A Taiwanese woman married herself in a protest against what she says are overwhelming pressures on women to opt for marriage and children.

Chen Wei-yi had some of the traditional features of weddings, including a flower girl and cake. What she did not have was a groom. "I feel that marrying myself represents a promise to really love myself," she said.

Chen, who celebrates her 30th birthday next month, is countering a government campaign to encourage earlier marriages in order to increase Taiwan's low birthrate. The feedback has been mixed. Critics accuse Chen of trying to get cash gifts, but she says women from around the globe have sent encouraging messages.

I'd stick with the presents theory!

It was hard to tell whether the alternative was more or less disturbing...

The original was here