Whether you’re actively looking for love online or in real life, there are still considerable risks involved. But the great thing about the former is that online dating not only helps increase people’s chances of finding love despite geographical barriers. It also acts as a bridge between people during a pandemic when physical contact is prohibited.

If you’re looking for a date in Hong Kong, these top online dating sites and apps will help you find your perfect match. Our top five will increase your chances of finding love irrespective of your hectic schedule or location.

Top Five Dating Apps and Sites in Hong Kong to Find Your Perfect Match

Do you know which of Hong Kong’s leading online dating platforms works? Check out the list below to find out:

1. TrulyChinese

TrulyChinese is the ideal app for meeting new friends, developing strong relationships, and finding true love.

Searching for your perfect match is never an easy task. Thankfully, TrulyChinese assists you in your online dating pursuits while providing an enjoyable experience. Allow these amazing features to astound you:

Interest feature

There are so many interesting and attractive people online. Questions like “What should I say?” “How should I respond?” and “How can I sound interesting?” run our minds. And so, it is only natural to feel a little hesitant while approaching them. 

Fortunately, you can get beyond that quickly with the help of TrulyChinese’s Interest feature.

This app function is pretty straightforward. Look for the heart icon next to the name of an online user you’re attracted to locate them quickly. You will immediately alert them that you are interested when you click it—yes, it is that simple! You’ll also get a notification if the interest is mutual.

Love search

You can go through Hong Kong singles’ profiles on TrulyChinese. To find your match, select the filter option, enter the necessary details, and then select “Update Results”. You will soon experience love!

Profile verification

Your security is a top priority with TrulyChinese as it searches for your perfect match. Four methods are available for you to verify your profile: Facebook, phone, camera, and ID verification. The app then creates a badge and adds it to your online dating profile once authorized.

2. SweetRing

SweetRing has years of expertise pairing lovebirds. Yes, they can quickly assist you in finding your perfect match. These are a few of their features:

Monitored regularly

Spam, inappropriate user-generated content, and malicious activity are all reviewed by a team at SweetRing. They boast that online dating has never felt safer through those safety measures. 

Private information

Are you concerned about having your personal information made public? SweetRing protects your data—so don’t worry! They won’t post without getting your approval, which increases the security of your online dating experience.

Matchmaking made easy

SweetRing will help you locate your perfect match in just three simple steps. You first create questions for your profile. Second, respond to their pre-arranged basic questions so other users get to know you. This brings us to the third step, where you and the other users carry on the conversation and, ideally, consider yourselves a match.

3. Lovestruck

Do you want a committed relationship? You can easily find your perfect match with Lovestruck.

Who is responsible for the Lovestruck dating service? A seasoned matchmaker nourishes and aids in your search for a life partner.

The features listed below will advance your online dating experience:

Virtual meeting with your matchmaker

You can discuss your dating objectives with Lovestruck, have your account activated so you can start dating, and have your online dating profile verified.

Pre-arranged schedules

Are you too busy to set up a date because of your busy schedule? Lovestruck will adjust to accommodate both of your timelines.

Your virtual guide

When in doubt, your matchmaker will be there. They walk you through a Live Chat to discuss potential matches, date plans, and date feedback.

4. Coffee Meets Bagel 

A breath of fresh air, Coffee Meets Bagel takes a relaxed and simple approach to online dating. It has an appealing appearance and an easy-to-use layout.

With these characteristics, you can see the future of meeting the bagel to your coffee:

Receive a complimentary coffee bean

By using Coffee Meets Bagel regularly, you may easily earn free beans. You can invite friends, share social network updates, and combine your undone chores. Obtaining free coffee beans allows you to use them for any purchase.

Compatibility algorithms

Coffee Meets Bagel use algorithms to connect you with a compatible match. Thanks to their practical algorithm, you will have an easier time finding love in the digital world.

Enough time to decide

Coffee Meets Bagel suggests matches and allows you 24 hours to “like” or “pass” on a suggestion’s profile. If you both hit “like” simultaneously, you’ll have seven days to get to know each other. The decision to further the relationship will be yours to make.

5. Lunch Actually

Lunch Actually had a successful record of matching single potential love birds over the digital arena after 16 years of matchmaking. It assures value and goal compatibility to provide the greatest matches.

