Getting into a relationship again is always hard, especially after heartbreak, and is even harder for those who were married. However, many Indians are using their second chance to rewrite the rules, quietly and decisively. The shift is highlighted in a recent study by Indian matchmaking and matrimony app, Rebounce. Divorced and separated singles between 28 and 45 shared that experience doesn't just shift preferences, it sharpens them too. Unlike the first-time daters, these individuals are not carried away by mere excitement; they approach love with clarity, boundaries, and a strong sense of self. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, "Divorced singles seeking love are not interested in recreating the same love story; they don't want to make the same mistakes and we see that in the way they approach love or remarriage. Plus, you'd be surprised to see their self-awareness. They know what they want, what they need, and where they are lacking. It really shows in their decision-making capacity." The study was conducted among 6,874 divorced and separated singles who are actively seeking a second chance at love and remarriage. Participants were selected from metros and suburban regions of India. The survey analysed the differences and shifts in expectations regarding romance among previously married singles. Ownership of time About 38 per cent of divorced and separated singles explained that they are done chasing after commitment and wanting to settle down at any cost. Their second time around, these singles are as focused on protecting their personal time ecosystem as they are on finding love. Unlike young daters, the previously married singles are not rushing to integrate their lives too quickly with even a serious match. They explained that they prefer a relationship where, especially in the initial stages, both partners maintain individual routines. It might look like they are reluctant to get closer, but this approach stems from lived experiences, where adjusting to each other's schedules too fast might have caused conflicts or led to one partner compromising more than the other. The idea of "fitting in" is slowly fading for people looking to remarry. 7 out of 10 men and 5 out of 10 women expressed that they are enjoying the freedom to choose instead of being expected to show up. Practical transparency Honesty has always been a priority when searching for the perfect partner, but the divorced and separated singles are taking a more specific road: practical transparency. 41 per cent of previously married singles explained that it means they are not just upfront about their feelings, but also the logistics that can affect their long-term compatibility with the match. Whether it is a financial obligation, their choice to have kids or remain child-free, living arrangement, or emotional bandwidth, these individuals disclose matters within the first few conversations. It avoids any potential future friction. Poonam (33) said, "Relationships are not just built on love; having clarity about things and the freedom to choose with all information laid in front of you plays just as big a part in how genuine and sustainable that relationship is going to turn out." How did you manage? About 39 per cent of the respondents between 30 and 45 years of age clearly stated that they are deeply attentive to how their match talks about their ex-partner and how they have processed the end of their marriage. It's not about "How it ended?" or "Who ended it?" These singles are more interested in how they handled the split. 4,213 women disclosed that when a match constantly blames their ex, without taking any accountability, they become cautious. 21 per cent of men above 38 said they pay attention to how their match describes past conflicts, whether there's a tone of reflection or if it's entirely defensive.
16 April,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDating is constantly evolving and a Gen Z’s new bio feels playful at first glance, but look closer and it reveals far more, especially with all the different words they use today in their lives online and offline, and there are quite a few that have stood out. Baddie has evolved into a marker of aspiration, a sharp departure from the ‘bad girl’ label of the ’90s. Paglu reads like a badge of devotion, tied to everything from pickleball (over 65 per cent mentions on Tinder) and matcha (over 40 per cent) to the gym (over 25 per cent), Mahjong (over 18 per cent) and Pilates (over 7 per cent). Pookie lands soft and easy, becoming modern dating’s most effortless term of endearment. India’s new vocabulary of love In just a year, baddie has claimed main-character status - up nearly 5 times in Tinder bios. Paglu has surged over 40 times, reflecting a comfort with playful intimacy, and while Pookie may no longer dominate the conversation, it continues to linger - soft, steady, and unmistakably enduring. Not just cute but coded According to Dr. Chandni Tugnait, Tinder India’s relationship expert, these terms are less about what you want and more about how you see someone - micro-cues of