New survey says 57 per cent Indians feel lonely despite 92 per cent saying they're happy in their relationships

Indian relationships are witnessing a silent contradiction On the surface couples appear content with the overwhelming majority describing themselves as happy in their relationships Yet beneath that optimism lies an emotional void that many are struggling to acknowledge or addressThe latest study conducted by IPSOS for Gleeden reveals that while Indians continue to value commitment and companionship emotional fulfillment remains elusive for a significant section of the populationThe nationwide survey conducted among 1510 respondents across Indias major cities found that 92 of Indians report being happy in their current relationships while 57 admit they experience loneliness highlighting a growing disconnect between perceived relationship satisfaction and emotional wellbeing The findings suggest that happiness and companionship are no longer synonymous with many individuals feeling emotionally isolated despite sharing their lives with a partnerThe Happiness Paradox Together Yet AloneThe study reveals that relationships today are increasingly being measured not just by stability but by emotional depth While 84 of respondents say they are sexually satisfied only 25 believe nothing is missing from their relationship indicating that emotional needs often remain unmet even in otherwise fulfilling partnerships Emotional connection emerged as the single biggest missing element cited by 51 of respondents followed by better communication 44 excitement and thrill 42 and physical intimacy 38 These findings suggest that modern relationships are less likely to fail because of a lack of commitment and more because of the absence of meaningful emotional engagementLove Is No Longer EnoughThe paradox becomes even more evident when examining how Indians define a healthy relationship Trust and transparency 39 remain the most important pillars followed closely by emotional connection 35 while physical intimacy ranks much lower Across generations exclusivity continues to dominate as the preferred relationship model with a majority viewing monogamy as the foundation of a healthy partnership However expectations from relationships have evolved beyond loyalty alone with emotional availability and mutual understanding becoming equally criticalBusy Schedules Empty ConversationsModern lifestyles appear to be widening this emotional gap The survey identifies worklife imbalance and lack of quality time 33 as the biggest challenge couples face today followed by unrealistic expectations created by movies and social media 29 Emotional disconnect with a partner affects 14 of respondents while digital distractions and external temptations continue to influence relationship dynamics The findings underline that despite spending more time connected digitally many couples are finding it increasingly difficult to connect emotionallyWhen Hearts Wander Before People DoPerhaps the most striking insight is that emotional dissatisfaction often translates into curiosity beyond the relationship Nearly 46 of respondents admit they frequently think about exploring connections outside their relationship with the proportion rising to 54 among Gen X respondents While these thoughts do not necessarily translate into action they reinforce the emotional vacuum many individuals experience despite describing themselves as happy partnersCheating Isnt Just Physical AnymoreThe research also highlights changing perceptions around fidelity Half of the respondents believe emotional cheating is more hurtful than physical infidelity reflecting how emotional exclusivity is becoming more valuable than ever before At the same time 64 admit they have been emotionally or physically unfaithful at some point although overall infidelity has declined by 16 compared to 2023 suggesting that while extrarelational experiences continue to exist attitudes toward commitment and accountability are also evolvingForgiveness Has More Followers Than BreakupsInterestingly Indians are not entirely unforgiving Nearly 62 say they would forgive a partners infidelity if it was a onetime mistake and genuinely regretted while 45 believe infidelity can sometimes reignite passion in a struggling relationship Yet 47 still consider infidelity a dealbreaker demonstrating the complex and often conflicting attitudes people hold towards love loyalty and second chancesCommenting on the findings Sybil Shiddell Country Manager Gleeden India said The findings reveal that relationship happiness and emotional fulfillment are no longer the same thing Many couples continue to share their lives responsibilities and routines yet silently struggle with loneliness because their emotional needs remain unaddressed Modern relationships require far more than commitment they demand communication vulnerability and genuine emotional presence As conversations around mental wellbeing and relationships become more open it is important to recognize that feeling lonely while being in a relationship is far more common than many people realize Understanding this emotional gap is the first step towards building healthier more fulfilling partnershipsThe Real Relationship Status Its ComplicatedThe GleedenIPSOS study paints the picture of an India where relationships are becoming increasingly nuanced People continue to believe in love trust and longterm commitment but they are also demanding deeper emotional intimacy than previ