Let the following features aid in your romantic adventure:

Match recommendations

You will be screened and evaluated before receiving a match based on the algorithm in the dating site’s system. This system then suggests the best match for you.

Scheduling a date

Love Actually’s consultant handles everything for you, from matching to scheduling dinner dates. You’ll never again look at first dates the same way!

Pings for potential love

Do you tend to forget things easily? No worries! You and your love match will receive an SMS reminder from Lunch Actually for the big date.

Which Hong Kong dating websites are you interested in trying?

Great love doesn’t come often—and you have to take care of it when you have it. True enough, finding your perfect match in Hong Kong takes patience and hard work.

Lucky for you, though, the search for The One can is easier and quicker than you think with the aid of these online dating apps. Use the ideal dating site or app that works to your taste and needs. Best of luck!

The post Dating Platforms in Hong Kong to Find Your Perfect Match appeared first on The TrulyChinese Blog.

However, if you feel like your relationship still deserves another go, giving your dating partner a second chance may be a great idea. But, only do that if…

1. You are capable of fully forgiving them

Trust is vital in a relationship. If your partner has already broken your trust, it may be hard to regain it. Even when you say you do, you might raise that issue once you get mad at them as soon as some drama arises.

This is why it’s crucial to evaluate if you’re willing to put your faith in your partner again. Are you sure you’re eager to move over their past mistakes and give them a second chance? Because if you’re not, then you can forget getting back together.

Forgiving your partner for their past mistake may, most of the time, mean doing so with a clean slate. Giving them a second chance and a do-over is essential as this helps build a strong foundation for your relationship. Hence, ensure you’ve forgiven them enough that you won’t bring up their past mistakes and make them feel bad about them.

2. Love isn’t the only factor

Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you should still stay together after they’ve made a mistake. Care, admiration, and affection are essential. But, you shouldn’t overlook honesty, respect, and trust when deciding to give your partner a second chance.

Love shouldn’t be your only reason to keep going. Giving your dating partner another chance may not be ideal if love is the only thing holding you two together. Only consider giving your relationship another go if you two have a solid foundation. Ideally, that foundation should be so strong—enough to make for a contented and healthy partnership.

3. You’re still inconsolable years after the breakup

Breakups are typically painful. But after spending a few months away from your ex, you might find that freeing yourself from them seems preferable to getting back together.

However, if your heart is still in pain six months in, you might have a valid cause. Listen to your heart if it still yearns for their presence. Consider giving your relationship another go if it still mourns after your relationship’s passing. And that you’re sure it chooses your ex over the pain they brought you.

When thinking about giving your dating partner a chance, check to see whether there is anything there besides loneliness or an unproductive habit of mulling over what could have been.

4. There is still a lot of sexual chemistry

Romantic attraction and the growth of a relationship also depend on sexual desire. As one gets to know their partner better and the dynamics of their relationship change, passion may ebb and flow.

Additionally, familiarity is associated with sexual desire. This is why breaking up with your partner is so hard. You are so accustomed to their presence that you crave it.

Take it as a positive sign if you still want to kiss (or do more) after half a year or more. If passion and care are still strong, consider giving your partner a second chance.

5. They expressed regret and acknowledged their mistake

Just because your dating partner apologized for the pain they caused you doesn’t mean you let them into their lives as if nothing happened. Only give them a second chance if they have truly proved themselves worthy of your forgiveness.

Are they expressing regret for the pain they caused you? Or are they making light of whatever they did to you after a few weeks of being together again?

Also read: Eight Ways to Win Over Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend’s Chinese Mom

6. Words have less impact

Words never trump deeds. Many people have the gift of gab, and your partner may only be better at apologizing but not at actually expressing remorse.

Has your partner actually put a lot of work into earning your forgiveness? Why should you believe them if they only claim to be changing but don’t act in a way that supports this? More importantly, why should you even consider giving them a second chance?

If your partner has only performed ‘lip service,’ don’t even think about getting back together. However, if they take ownership of the situation, you can consider a chapter two for both of you.

With this, observe your dating partner’s actions rather than simply their words. Sometimes, words are worthless. Thus, accept an apology after having an open discussion about your and their perspectives.

7. They are prepared to make concessions

If your partner had an affair, are they now willing to stop seeing that person or set new boundaries?