attraction, comfort, and intrigue.1. Baddie signals admiration2. Pookie signals warmth and safety, and3. Paglu signals playful fondness “These terms aren’t just expressive, they’re perceptive,” she says. “You’re signalling how you read someone, even before anything is defined.” Why it works From strangers to something more Endearments show up early for a reason. “They act as emotional accelerators,” says Dr Tugnait. “A private name creates instant closeness, it signals someone is no longer a stranger.” It’s also why humour leads. “A paglu or a meme softens vulnerability, making interest feel lighter, easier. Increasingly,” she adds. It's also identity-coded - gym paglu, matcha paglu - where shared hobbies matter as much as chemistry. A language shaped by culture “This shift in language is closely tied to larger cultural and psychological changes,” says Dr Tugnait. “Therapy-informed vocabulary - ideas like emotional safety, attachment styles, and boundaries - has become part of everyday conversation, which brings a certain self-awareness to how young people express interest and affection.” “Attachment styles often show up subtly in the language people use,” says Dr Tugnait. “Someone who leans towards assertive, status-affirming terms like ‘baddie’ or ‘queen’ may value independence, expressing admiration more than emotional need. Softer terms like ‘pookie’ or ‘baby’ tend to signal comfort with closeness, pointing to a more secure - or sometimes anxious - approach to intimacy. Playful nicknames like ‘paglu’ often sit in between, using humour to create connection while keeping vulnerability light.” She adds, “These patterns aren’t definitive, but they are telling. Language can offer small cues into how someone relates to closeness, but it’s only one part of the picture, what really matters is how consistently those cues show up in behaviour over time.” What stands out is the mix. A pookie can exist alongside a paglu in the same breath - softness layered with play, global with local. It reflects a generation that doesn’t commit to one emotional tone, but moves fluidly between many. In modern dating, connection isn’t defined by a single feeling - it’s shaped by nuance, contradiction, and the freedom to express both at once.
16 April,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPets are being celebrated not just as loyal companions but as an unexpected influence on modern dating. In 2026, they’re influencing how people break the ice, ease into conversations, and form early impressions. As the world celebrated National Pet Day on April 11, a recent survey by happn, the dating app shows that 44 per cent of Indian singles say pets can help start conversations on dates, while 21 per cent believe they are the easiest ice-breaker, making those first interactions feel more natural and less awkward. While pets may help ease those early moments, they are not the sole reason they connect. Instead, they function as social cues, lowering inhibitions, offering common ground, and creating comfort, while deeper connection still depends on how two people engage with each other. This reflects a broader shift towards more intentional, compatibility led dating, where ease of interaction matters, but emotional alignment carries greater weight. That nuance also shapes how potential partners are perceived. For many singles, having a pet signals warmth and approachability, with 26 per cent saying it makes someone seem like a ‘softie’ and 22 per cent calling it an instant green flag. Interestingly, this perception is more pronounced among younger singles, while older age groups are more likely to see it as a positive, but not a deciding factor, reinforcing that pets shape first impressions, but don’t define compatibility. Dating preferences echo this balance. While a third of singles (33 per cent) still favour dates without pets, a significant 25 per cent choose a walk with their dog, which is seen as a simple, low-pressure way to get to know someone better. Conversations about pets over coffee (20 per cent) also feel more natural, showing that pets work best as a subtle part of the interaction, rather than the main focus. At the same time, pets are becoming part of the dating culture in more playful, personality-led ways. With “pet-fishing” quietly on the rise, 19 per cent of singles admit they’ve tried or considered featuring pets on their profiles, using them as a way to express relatability and stand out. It’s a sign that pets are evolving into a form of social signalling, helping people communicate who they are without saying too much. It’s a reminder that while pets increasingly enhance first impressions, they add to the narrative rather than define the connection. What this ultimately reflects is a dating culture that values ease, expression, and emotional awareness. Small cues, like pets, are helping people navigate early interactions with less pressure and more openness, without replacing the need for real connection. As dating becomes more self aware and intentional, pets are finding their place as part of the social language people connect over.
