On a day for love, it is a matter of dates
By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-02-14 06:09

"Single people in their 30s feel frustrated or disappointed with their love life or lack of it."

Talking to close friends or relatives, going out and being busy will help get through the day, Geng advised.

"Hanging out with someone will make you feel that there are people who care about you," he added.

But there are people who don't want the day to go by without finding someone special and online seems the route they are taking.

Yahoo China's personals site, an online dating service, has seen visits from 500,000 to 600,000 people every day, according to the portal.

And on the website of Sina, one of the country's top Chinese-language portals, questions like "Are you feeling lonely on Valentine's Day?" or "Do you want to join single people's Valentine's parties?" have been popping up with greater frequency.

Fei Zhongli, 28, posted an advertisement on the Sina website, planning a party for 16 singles this evening and attracted 60 bookings till yesterday.

"The party is to make singles feel better and give them a chance to find a mate," said the software engineer, adding that most of the respondents were postgraduates.

Some try a lot; others just strike it lucky.

Lu Zhenchao, 25, who met his girlfriend by accident a couple of weeks after last Valentine's Day, will celebrate with her this year.

"I don't think we need a particular day to demonstrate our love," said Lu.

"But when Valentine's Day comes around, you feel it's time to let her know that you love her."