At the same time, 16 per cent say they love being single because it gives them space to focus on themselves, reflecting a growing cultural shift toward prioritising self-care and personal growth
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
Being single today isn’t about waitingw because it’s turning out to be about becoming single.
On Singles’ Day, happn, the dating app, conducted its survey to explore how singles across India are embracing independence, navigating loneliness, and redefining what love and connection mean to them.
According to the survey, 29 per cent of Indian singles admit that singlehood can feel lonely at times, suggesting that even in an era of hyper-connectivity, emotional companionship still holds weight. At the same time, 16 per cent say they love being single because it gives them space to focus on themselves, reflecting a growing cultural shift toward prioritising self-care and personal growth.
Being single today isn’t one-size-fits-all, it looks and feels different across generations. Gen Z (18–25 years of age), who have grown up online and are used to constant interaction, tend to feel the absence of companionship more intensely. The survey reveals that 31 per cent say loneliness hits harder when they’re single, a reflection of a generation that values emotional closeness and connection, even while celebrating independence. Millennials (26–35 years of age), on the other hand, approach singlehood with a more measured lens. In India, 25 per cent say they are content being single for now, but open to a relationship when the time feels right, showing that they are learning to balance love with self-assurance.
But as mindsets evolve, societal expectations still linger. For some, being single still carries an invisible timer; 21 per cent feel it’s seen as “temporary", while 38 per cent say the pressure depends on where you are in life, your age, or even gender. Yet, what stands out is how more singles are choosing to move beyond these norms, redefining singlehood on their own terms and embracing a pace that feels right to them.
This focus on self-care and personal fulfilment is also reshaping how singles show up in relationships. With self-awareness and emotional clarity taking centre stage, singles are approaching love more consciously, 22 per cent say the experience has made them more intentional about choosing a partner, and 24 per cent now set clearer boundaries while dating. Singles are entering relationships with a deeper understanding of themselves, seeking connection not out of pressure, but from a place of purpose and confidence.
Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and president of happn, said: “Being single today is about choice and confidence, not circumstance. Our Singles’ Day survey reveals that singles are using this phase to focus on personal growth, reflect on what they truly want, and approach relationships with intentionality and self-worth. At happn, we see this as a fundamental shift in dating culture, one that celebrates authentic connection, whether that leads to meaningful companionship, friendship, or love when the timing feels right.”
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