Chinanews, Chongqing, December 1 – Lingling works in a joint-venture enterprise in Chongqing. Every weekend she refuses the invitations from her friends, and spends those two off days with her boyfriend. In fact, they have been dating like this for over a year.

 

Lingling and her boyfriend are no exceptions in Chongqing. Young people like them usually call themselves “solo couples”, and they describe their life as "5+2", because the two of them each goes their own way on weekdays, but get together on weekends. "'I love you' doesn't necessarily mean I have to be always with you" is their love motto.

 

"Such life makes love and freedom compatible with each other, thus it's the best choice,"said Lingling.

 

Lin and his wife, who just got married, belong to "solo couples", too. They live in the same apartment, but in separate bedrooms. "We are friends on weekdays, and couples on weekends,"said Lin. His wife and he really enjoy their current life.

 

"Solo couples'" way of life actually reflects their respect for freedom and individuality, although the pressure of life is partly a reason, too. Most of the “solo couples”are in their 30s, and most of them live a well-off life.

 

To some extent, "solo couples" can avoid certain problems ensuing from traditional marriage, particularly in the fast-paced modern life.