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Recently, a 38-year-old woman became the center of attention at a matchmaking corner in Jiangxia Park, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. The woman, holding a placard, outlined her criteria for a potential partner: an annual income of at least ¥200,000 and a dowry of ¥800,000. Despite being older than the typical age for marriage in China, the woman confidently stood by her demands, igniting widespread discussions both offline and online.
The woman presented an impressive personal profile: a master's degree, ownership of a car and a house, a stable annual income of ¥100,000, a height of 168 cm, and a weight of 128 pounds. Her requirements for a partner appeared modest on the surface, such as having a higher education (at least an associate degree) and being taller than her. However, her demands for an annual income double her own and an ¥800,000 dowry raised eyebrows.
A group of elderly women gathered around her to review her requirements. Many expressed skepticism, advising her to lower her expectations. One woman remarked, “At 38, your chances are slim. Waiting any longer, and you'll be looking for companionship in your 40s rather than a husband.” However, the woman remained firm, countering that her dowry request was non-negotiable.
Her response shocked the group, with one attendee commenting sarcastically, “Who gave her the courage to demand ¥800,000 at her age?”
Amid the criticisms, one elderly man supported the woman’s stance. He argued that her financial independence, high education level, and attractive height made her dowry request reasonable. He added, “She has long legs and a strong academic background. ¥800,000 is not too much.”
The debate quickly spilled onto Chinese social media, where opinions were sharply divided.
One commenter supported her: “If the details are true, her dowry demand isn’t excessive. A master’s degree and financial independence are valuable assets.”
Others mocked her confidence: “Does she think she’s worth more because of her age? If anything, her window for marriage is closing fast.”
Another wrote sarcastically: “By 48, she can demand ¥1 million as a retirement fund!”
Some netizens pointed out the double standards in marriage expectations, emphasizing how men often prioritize age and health over financial or academic achievements. One user noted, “A man seeking marriage would focus on whether she can have children at this age. Her income and degree are secondary.”
However, there were also more balanced views: “Dowries aren’t the key. What matters most is finding someone who truly loves and respects you.”
The incident highlights a growing tension in Chinese matchmaking culture, where personal achievements often clash with traditional expectations. Women in their late 30s or beyond, often referred to as "leftover women" (大龄剩女), face significant societal pressure to marry but also grapple with their own aspirations for equality in marriage.
For this woman, her high dowry demand may be a way to assert her worth in a culture that often undervalues older women. Yet, the criticisms she faced underscore the challenges of reconciling modern values with deeply rooted traditions.
As one netizen put it: “The market decides everything. If someone sees her value, the dowry won’t be an issue. But if not, she might need to rethink her approach.”
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