14 April,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the evolving nature of dating in India today, it is already established that Gen Z daters are not rushing to label their relationships.The latest survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack shows exactly what's occupying their time. The pause is for a loaded question that has changed how people commit; Gen Z daters are investing their time in one important thing: "Are you emotionally available right now?" This comes with a certain level of mental clarity gained only through experience. The young daters know that people commit not just out of love, but also loneliness, FOMO, peer pressure, and even the fear of losing the chance. This knowledge has quietly ushered in the emotional availability check trend as a decisive pre-commitment filter, especially among young users from Metros and evolving suburban areas. The study was conducted among 9,748 daters between the ages of 18 and 28, from metros and Tier 2 and 3 suburban regions. Respondents were selected based on activity level, and data were collected from an online survey and in-app behavior. The findings were analysed to understand upcoming trends, shifts in dating style, and commitment readiness among Gen Z users. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "Our study shows that the younger generation of daters is very emotionally selective, which sometimes comes off as being emotionally unavailable to a layman. This generation has been more open about and exposed to the dating culture, and they know what happens when people rush. It's a refreshing sight to see people take the time to prepare for love so that once they find it, they can hold on to it properly." Emotional audit is the new vibe check Over 43 per cent of daters between 22 and 28 revealed that during the first weeks of chatting, they consciously assess if their match is emotionally available to give and receive love. They explained that it's not usually through direct questioning but rather by picking up on subtle cues like delayed replies, inconsistent communication, avoiding personal questions, mentioning their ex, and even harbouring hate for their past relationship. These quirks are no longer ignored but are seen as a strong indication that the person is not emotionally ready for a serious relationship or is still hung up on the past. The survey findings also show that daters from the suburbs are just as perceptive as metro daters. The gap between the "aware" style of dating is closing between the two tiers, with only 8 per cent of daters from the suburbs being less likely to stop engaging with a match even after realising their emotional unavailability. "No Situationship" About 8 in 10 singles shared that they usually walk away from a match when the "still figuring out" phase drags too long. This insight shows the significant maturity among Gen Z daters opting not to ghost out of confusion but rather to leave with intention and clarity. Riding this same cultural shift, ambiguity once romanticized is now associated with emotional risk. Participants shared being clear about certain boundaries. The app shared that there's a rise in intent mentioned in bios, with users writing "Surely want commitment," and "if unsure, please scroll away." Therapy speak to mainstream Terms like "emotionally unavailable", "avoidant personality," and "healing" were once considered therapy terms, but now they are everyday vocabulary for Gen Z daters. Over 38 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men from Tier 1 cities confirmed that they have either asked or been asked about their emotional availability and readiness for a relationship. Ajay (26) from Bengaluru said, "This isn't performative dating, unlike some would label it. I think it's very practical and Gen Z is proactive; we don't like to sit and assume. We ask directly. And after some failed connections, this is the only valid approach to love."
08 April,2026 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRelationships have evolved so much ever since online dating took over, and now more people are getting the clarity about why they want to be on dating apps. Dating apps are only for casual encounters and timepass, said no one in 2026. According to Indian dating app, QuackQuack's Intent Clarity Report, there's a massive spike in the intent and clarity aspect among the 24 to 35-year-old user base. The survey shows that 57 per cent of daters clearly explained that they do not use the app for timepass, but rather with a clear intention to explore meaningful connections, both romantic and platonic. The findings are from an online study conducted by the app among 10,475 active daters aged between 20 and 35 across Tier 1 and 2 cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Pune, Ahmedabad, and more. The survey results show that Gen-Z and Millennials are redefining the purpose of dating in 2026 with a more direct and self-aware approach. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, "Dating apps are increasingly turning into a safe space where young users not only find their perfect partner but also find themselves. They are now far more self-aware than ever, and they express their emotional and relationship needs early, some even clearly mentioning them in their bios. We see some users explaining how they are unsure about their expectations, and anyone matching with them needs to be a little patient and kind while they sort things out. This is not blatantly demanding things but rather making sure that there's transparency from the very beginning." Bio honesty According to the survey, 36 per cent of Indian singles on the dating app between the ages of 20 and 30 are seen addressing their unresolved issues in their bios. In 2026, bios are less about witty one-liners but more about disclosing concerns that might cause misunderstandings in potential connections. From "finally ready to give and receive love" to "finding my relationship goals," the app reported that users are not afraid to be bluntly honest. There's also a rise in "dating with purpose" and "not here just for chats." This shift shows how, for modern daters, clarity is not intense; it's rather