In graph theory, a matching or independent edge set in a graph G = (V, E) is a set of edges M ∈  E such that no two edges in the matching M share a common vertex.

Recently you saw in the news that “The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel” (informally, the Nobel Prize in Economics) for 2012 was awarded to Alvin E. Roth and Lloyd S. Shapley for, amongst other things, their algorithm for finding a matching satisfying certain criteria in a bipartite graph. Since you have also heard that matchings in cycle graphs have applications in chemistry your thoughts centre around a plan for a beautiful future where your Christmas shopping is more luxurious than ever!