They need to regain your trust. And one surefire way to do this is by cutting ties with that person they had an affair. By cutting ties, they need to stay away from them totally. They have to resign from their workplace if they had an affair with an officemate or move to another city if they did it with a neighbor.

You can also read: The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Engagement

You need that security and confidence that they’re not going to rekindle anything they started that shattered your connection. Otherwise, the whole asking for forgiveness state is another kind of joke. If they continue seeing their ex despite having cheated on you, there’s your answer. It’s time to end the relationship.

8. You two are committed to making it work.

In your relationship’s chapter two, you should be able to communicate openly and voice your expectations frankly while respecting each other’s privacy. Make more significant changes this time—perhaps, be more respectful and appreciative—and establish a stronger connection.

For instance, if you were not the type of couple to go on small dates or celebrate small wins, maybe it’s high time you do. Or, if you’re typically reserved, then be more expressive this time.

Should you give your partner a second chance?

The answer depends on you and the situation. How significant is their mistake? How willing are you to overlook and let go of their mistakes? Are they even ready to prove to you that your relationship deserves another go?

When deciding to give your dating partner a second chance, don’t let outside comments influence your decision. Don’t let your heart decide alone, either. You must give yourself time to think things through and decide logically.

The post Give Someone a Second Chance When… appeared first on The TrulyChinese Blog.

But what exactly is a Ting Hun?

What is a Ting Hun?

A Ting Hun (or 订婚 Dìnghūn) is a pre-wedding tradition observed by soon-to-wed Chinese couples. During this significant event, the bride and groom’s families get together to officially acknowledge the upcoming union of the pair and their clans. In essence, it serves as the engagement’s formal ceremony.

While the traditional Chinese engagement ceremony varies among couples, there are pretty common rituals performed during the event nonetheless. These practices include the tea ceremony, presentation of gifts, and picking a promising wedding date.

What happens during the Ting Hun Ceremony?

Ting Hun is an ideal time for a soon-to-wed couple to express their respect for each other and readiness to honor each other’s families and traditions. It represents their enthusiasm to start a life together and the certainty that they can (and will) support each other emotionally and financially.

If you’re here to reconnect and honor your heritage by having your own Chinese engagement ceremony, our complete guide below should help.

The rituals

1. Groom carries two bouquets

A procession led by the groom, bearing two bouquets or a box of corsage, commences the Ting Hun. Then, four guy friends or relatives of the groom follow, with each pair carrying a four-layered bamboo box filled with fruits, herbs, jewelry, etc. This thing is called Sin Na (Chinese for ‘gift’), which signifies prosperity and happiness for the couple.

2. Bride walks backward

In a Ting Hun, would-be brides enter the room by walking backward. They are typically assisted by their moms or any woman who will be a great role model to them.

The backward walking part is essential as it shields her from any negativity. It’s also her way of facing whatever bad luck that may come their way head-on.

Afterward, a married, wealthy, and healthy woman must turn the bride three times before she’s finally allowed to meet the groom.

3. Exchange of gifts

Ting Hun is also famous for exchanging gifts between couples and their families. Parents typically give future in-laws any material present, which may vary depending on their financial capabilities.

Whether they’re luxurious gifts like jewelry or simple presents like tea cups or pots, what matters in gift exchanges is the meaning behind them. Here are some standard ones:

• Eggs as gifts will be perfect as they symbolize fertility. It’s also a way to anticipate the couple’s future family. Eggs are typically exchanged in meal.
• Jewelry conveys each other’s financial stability and the couple’s capacity to provide for each other. Jewelry is an important phase of a Ting Hun: Parents of the bride would gift the groom any piece of jewelry. In turn, the groom’s parents would give theirs to the bride.
• Misua (noodles) signifies longevity, whether in life or relationships.
• Round-shaped cakes and other confections represent a rich and sweet life ahead—round cakes are ideal as they signify an everlasting bond.
• Oranges and pomelos are excellent fruits to exchange during Ting Hun as they symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and abundance.

These gifts are often placed in containers with “喜喜” writings on the cover. This writing is called the Sanghee, which means double happiness.

4. Tea-drinking ceremony

Family is integral to Asian culture, and a Ting Hun is no different.

