What are Chinese people afraid of? (2)

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What are Chinese people afraid of? (2)

(People's Daily Online) 08:25, September 03, 2013

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Fears about the body

Men fear baldness; women are afraid of wrinkles

In terms of body issues, men fear baldness and beer bellies; women are afraid of growing wrinkles and a heavy waist.

Bald heads and beer bellies have a negative impact on a man's image. A survey of women in Shanghai indicated that more than 90% think that a bald head affects a man's appearance and life quality. A beer belly is associated with corruption in contemporary society, and it doesn't look good. Women are sensitive to wrinkles and a thick waist. Not being in a good shape diminishes their social identity.

But aesthetic standards vary through times and against cultural backgrounds. A plump figure was highly valued during the Tang Dynasty, for example, while according to a study conducted by Albert Mannes, a Doctor of Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in America bald men are considered as more manly and having leadership potential.

Fears about relationships

Men are afraid of being single; women are apprehensive about getting married

In "Baidu Zhidao", 700,000 questions were asked about "how to find a girlfriend", against 620,000 questions are about "how to find a boyfriend". This shows that men are more afraid of being single. Other statistics report that up to 70% of women are apprehensive about getting married against only 30% of men.

In the past, men's social status and income increased gradually as they grew older, so they were not afraid of being left by their partner. Now, men and women have almost equal social status and income, and women want to pick and choose between partners. Men are concerned about face-saving, if they are not married when they have reached the appropriate age, they can become the subject of negative comment. Also, many young people work in unfamiliar cities where people concern themselves with their own interests. It's extremely important for men who are under pressure to find emotional sustenance.

In the past, women wanted to marry young for economic and emotional security. Now, economic independence means women are no longer afraid of being single. Marriage means taking more social and family responsibility. As only daughters, many girls have been spoiled since childhood. Remaining immature, they are not ready for marriage. Getting married and having a baby can have a huge impact on a woman's career, so many capable women are not in a hurry to get married.