Can’t buy me love, Singapore

Online survey uncovers difficulties in search for true love

Not many friends, not much confidence and not much free time, are the three most important reasons given by frustrated young Singaporeans as they try to search for true love, according to a recent survey on MyeCitizen portal.

Despite these concerns, Singaporeans still prefer to meet members of the opposite sex through friends, in the workplace or in school.

Conducted over three weeks on MyeCitizen, more than 500 Singaporeans aged 20 and older, responded. Among respondents who felt they have not been successful in love, more than 60 percent of them attributed it to one or more of the three factors.

When it comes to meeting new friends of the opposite sex, more than 80 per cent of the respondents said they prefer meeting people through friends or socialising in their school or workplace. However, almost 20 per cent indicate that they do make new friends online.

It is surprising that despite the cosmopolitan nature of Singapore, many people still hold on to traditional ideas of courtship. More than 70 percent of respondents, for instance, said the man should pick up the tab for dinner on the first date and more than 80 percent of men reported that they paid for dinner on the first date. Slightly more than 40 percent of women prefer going Dutch.

Although nearly 70 percent of the respondents indicate that they are successful in love, a majority remain open towards receiving expert advice and tips from professionals.

In fact, Singaporeans have been heating it up on MyeCitizen’s Talking Point forum and turning to professional love coach Kloudiia Tay for advice on dating, marriage, cohabitation and in-laws.

Kloudiia says: “All of us face love and relationship problems at some point in our lives. It is often easier to talk the problems through with an expert, or pick up a few tips in order to smooth out the kinks in our relationships.”

I was told that Charlene Soh, marketing manager of the My eCitizen Web site, is inviting everyone to talk about romantic love. She even offers attractive prizes, including 30-minute love-coaching sessions with Kloudiia, for five winners. Three winners will each receive Kloudiia's The 69 Love Notes, a popular title worth $22.90.