The tea-drinking ceremony is essential to any Chinese engagement as it generally symbolizes respect in Chinese society. It also represents happiness and good fortune for the couple and their future family.

During Ting Hun, couples will take turns to officially introduce everyone in the (immediate) family while serving tea. Their families are introduced and served tea from the eldest to the youngest.

At this moment, the bride and groom must call their would-be in-laws “mom” and “dad.” The betrothed couple is served tea last.

This significant Chinese tradition alone signifies respect. It’s also a way of honoring each other’s parents. The act alone of introducing your significant other to your family shows how much you respect not just your partner but also your family.

This part of the ceremony is particularly special as meeting the family is essentially a big step in any relationship. It is especially because marriage is more than two people’s union, but also of the entire clan from both sides. 

Nevertheless, colloquially, the tea-serving ceremony implies that it’s already a done deal.

5. Sharing a meal

After exchanging gifts, people will then share a meal with misua (noodles) and eggs as the main stars. This tradition is essential and pretty standard as the eating of misua embodies the betrothed couple’s long-lasting relationship.

Eggs, on the other hand, mean togetherness among couples. It is so that when eating eggs, one must cut them in half as everything should end in pairs.

Traditionally, society equates Chinese marriages to raising a large and healthy household. To do this, newlywed couples had to continue procreating to keep the family name going. And, Chinese elders believed eating noodles and eggs would help ensure that. In a way, the foods are an ode to that ideology.

5. Identifying auspicious wedding date

The perfect date for the couple to tie the knot is also vital in every Chinese engagement. Choosing an auspicious wedding date is crucial as it helps increase success in married life.

When picking a wedding date, couples would either turn to the eldest expert in the family or seek assistance from a feng shui master. They’d often check if it were a leap year or if there were upcoming festivals. They’d also take into account the couple’s birthdates, time of birth, and zodiac signs.

In short, elders or feng shui masters would pick an auspicious date according to Chinese superstitions.

Bottomline

A Ting Hun is always special, especially when you take tradition into consideration. It’s often grand, elaborate, and beautiful. But, it isn’t because of these fancy things that make it exceptional, nor the inclusion of age-old practices in the ceremony.

A Chinese engagement will always be memorable because a would-be married couple decides to honor and embrace their heritage. The underlying symbols of the gifts exchanged in the ceremony—warm reception, union of families, long-lasting love, and life—also make the tradition more beautiful.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Engagement appeared first on The TrulyChinese Blog.

Unfortunately, many Chinese parents are stereotyped as domineering folks who constantly hold a tight leash, even on their adult children. They usually do it to secure their children’s success. 

However, all this doesn’t mean you can’t win them over. Openness and being respectful are vital to impress your date’s Chinese mom.

Meeting your date’s Chinese mom anytime soon? You’ll need to put your best foot forward to earn their seal of genuine approval. But how will you do it?

What is a Chinese mom like?

Knowing what to do to impress your date’s Chinese mom is crucial. But, understanding what they’re like should be at the top of your list to nail down your goal. As such, we prepared a brief list for you to get a glimpse of how Chinese moms act around their kids.

1. They can be melodramatic

Chinese moms can be very dramatic at times. Others got it from watching C-dramas (or Chinese television dramas). When they see their (adult) babies in trouble—regardless of how trivial these problems are—they can’t help but get emotional. Many others will step in and help.

2. They still expect their children to ask permission when going out

Even if you’re already in your early 20s and employed, many Chinese moms still expect their children to ask permission when going out with friends. Other parents also implement a curfew that their offspring must remember; otherwise, they’ll have to sleep by the doorstep. 

3. Some don’t allow their children to move out 

Contrary to the lies told by other people, Chinese families—in general—are family-oriented. They don’t allow their kids to move out of the house, not so they can control them, but to stay close together. This is still true even when their kids are in their 30s and unmarried.

Eight Ways to Win Over Your Date’s Chinese Mom

Your date’s Chinese mom is just like any other mom in the world. They’re sweet, understanding, strong, and patient. However, there are nuances that you might not know about them and the Chinese customs that can earn you big brownie points should you follow them faithfully.