attractive. First-week checkpoint Among 5,345 participants shared an interesting user-made filter; they call it the 'First-Week Checkpoint'. Around 7 in 10 daters decide within the first week of interaction whether the connection is worth emotionally investing in or respectfully letting go is the better option. It is not impatience; modern daters are efficient, and they don't want to stretch an aimless connection. For this, users don't have a rigid checklist, nor is the filter one-size-fits-all. While some decide based on lifestyle preferences and career goals, others prioritise values, relationship expectations, and long-term plans. Aditya (28), a lifestyle vlogger, said, "This early clarity has saved me from getting into the situationship limbo many times." Faster online-to-offline conversion The intentional approach has led to a faster online-to-IRL conversion of relationships. According to the survey, 28 per cent of respondents from Tier 1 and 2 cities said that while dating apps start the conversation flowing, if a match shows promise, they are more likely to take the connection to the real world sooner. The survey shows that 6 out of 10 users meet a connection showing potential within the first month of chatting. Anika, a 32-year-old lawyer, commented, "Modern dating is not impulsive, it's thoughtful. We are being clear about everything from the beginning, diving in the deep end early on, and even the meetups are to better understand the chemistry, because a very long chatting phase can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations."
19 March,2026 02:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEveryone deserves a second chance at love, and so do single parents. Amid the taboo and judgemental looks from many different people including their own family, their journey of finding love can look quite different from that of most divorced and separated singles without children. It comes with a different level of honesty. There is no room for guesswork, a narrower scope of casual connections, and a stronger clarity and sense of what truly matters. A new online study by the Indian matchmaking and matrimony app Rebounce, has shown that over 47 per cent of single parents discuss future expectations and priorities within the first week of matching. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, shares, "For single parents, this is not just a romantic experience; it's a thoughtful decision that just doesn't affect them but also their children. Their matching style is much more intentional than that of regular daters or even childfree previously married singles. Singles with kids never try to fit the "perfect partner" image, looking to impress their match. In our experience, they are their most real self during the entire matchmaking process to ensure they find someone authentic and their matches are well aware of who they really are going to be beyond the honeymoon phase." The study was conducted among 7,639 divorced, separated, and widowed individuals with children who are actively using matchmaking and matrimonial apps, seeking a second chance at love. Respondents ranged in age from 28 to 45 and came from Tier 1 and 2 Indian cities. The study concentrates on how single parents are finding love with clarity, emotional maturity, responsibility, and a steady focus on long-term compatibility. What lies ahead Traditional matchmaking usually suggests taking things slow and avoiding talking about the future too soon, but matchmaking for single parents comes with a quicker dive into more serious topics. Almost half of the participants disclosed that they bring up topics like parenting style, living arrangement, relationship with the ex, and emotional readiness to raise someone else's kid during the first week of interaction. They explained that it helps lay all the cards on the table, and leaves little to no room for miscommunication and expectation mismatch. 38 per cent of women and 31 per cent of men said that this conversation comes from practicality, not pressure. They said they don't want to bond emotionally with someone who would later reveal their displeasure about life with children and family responsibilities. Kids are not a sensitive topic The survey throws light on an interesting fact: single parents on matchmaking apps speak about their kids more freely than ever before. They don't treat their children as a sensitive topic or try to break the news to their match after a few days of interaction, so as not to spook them out. Over 43 per cent of single parents said they add their status to their bio or disclose it during the first conversation itself. The survey highlights that 7 out of 10 participants said that they never feel that kids complicate their second shot at love; instead, they shared that they see their children as a part of their story, the one part that shaped them into the person that they are today. Anisha (35) from Delhi said, "Hiding the fact that you have a kid only complicates things later on. It's entirely possible that a match, even someone who seems perfect for me, does not want the added responsibility of my kid. He deserves to know what he is getting into from the first chat." Compatibility comes in layers For regular daters or child-free previously married singles, compatibility is between them and their match. But for single parents, the kids come into the mix. For these users, compatibility is seen through the practical lens. 44 per cent of single parents between 30 and 40 years of age from metros and suburbs said they evaluate work schedule, lifestyle choices, emotional maturity, parenting capabilities before they check chemistry and attraction. Only if the former suits their children's needs, they move on to getting to know the match. This does not kill romance, said 29 per cent of men and women. In fact, they claimed feeling much more open with their match once their daily realities align. Sohan, 37-year-old single dad from Orissa, explains, "Attraction is not enough when you are a single parent looking for a partner. I need someone who can also fit into my reality that already exists, and also see if my kid and I can fit into hers without disrupting her rhythm."
