In China, stand-in parents are available for hire, for when you just can’t abide teachers – or lovers – meeting the real ones. It is unclear how many of the postings relating to ‘rented parents’ are people authentically seeking help, but China has a booming trade in renting people for a range of ‘personal’ services.
Bridesmaids are also for hire in China, where wedding’s can often get out of hand and bridesmaids can be subjected to sexual harassment and physical abuse.
Chinese media also reported this week the growing trend of people using ‘rent me’ apps to offer themselves as friends.