Valentine this year?

It's not new in the news that the number of Singaporeans who remain single is increasing. Even in the year 2009, the percentage of males remaining single is 42% and 30% for females (Source: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/people/popinbrief2010.pdf). I think that the best time to get hitched is during university days. After a person enters into workforce, it's really difficult to meet new people. In addition, there is very little time to date while working. (Not to mention, I was previously an auditor with absurdly long hours).


Many a times, I have been asked, where can girls meet new guys?

I do think that a person can consider SDN (previously known as SDU) when looking for a partner. I have personally seen success stories amongst my friends. They met their partners through the network, fell in love and are now happily married.

However, each time I mentioned it, the people open their eyes wide, and the next reaction is shake their heads. Such is the social stigma about participating in SDN events. Both girls and guys alike.

There was a guy who asked me to introduce any single friends to him. I suggested to him to attend SDN events instead. (People often say... you can do anything but be a matchmaker.) His remark was "Wah, those girls in SDN cannot make it. I don't think I would want to join." I merely shrugged. Frankly speaking, the girls who join SDN website are getting younger. Much as I hate to admit, they are getting pretty too. So... what is it that they "cannot make it"?

Another example would be that, during a gathering amongst ex-colleagues, when I mentioned that I attended one of SDN events before, an ex-colleague opened her eyes really wide! Another ex-colleague piped in to say that some of the events at SDU (actually, the name has been changed for nearly a year) are really expensive! Actually, there are other events that are affordable and the membership to SDN is free.

In my opinion, the social stigma associated with dating agencies in Singapore is uncalled for. Although the purpose of it is to help matchmake singles together, I view it as a network of young people and a ready pool of friends. You don't have to get hitched to the first guy you meet there... but you have just opened up the options for yourself.

So... why not?