Invasion of privacy a tricky affair

It is not uncommon in China to be besieged by members of an extended family and grilled about why you are not yet married. Spring Festival, which is round the corner, is a traditional time for family reunions and visits by relatives. But for some young people, it is also a time to "face the music" as their personal life comes up for discussions at get-togethers.

Although relatives' tittle-tattle seem like a storm in a teacup, the fear and anxiety among some young people, especially those born in the 1980s or later, have made an increasing number of young Chinese detest questions on their private life.

Some examples of the questions that the younger generation finds irritating: "How much money do you earn? Did you get a pay rise this year? Are you seeing someone? When will you get married? When do you plan to have a baby?"