18 March,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA noticeable shift is shaping how women approach romance today, especially in their dating life. The focus is moving away from grand gestures toward mutual effort and honest communication, influenced in part by strong K-drama characters and independent on-screen female leads. Observing the trend, dating app happn has christened this emerging shift as "No Saviour Season", a cultural trend where women are no longer drawn to rescue narratives, but to relationships built on understanding and equality. According to a recent survey by dating app, Indian women today prioritise emotional intelligence, effort, and mutual respect over outdated romantic ideals. Among Indian users, pop culture is also playing a visible role in this shift. Nearly 49 per cent say emotionally expressive characters influence what they find attractive, showing that reel love stories are quietly reframing real-life expectations. The idea of a strong yet emotionally aware partner is no longer niche; it’s becoming a widely appreciated standard in modern relationships. 62 per cent prefer a balanced mix of strength and emotional expression over traditionally dominant portrayals. At the same time, female leads are evolving too. 36 per cent resonate most with independent and emotionally strong women, signalling a growing rejection of outdated romance tropes. The days of waiting to be chosen or tolerating uneven effort are fading fast. In fact, accepting less than mutual effort (36 per cent) and waiting to be pursued (30 per cent) are among the most rejected dating narratives today. The “No Saviour Season” represents not giving up on love, but raising the standard. Not anti-romance, but pro-reciprocity. Even gestures of affection are being redefined. Grand declarations are taking a backseat to intentional effort: 34 per cent value acts that reflect mutual investment, while 31 per cent prefer meaningful conversations over performative displays. Romance, today, feels slower, and more emotionally literate. As K-dramas continue to dominate streaming queues, their emotional blueprint seems to be influencing something deeper: a generation of women raising the standard for what modern love should look like. Ahead of International Women’s Day, observed on March 8 every year, it’s clear that romance isn’t being rejected but being rewritten. Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and President of the dating app, said, “What we’re seeing is a cultural recalibration of romance. Women are no longer drawn to intensity without intention. Emotional intelligence, equality, and mutual effort are becoming the true markers of attraction. At happn, we see users prioritising partners who feel aligned, not overpowering. ‘No Saviour Season’ captures that moment perfectly: love built on choice, not rescue.”
