Some 5,000 single men and women aged between 20 and 45 converged on Zhongshan Park last week in search of a soul-mate in an event billed as "Meet and Mate."  

The four-hour party started at 4:00PM and was spiced up with a series of activities like the selection of the "King" and "Queen" for the night, eight-minute speed dating and various games for couples to play.

All agreed that a good time was had by all. But I wonder if anyone could really find their Mr or Ms Right in such a jubilant atmosphere where true love could easily become ashamed and frightened away.

Love always seems to come from out of the middle of nowhere and you rush into a marriage, later understand the truth about life and then grow up.

To fall in love should be pure and innocent regardless to age, educational background, financial support and social status.

But the rules of entry into last Monday week's match-making party were that only white-collar workers with at least a college education and aged between 20 and 45 would be allowed to take part. Invisible lines were set up around each mate-searching participant.

No wonder there are "decent" women crying out for responsible men and "decent" men for presentable women because neither side is yet ready to allow themselves to start believing in the simple possibility of love.

(Shanghai Daily November 1, 2005)