Happy Singles' Day!

In the U.S./st1 :country-region>, it seems that the odds are stacked against those who are single.  If someone is in a relationship, you get extra presents on Valentine's Day.  If you're married, you get engagement, wedding and anniversary presents, and when the kids come along, your friends will even throw you a baby shower./span>

What do singles get in return?  Gratitude.  /span>

In China/st1 :country-region>, however, November 11 is a day for singles to celebrate.  The day 11-11 symbolizes four individuals who are standing alone, so what better time to get together?  On this day, which became popular among university students during the 1990s, singles come together to hang out and just enjoy themselves.  /span>

Many eat four youtiao, or deep-fried sticks of dough, to represent the four ones in the date, with a baozi, or steamed bun with a sweet bean filling, to symbolize the dot in 11.11.  /span>

Of course, many of those who really get into the spirit of Singles' Day don't plan to stay single forever.  Blind date parties on November 11th are especially popular, as are more generic Singles Day parties, where singles can mingle, and hopefully find love./span>

China Daily also offers advice for those who are single, in the aptly titled article from 2006, "Single? Don't worry, be happy!“Among the nuggets of wisdom: /span>

"The most important thing is to take time to relax and make yourself more beautiful."/span>

"Since you're a single girl, you have the weekend to yourself, unlike those housewives immersed in housework." /span>

"Whatever the reason, studying can help fill your time if you don't have a boyfriend." /span>

"If you haven't got a fitness plan, you'd better get one in a hurry."/span>

"Sometimes you may feel lonely if you live on your own. How about keeping a cat or a dog? If you love your pet, it will love you. Most importantly, pets are loyal, unlike some men." /span>

I don't know if this advice would make me happy about being single, and a fun Singles Day party definitely sounds like a better option than studying or making myself more beautiful.  In any case, whether you're starting a fitness plan, or starting the search for Mr./Mrs. Right, have a happy, fulfilling Singles' Day!     /span>