Not love, opportunity to hug handsome men available for Tk 900

Young women in China are taking hugs for a few minutes from muscular, calm and caring men in exchange for money to get some relief from mental stress, loneliness or the fatigue of the whole day. A rather unusual trend has recently emerged there.

Such men are being referred to as ‘man mum’ on Chinese social media. Simply put, the term is being used to mean those who have a soft, patient and comforting behaviour behind a strong body.

This trend started around a post by a young woman on social media. While coping with the pressure of studies, she had sought a five-minute hug from a polite and muscular man. She claimed that such a hug had given her a sense of safety in the past.

The post spread rapidly. Later, according to information from a media outlet in southern China, more than one lakh comments were posted on that post. After that, posts seeking similar companions also started increasing on Chinese social media.

This is not a formal profession. This informal system has developed centred on social media. Interested men are selected by contacting them personally.

Physical build, politeness, patience and nature are generally taken into consideration. Keeping security in mind, many try to meet in public places like metro stations or shopping centres.

Usually 20 to 50 yuan is taken for a five-minute hug. In Bangladeshi currency this is close to Tk 900.

Several men associated with this service have also shared their experiences. Some of them said seeing relief on others’ faces is also a matter of liking for them.

Again, many women want not only hugs but also to talk about their problems. They talk to these men about worries regarding appearance, work pressure or various issues related to studies.

One person associated with the service informed that he has received a good response and has earned a significant amount of money through multiple hugs.

Due to the busyness of urban life, loneliness, pressure of studies and professional life and strains in relationships, many people are becoming mentally exhausted. Comfort received for a short time from an unfamiliar person outside the circle of known people is also becoming a reason for relief for some.

However, such hugs are not seen as any recognised method of mental treatment or medical science.

There may be risks of crossing personal boundaries in close physical contact with unfamiliar people. At the same time, the apprehension of unwanted behaviour or harassment cannot be ruled out either. For this reason, the issue of personal security has become important in such meetings.

This new trend in China is therefore not just a matter discussed on social media; it is also newly bringing to the fore loneliness in urban life, mental stress and the need for emotional connection among people.