05 March,2026 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHoli is all about colours, and it is also about spontaneity. There are tons of unexpected reunions at Holi parties, sudden plans, and colors flying through the air. "Bura na mano, Holi hai" describes the real essence of the day, but Indian daters think that, leaving everything aside, this free pass for the day should be slowly removed from the Holi narrative. In fact, according to a survey by Indian dating app, QuackQuack, nearly 48 per cent of young daters are embracing a consent-first interaction and dating style to counter the rampant use of "bura na mano" during this festival of colours. The app's Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "Respect matters more than spontaneity right now. Moreover, how we celebrate festivals reflects how society is evolving. Today's daters want fun without making others uncomfortable; consent is no longer perceived as a limitation but a necessity. Every year, we see new dating trends around every major festival; this year's trend shows how young daters are prioritizing trust, boundaries, and the comfort of their matches." The study was done among 11,000 daters ranging between 20 and 35 from metros, suburbs and rural parts of India. The findings are based on responses from dating app users active for six months or more. The survey examined dating behaviour around the festival and changing expectations. Colours, consent, and chemistry The biggest cultural shift noted this Holi is how attraction and attractiveness are being redefined. Grand gestures, impulsive messages, and spontaneous matching once dominated the festival of colors in the digital space, but now, slow and calculated connections and respectful behaviour carry a stronger emotional appeal. 33% of daters between 25 and 35 shared that matches who checked in on boundaries, comfort, and asked before moving on to deeper and more personal conversations were perceived as more emotionally mature and relationship material. 6 out of 10 users who met their match IRL at pre-Holi parties disclosed that they asked for consent before applying color. They also mentioned something very important: consent has moved from being a rule to a love language, and that makes a huge difference in how seeking permission is perceived. Verified vibes only Holi comes with slight safety concerns, especially for women. Whether it is unwanted interactions or bold advances, the survey report shows 6 in 10 women have felt unsafe IRL around this time. For the same reason, QuackQuack reports seeing a spike in traffic, with female users preferring online platforms over offline encounters. 38% of women from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities said they prefer virtual dates over meeting in person during the festival of colors. Niharika (28) from Delhi said, "It's not like I don't trust my match, I don't trust the rest of the people on the street. Virtual dates are my go-to around this time of the year. It keeps me connected to my match, and I don't need to compromise on my safety either." Festival of soft launches From the festival of color to the festival of soft launches, Holi has come a long way. 28% of daters between 20 and 30 shared that they skipped Valentine's Day and picked Holi as the perfect time to soft-launch their relationship in a more desi style. Healing Holi-ng Gen Z and Millennial daters from metros and suburbs are looking at the festival not only as a celebration but also as an emotional reset point. Unlike a few years ago, when Holi was about random flirting and catching fleeting emotions, 31% of daters are using the occasion to consciously let go of past baggage and build intentional connections with matches who show long-term potential.
02 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentArtificial Intelligence (AI) is not just being used for emails or tasks at work anymore it’s now coming into the bedrooms and relationships of many Indians. A recent study conducted by extramarital dating app Gleeden, made by women for women, in association with IPSOS, has shown that 49 per cent of Indians have had at least one occasion where they chose to be sexually intimate with an AI rather than have physical sex with their partner; however, 65 per cent still believe that erotic interactions with AI is cheating. The study surveyed a sample of 1,500 individuals from both tier 1 and tier 2 cities around India to assess how AI is changing dating, emotional connection, and infidelity in the modern Indian relationship. What was revealed is the huge gap between behaviours and beliefs. Overall, the results demonstrate how quickly AI has become viewed as an intimate partner. Approximately 63 per cent of survey respondents stated that they had used conversational AI as a coach for enhancing their seduction methods, improving their dating profile, analysing what they have shared with people they are interested in, and gathering information to conduct a successful first date. Outside of flirting, AI has now reached into the most personal parts of people's lives because approximately 60 per cent of those surveyed used it to provide sexual counselling and/or therapy-related advice. Additionally, approximately 64 per cent used AI to provide assistance for dealing with personal relationship challenges with their partner or spouse. The change is not limited to simply asking for advice. Rather, for many people in India, AI has replaced their spouse as their sexual partner. The study indicated that about 54 per cent of those surveyed have set up a virtual AI partner with whom to have sexual interactions, while 58 per cent report having created a virtual partner for genuine emotional and romantic interactions, such as exchanging kisses and cuddles. In addition, 52 per cent of those surveyed have created erotic materials using AI, and 49 per cent have created deepfakes using celebrities or known individuals; furthermore, no major gender differences were discovered in any of these cases. One of the most shocking discoveries is that the feeling of being alone drives a large majority of individuals to adopt artificial intelligence. Of those who answered the question about their romantic life, 92 per cent are content, and 89 per cent are sexually satisfied, however, 57 per cent report feelings of "loneliness", which is a significant indicator that many people are seeking AI as a form of emotional companionship. In addition, the use of AI for both emotional and sexual