Not that I understand a word, but anything about flirting and matchmaking is always interesting. Plus, I feel connected to the million or so other Shanghainese watching the show every Saturday.

Contestants never kiss. Instead they shyly hug each other at the end. And they exchange really strange gifts. Last week's highlight was when a couple presented each other with live fish in a small jar.

I am convinced that there is a meaning behind exchanging fish, but it looks very strange to the Western eye (Western women prefer flowers).

In Europe, the audience would feel sorry for the fish. Animal welfare activists would most probably file a complaint against the TV station.

Apart from a different taste in gifts, it seems young Shanghainese - like their Western counterparts - are too busy and under too much stress to find a partner on their own. You can spend a nice evening with your friends by reading personal ads in all city magazines.

It is fun to discuss what people may be behind the ads. Is this British businessman really rich and willing to spend his money with a gorgeous Shanghai lady, and does his wife back in England know about this? And why is this Shanghai "F' looking for a guy who is 'not slim' and 'not long haired"?

I have read that remote villages in China still have arranged marriages and bride markets. This sounds very old fashioned to modern people in big cities.

Back in the 60s, Western youth rebelled against marriage by living in one house with several partners.

Obviously people are not able to find a partner on their own under liberal circumstances. In Europe, "procuring" is illegal, but singles pay a fortune to matchmakers to arrange dinners with other singles.

"Blind date" shows are topped by "Blind marriage" shows. It is amazing to see that some people are so desperate that they want to get married to a stranger live on TV. Yet for sure these same candidates would consider the idea of arranged marriages humiliating.

"Speed dating" is the latest trend for Western singles. Having dinner and chatting one after the other with six potential partners for five minutes, they hope to find the love.

So, watch out and look forward, Shanghai singles. There are more matchmaking rituals to come but still no happy end.

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