Proving to your date’s Chinese mom how much you respect and love your partner should be a fundamental step. But, these insider tips may be not very obvious—especially to foreigners—but are equally essential:

1. Dress modestly

Meeting your date’s Chinese mom is an enormous step to take. For many, it is something that should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, Chinese moms can get overprotective and a little judgemental of the person dating their kid. So, the very first step to consider when meeting your date’s mom for the first time is to look good. 

No—you don’t need to wear a suit and tie or long gown for your first meeting. Anything you wear will be fine as long as you don’t sport anything distressed, revealing, or shirts with graphic images. Smelling good is also a plus point, so make sure you have a good shower and spray yourself with some fragrant perfume.

2. Prepare a gift for them

Before meeting your date’s mom, be sure to prepare a small gift for them. Now, this isn’t a bribe but a gesture of gratitude for inviting you into their home. 

You don’t have to get them something expensive. Chocolates and fresh fruits—like a box of oranges—will do. But, avoid flowers, candles, and other typical Western gifts as some consider them impractical gifts.

Nevertheless, you can always consult your partner about the best present to get their mom when in doubt.

3. Address them respectfully

Although calling someone’s parents by their first names works well in the West, it might be considered disrespectful in Asia, specifically in China. With this, don’t greet your date’s Chinese mom by using their first names! When meeting your girlfriend or boyfriend’s Chinese mom for the first time, consult your partner first to avoid offending their mom.

You could always go with the classic ‘Mrs.’ Or, if you wish to be personal yet respectful, try calling them ‘Auntie.’ Others might find it strange, especially those raised in the West, but it’s a sign of respect in the Chinese culture.

4. Don’t wear your shoes inside the house

Your date’s mom won’t tell you not to wear your shoes inside their homes, but they’ll watch your every step and frown at every dust you leave. They’ll notice how you’ve been soiling their homes with dirt outside.

Hence, don’t wait for your date’s Chinese mom to ask you to take off your shoes. Earn plus points by wearing foot socks or leaving your shoes by the doorstep.

5. Ask if they need help

Service is huge in the Chinese culture—it’s an important love language for them. If you see your date’s Chinese mom doing something in the kitchen, offer your help. Do not sit around or wait for them to ask for help if you want to make a good impression.

And, while other Chinese moms will never ask for your help, the very fact that you didn’t offer one will matter. Yes—this will be a minus point against you in their imaginary record books.

6. Don’t serve yourself first during lunch (or dinner)

Remember not to serve yourself first when having lunch (or dinner) with your date’s Chinese mom. You can serve your significant other or their mom first, but yourself.

For many traditional Chinese moms, serving your partner first means you cherish your date and are capable of taking care of them. Meanwhile, offering food to your date’s mom proves that you respect them. After all, their mom is still (one of) the most important people in their lives.

7. Avoid being lovey-dovey in front of them

There’s nothing wrong with expressing your feelings towards your Chinese date. But, when you’re in front of their mom, you’ll definitely need to dial down the touching or kissing!

Being affectionate in front of your date’s Chinese mom is social suicide. It indicates a complete lack of respect for their mom and is just inappropriate at the dinner table.

8. Be open-minded

Being open-minded when being around your conservative date’s mom will be a lot easier for you.

Chinese families are devoted to their motherland’s culture. You can’t fault them for that, though. Remember that they might be taught to do so since they were old enough to understand nationalism or patriotism.

Additionally, their Chinese mom’s beliefs somehow (and sometimes) make them controlling and overbearing. Many traditional Chinese moms believe it’s okay to be involved in their children’s relationships.

If you happen to be a conservative person yourself, Chinese moms’ conventional tendencies may not be a problem. But if you’re the opposite, you’ll surely need to be extra patient and tolerant.

Whether or not their mom’s character and beliefs directly clash with your principles, it’s essential to adjust your tolerance levels. And, be open to learning the Chinese culture.

Have patience and hold on to hope!

Dating someone from a completely different country will take a lot of adjustments. And, sometimes, it will just come to a point where you just to be yourself—or just show your date’s Chinese mom your Western nature. However, it will benefit you most to be on good terms with their mom.

If your patience is almost up and you’re heavily culture-shocked, so are theirs’. Different upbringings are bound to clash, but if you’re set on ending up with your partner, you’d have to be the bigger person.

The post Eight Ways to Win Over Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend’s Chinese Mom appeared first on The TrulyChinese Blog.