interaction has also resulted in addiction; in fact, 46 per cent of respondents indicated they have been affected at a similar level to the addictive nature of pornography. At the same time, social stigma still exists regarding AI and sexual exchanges. More than 60 per cent of individuals in India consider sexual exchanges with an AI to be cheating on their partner, and almost 70 per cent report that they would be shocked to find out that their partner was engaging in erotic interaction with AI. Additionally, almost 70 per cent of individuals do not feel comfortable sharing their AI chat history with their partner, and both genders show this uncomfortable feeling, with women exhibiting a larger discomfort than men. This data indicates a growing disparity between private experimentation with AI for sexual purposes, and the morality of public attitudes. In India, divorce rates are among the lowest globally, as arranged marriages make up the largest number of marriages; and although there appears to be a strong sense of marital stability, technology is redefining how couples interact. An AI is no longer simply an assistant to an individual, but an emotional entity within a couple's interactions. Sybil Shiddell, who is the country manager for Gleeden India, commented, “We see an emotional change occurring as AI becomes not just a functional tool but also a place where people can seek validation, make fantasy, or find comfort. Many people are exploring this new world in secret; feeling guilty and curious at the same time, and yet many of these people feel their partner has been unfaithful for doing the same thing. This is not really a disruptive force because of technology but instead because of emotional responses to AI. The future of partnership and relationships will be determined by the way people establish boundaries, are honest with each other, and build intimacy in a time when AI will play an important role. As the Gleeden–IPSOS study indicates, it is not if AI will change our relationships, but in what way, how much will be affected, and how will these changes affect our emotional connections?”
02 March,2026 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile Valentine's Day may usually focus on large romantic gestures, many of today's Indians define love differently; with an emphasis on being safe emotionally, having a steady and reliable partner, and experiencing companionship. In a Rebounce study of 5,748 divorced, separated and widowed individuals aged 27 – 45 across urban and metro India, 49 per cent Indians said their priority when dating after a divorce is having the constant presence of emotional support and security, rather than over the top displays of affection. Divorced Singles Choose Stability Over Intensity According to Ravi Mittal, who is the founder and CEO of the application, "Our users have been through a great deal of loss and have learned painful lessons from them. Their understanding of love has developed over several life experiences, so they are not easily impressed by romantic gestures. Rather, they are more attracted to things like consistency, emotional reliability, and the intent behind the actions. That makes sense because large romantic gestures typically diminish over time; the other behaviours last your lifetime." Almost 90 per cent of the respondents reported that the emotional void left by the sudden outpouring of affection is not worth the trouble of being separated; while 39 per cent would prefer consistent communication, predictable behaviour, and emotional support to receive a significant gift for V-day. Clarity Is the New Romantic Gesture Ambiguity does not appeal to most individuals who have been given the opportunity to re-establish love. 44 per cent of women from 30–40 years of age expressed that clear communication regarding the intended direction of the relationship represents their ideal Valentine’s Day gift. Moreover, some think that smaller ongoing gestures of kindness hold more weight than ostentatious gifts. There is an emotional gap in mid-life This emotional shift does not pertain solely to the divorced single population. The Gleeden - IPSOS survey of over 1500 adults living in the top tier (Tier-1) cities and lower tier (Tier-2) cites of India illustrate the ongoing emotional gap present between Indians over the age of 40. The results of the study indicate that 43 per cent of individuals have admitted to committing some form of infidelity (whether emotional or physical); Tier-2 cities have been shown to have a higher degree of reported infidelity (46 per cent) than Tier-1 cities. Additionally, the study stated that 50 per cent of individuals surveyed stated that emotional infidelity is a more damaging form of betrayal than physical betrayal; therefore it is highly probable that emotional exclusivity in mid-life relationships is of significant value to individuals. Finding home in our hearts As we focus on our careers, children, and day-to-day life, many Indians between the ages of 40 and 60 report less conflict and more emotional dissatisfaction than those who are younger than them. Increasingly, our emotional connection with our partner is seen as the basis for a long-lasting and happy relationship. According to Sybil Shiddell, country manager of Gleeden India "Our research shows that when someone over the age of 40 has an affair, it has nothing to do with wanting to have sex; the person is searching for someone to lend an ear and provide a positive emotional experience. So, when someone says they have cheated on their partner, they are not looking for another person to have sex with, but rather for someone who understands them and makes them feel valued and connected emotionally. Valentine’s Day is a reminder of what is missing from the relationship(s) instead of highlighting why the relationship(s) is/are not working." New meaning of love People of all ages, including divorced singles learning to trust again, and midlife couples looking for companionship, are communicating the same message this Valentine’s Day. This Valentine’s Day was about more than flowers, extravagant proposals, or elaborate celebrations. It is about emotional support and being there for one another in a consistent way rather than only providing your partner with what she/he needs after a huge emotional rollercoaster; having an emotional connection rather than having lots of performance related activities; and providing your partner with emotional clarity instead of emotional confusion.
