Men get a break while women shop
Four cabins with computers and digital game gadgets — placed in a popular Shanghai shopping mall to accommodate men accompanying their wives or girlfriends — have received diverse responses from women.
Some said it allows both to enjoy their favorite activities, while others said it destroyed their quality time.
China Daily spent two hours before lunch on Friday beside the four glass cabins equipped with sofas and computer game facilities inside Global Harbor shopping mall and saw only one boy around 10 years old going in. In comparison, the nearby benches for shoppers to rest were all occupied.
A woman who only gave her surname as Jiang, from the management department of the shopping mall in Putuo district, said the facilities, which have been there for a month, are usually fully occupied on weekends. They have been free so far but the mall will start charging for the service on Saturday. It will cost 20 yuan ($3) for half an hour and 30 yuan for an hour.
Most men welcomed such design and said they would give it a try — if it wouldn’t disappoint their wives or girlfriends.
However, women aired different comments.
Jin Jiamin, a 22-year-old human resources professional, said it’s unacceptable to see her boyfriend sitting there playing computer games if he goes out with her for a date.
“In the era of making deals online, shopping in a mall for a couple serves more like an activity that the duo can do together, just like going to a theater. If they choose to do it together, neither should quit halfway,” said Jin, who was resting with her boyfriend on a bench.
Primary school teacher Ding Wen said, “Whether we started a relationship a decade ago, or we already have 3-yearold son, I always believe we should take the quality time we spend together seriously.”
However, some said it would be fine if their husbands play games there for half an hour while they’re trying on dresses and don’t need their opinions.
“I regard this as a desirable and creative way for my husband to take a break from shopping, in which men often show little interest. Otherwise I’ll be rushed by him in most cases,” said Yu Qiuhui, a 41-year-old insurance salesperson.