can keep me from watching movies or eating hotpot all alone.”
In addition, after struggling with establishing meaningful relationships, young adults choose to downgrade their expectations and engage with “partners” who only provide a certain level of supportive companionship.
“Each person is like a piece of a puzzle and it’s difficult to find another piece that fits in all aspects. That’s why the concept of temporary partners is great. As long as one piece fits, it can still become a lasting friendship,” said another person on social media.
In temporary partner posts online, specific criteria are often outlined, including shared tastes, prompt bill payment, expectations regarding expenses and meeting frequency.
However, it does not always work out.
A 20-year-old man with the online alias “Chimoku,” from Jilin province, northeast China, recounted two unfavourable experiences with Renwu Magazine.
In the first, he arranged to have a meal with a male partner around the same age. However, the partner dominated the meal by ordering five dishes and continually boasting while Chimoku had to play the part of a good listener.
In the second, his interactions with a female temporary partner led him to develop romantic feelings but the girl was already in a relationship.
Nevertheless, for some people the strategy has worked.
A 26-year-old woman known as “Cola Monster” from Guangdong province in southeastern China, met her food partner just before graduating and the pair supported and motivated each other during a challenging job recruitment period.
Cola Monster eventually secured a teaching position while her partner received a job offer from a national enterprise.
“We work in close proximity, and I believe she will remain my food partner for the rest of my life,” Cola Monster told Renwu Magazine.
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