In Chinese cities, a new dating trend has come up. Young professionals are now creating detailed profiles of their former romantic partners and sharing them, hoping to help these exes find new relationships.
Sources state that the practice is known as “sharing ex profiles.” It involves compiling information about a past partner’s personality traits, interests, career, physical attributes, and relationship preferences into a shareable document or social media post.
Unlike previous generations who might have considered an ex-partner’s love life off-limits or awkward territory, today’s youth are treating dating with a more businesslike efficiency. They reason that just because a relationship didn’t work out doesn’t mean their former partner isn’t a good match for someone else in their social circle.
On Chinese social media platforms, these ex profiles often read like professional résumés mixed with personal advertisements. They include details about educational background, career achievements, hobbies, family values, and even specific quirks that might appeal to potential matches. Some profiles note whether the person is introverted or extroverted, their favorite foods, travel preferences, and long-term goals.
Proponents of this practice argue it serves multiple purposes. First, it helps their exes potentially find better-suited partners through the expanded network of friends. Second, it provides a sense of closure to the previous relationship by actively supporting their former partner’s future happiness. Third, it demonstrates emotional maturity and the ability to remain on good terms after a romantic connection ends.
The trend also speaks to the practical challenges facing young Chinese singles. In major cities where work hours are long and social circles can be limited, traditional methods of meeting potential partners have become increasingly difficult.
However, not everyone is comfortable with having their personal information circulated among their ex’s friends. Critics of the practice point out privacy concerns and question whether former partners should have the right to share intimate details about someone’s personality and preferences without explicit permission. Some view it as an overstep of boundaries, regardless of the good intentions behind it.
Relationship experts note that while the trend appears generous on the surface, it may also reflect a desire to maintain control or involvement in an ex-partner’s life, even after the relationship has ended. The practice could also create awkward social dynamics if the ex begins dating within their former partner’s friend group.
The trend continues to gain traction among China’s urban millennials and Generation Z, who increasingly approach dating with openness.
