- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
China’s unusual but rapidly growing “Man Mum” trend, where women pay men for brief, comforting hugs, has taken social media by storm. The practice, which costs between 20 and 50 yuan (Rs 200 to Rs 600) for a five-minute session, has become a popular coping ritual among stressed students, overworked employees and young women navigating emotional burnout.
These interactions are typically arranged through chat apps and carried out in public places like malls, metro stations, parks or other high-visibility areas. The encounters are brief, consensual and non-romantic, offering a form of emotional relief in a controlled and predictable setting.
Many women say the payment adds a layer of safety and clarity. By treating the hug as a service, boundaries remain well established and respectful, avoiding any ambiguity about intention. In a society where loneliness is rising and conversations around mental health are still evolving, the “Man Mum” service offers comfort without emotional strings.
How The ‘Man Mum’ Idea Took Off
The phrase “Man Mum” originally referred to muscular gymgoers, but the concept has transformed. Today, it describes men who combine physical strength with softness, patience and a nurturing demeanour, a comforting, almost maternal presence.
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The trend gained momentum after a viral post from a woman overwhelmed by thesis pressure. She wrote that she’d pay for a hug from a kind, fit “man mum,” recalling that the last time she felt safe in a hug was during secondary school. Her post resonated widely, especially among women who crave emotional support but prefer well-defined boundaries.
Another woman quoted by the South China Morning Post said she sought a hug after working overtime for three hours. The man patted her shoulder, listened, and let her vent about workplace stress—leaving her feeling “significantly lighter.”
Who Are ‘Man Mums’?
Service providers range from athletic men to even tall or fit women who offer the same comforting presence. Appearance matters to some clients, but most say they look for:
Warm body language
Respectful behavior
Patience
Conversational kindness
Several “Man Mums” say they are motivated not just by earnings but by the sense of purpose in helping someone release emotional burden. One provider, Zhou, reportedly offered 34 hugs and earned 1,758 yuan in a short period.
Despite its popularity across Chinese platforms, the movement faces criticism. Some argue that repackaging physical intimacy as “healing” can blur boundaries. A lawyer quoted in local media also warned that the trend could be misused under the guise of emotional support.