In order to relieve tension, more and more young women in china are paying 50 yuan (about 600 Rs) for five-minute hugs from so-called "man mums." On social media, "man mum" is a popular word. It was first used to characterize gym-goers who were muscular. These days, it describes males who combine physical prowess with stereotypically feminine qualities like patience, kindness, and gentleness.
After a stressed-out student wrote on the internet that she needed to pay for a hug from a nice, fit "man mum" in order to deal with her thesis workload, the trend gained widespread attention.
"I was hugged once in secondary school and felt safe," she noted in her letter. "We can just hug for five minutes at an underground station."
More than 100,000 people sent comments on her post.
Many such requests from women in major Chinese cities can be found by searching for "man mum" online. They frequently select their hug partners based on attractiveness, body shape, patience, and politeness. Before setting up a meeting, many have private conversations. Hugs are also given by certain tall, athletic women.
The majority of meetings are held in public spaces like shopping malls or train stations. Between 20 and 50 yuan (US$3 and US$7) is the going rate.
One woman claimed that after three hours of overtime, she encountered a male mother who gave her a three-minute embrace and a gentle shoulder pat as she raged about her employer.
After feeling depressed about a failed diet, another woman, whose last name was Chen, revealed that she went for an embrace. A postgraduate student from a nearby university was hugged by her.
Fox, an internet user, met her man's mother, got him a book and coffee, and then, after a brief embrace, they talked about their interests and tests. "What made me happier than the hug was the warmth from a stranger," she stated.
"It gives me a sense of self-worth," according to a man who has offered hugs three times.
Zhou, another hug provider, claimed that his job assists those who are experiencing stress at work or worry related to appearance. According to SCMP, he earned 1,758 yuan (Rs 21,000) by giving 34 hugs by April. Zhou makes an effort to look his best by using perfume, makeup, and hairstyles.
His goal is not to make a living by giving hugs. Rather, he claims that collecting a charge aids in upholding emotional boundaries.
Additionally, some women claim that paying for hugs helps them feel safer and steer clear of any potential boundary problems.
Online discussion has been triggered by the trend. A user commented: "Man mums offer a gentler, more comforting embrace than typical masculine types."
Others, though, were critical. "Don't pass off physical desire as therapeutic. One user suggested, "Try volunteering instead." Someone else said, "Why hug strangers when you can hug your parents or friends?"
Attorney Su Dan of the Hunan Gangwei Law Firm cautioned that some individuals may abuse paid hugs as a pretext for sexual harassment.
After a stressed-out student wrote on the internet that she needed to pay for a hug from a nice, fit "man mum" in order to deal with her thesis workload, the trend gained widespread attention.
"I was hugged once in secondary school and felt safe," she noted in her letter. "We can just hug for five minutes at an underground station."
More than 100,000 people sent comments on her post.
Many such requests from women in major Chinese cities can be found by searching for "man mum" online. They frequently select their hug partners based on attractiveness, body shape, patience, and politeness. Before setting up a meeting, many have private conversations. Hugs are also given by certain tall, athletic women.
The majority of meetings are held in public spaces like shopping malls or train stations. Between 20 and 50 yuan (US$3 and US$7) is the going rate.
One woman claimed that after three hours of overtime, she encountered a male mother who gave her a three-minute embrace and a gentle shoulder pat as she raged about her employer.
After feeling depressed about a failed diet, another woman, whose last name was Chen, revealed that she went for an embrace. A postgraduate student from a nearby university was hugged by her.
Fox, an internet user, met her man's mother, got him a book and coffee, and then, after a brief embrace, they talked about their interests and tests. "What made me happier than the hug was the warmth from a stranger," she stated.
"It gives me a sense of self-worth," according to a man who has offered hugs three times.
Zhou, another hug provider, claimed that his job assists those who are experiencing stress at work or worry related to appearance. According to SCMP, he earned 1,758 yuan (Rs 21,000) by giving 34 hugs by April. Zhou makes an effort to look his best by using perfume, makeup, and hairstyles.
His goal is not to make a living by giving hugs. Rather, he claims that collecting a charge aids in upholding emotional boundaries.
Additionally, some women claim that paying for hugs helps them feel safer and steer clear of any potential boundary problems.
Online discussion has been triggered by the trend. A user commented: "Man mums offer a gentler, more comforting embrace than typical masculine types."
Others, though, were critical. "Don't pass off physical desire as therapeutic. One user suggested, "Try volunteering instead." Someone else said, "Why hug strangers when you can hug your parents or friends?"
Attorney Su Dan of the Hunan Gangwei Law Firm cautioned that some individuals may abuse paid hugs as a pretext for sexual harassment.
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