18 February,2026 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDramatic confessions and roses, that's what Valentine's Day was about. But 2026 is different, at least for some. A new study by Indian dating app, QuackQuack, shows a split between how the young and the mature daters are celebrating the day of love. The survey shows Gen-Z choosing Romantic Fasting, while Millennials are approaching the day like a well-planned chess match. The study was conducted among 10,853 Gen-Z and Millennial daters between the ages of 20 and 35 from metros, suburbs, and rural towns. Respondents were chosen from various professional backgrounds, and all of them have completed over 3 months as active online dating app users. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "Gen-Zs are going in total airplane mode this Valentine's Day. Mostly, it is to avoid the pressure of labelling an ongoing connection, or going over-the-top one day and not being able to follow through the rest of the year. Though the young daters are serious about their matches, they are still in the exploratory phase where there's no rush to define a relationship. Millennials, on the other hand, are picking up the pace. They are choosing to make an effort and seal the deal on matches they have been courting for a while. It's not performative. From where we are standing, their effort looks really genuine." Gen-Z's Romantic FastingFor 33 per cent of daters between 20 and 26 years of age, Valentine's Day 2026 has turned into a non-event. These respondents disclosed that they are deliberately avoiding new matches and making plans with existing matches on and around V-day. The romantic pause is a conscious choice made to avoid making promises too soon or rushing into commitment because of the emotional high of the day. The romantic fasting trend among Gen-Z is to say they don't need to soft launch a relationship on February 14 to validate the seriousness of it. 5 in 7 daters also shared that the day is filled with comparison anxiety, which is never a good foundation for any relationship. Nikita (25) from Delhi, said, "I am really taking these days for self-care and slowing down on the interaction; just for these few days. I don't like forced milestones. Just because it's V-Day doesn't mean I have to turn my new match into my boyfriend. I'd rather it happens naturally." Millennials turning into strategic datersMillennials have suddenly gone strategic, with 39 per cent of women and 21 per cent of men from Tier-1 and 2 cities using the day as a compatibility test. They are looking at it as a checkpoint to assess effort, emotional consistency, and if they are on similar wavelengths. Ashwini, a 29-year-old software engineer from Mumbai, said, "My goal this Valentine's Day is to check if our efforts match. Like, is he making plans or leaving it all on me? Is he communicating well? Is he too indifferent about the day? I'm not asking for a diamond ring here. I am checking the pattern."Over 4364 Millennials voted a well-planned coffee date higher than a last-minute reservation at a fancy restaurant. This generation has been through it all, and this year, they are turning pro at reading between the lines. Quiet Romance Era6 in 10 Gen-Z daters who are not outright declining the day are opting for a no-gift and no-date policy. Instead, they are choosing quiet check-ins with relatable memes and emojis that say "I am thinking of you." This quiet romance version is more about emotional protection. 26 year old Anshu commented, "If it's real, it won't need a strong hashtag to take over my heart." Feelings with follow-upsUnlike GenZs, Millennials are not fasting. Instead, they are busy filtering. The survey data shows that almost 43 per cent of daters between 28 and 35 are making Valentine's plans with matches they see as having long-term potential. There's no more drifting; Millennials are now seasoned daters who are seeking direction. While the younger daters are avoiding serious talks on the day, Millennials are comfortable discussing future expectations, exclusivity, and emotional readiness to take the next step.
14 February,2026 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
