There’s something about winter, the chill in the air, the aroma of coffee, the warm blanket that stirs an instinctual desire for warmth and companionship. As the nights grow longer, hearts can wander more readily. For many, the season brings a reminder not just of love but of the complex human desire for companionship, even if it is outside the confines of monogamy. According to the citywise information revealed in the Gleeden–IPSOS Infidelity study 2025, which studied 1510 respondents from across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, a startling 43 per cent of the people feel that humans are not constructed for monogamy. This means that almost 50 per cent of India admits that fidelity may not be a natural function, rather, the desire, like winters, has its inexplicable moods. Where warmth turns wild: The winter effect on relationships Winter is often called “the season of love” but for many it is also the season of rediscovery and temptation. The research shows that the coldness of the months may increase people's crave for emotional warmth and physical affection and lead people to indulge in friendships, rather than enhance their principal connections. The app data has shown that the phases of increasing activity in getting together during winter as people seek warmth through conversations, and often slippings. Winter romance is deeper, more intense, more urgent, which is probably why at this time one feels that people are more honest about their feelings of complexity. The loyalty dilemma: Tier-1 vs Tier-2 attitudes towards monogamyThough the sentiments are to a certain extent away from monogamy, what is intriguing is, the line of fracture between the metro cities and the smaller towns of India. In Tier I, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru 38 per cent of those interviewed do not think that monogamy is natural. In Tier-2 cities however, the proportion jumps up to 47 per cent which suggests that the so-called 'traditional towns' of India are more broadminded about infidelity, than we would be inclined to think. According to the data, towns leading the race in thinking that humans were not meant for monogamy are those of Jaipur (52 per cent), Patna (46 per cent) and Indore (69 per cent). Those of Kolkata (40 per cent) and Ahmedabad (46 per cent) have moderate views which reflect the position between idealism and realism. At the same time 26 per cent it appears are still for the principle of loyalty and are of the opinion that monogamy is natural and attainable. The cities of Ludhiana (30 per cent) and Indore (33 per cent) are those cities where belief in fidelity is still intact, which proves that despite changes in attitude the old fashioned ideas have not gone. For the rest 31 per cent, the question of love depends upon the view which individual opinion takes, saying that it "depends upon the individual". Infidelity is not always rebellion, it’s reflectionSybil Shiddell, country manager with the app in India says, “Infidelity is not in itself dishonesty; it is often a reflection of unfulfilled emotional or physical need. As people change, so must their relationships change. What the study shows is that the Indian people are beginning to view loyalty and love from a more human standpoint, that which accepts imperfection, and personal desire.”The study shows not only about attitude, but more about emotional realities. Love for a very large number of people in India is not only confined to the idea of forever. It is more in the nature of connectivity, warmth, and genuineness, even where it is from unexpected sources. The air getting colder, and the heart being stricken with restlessness, perhaps the one true question is not whether or not the human system is wired for monogamy, but whether it is wired for honesty about what it really wants. For winter can make the human being seek warmth, but it also makes the need to face what he has been missing dawn.
19 November,2025 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhether it's love blindness or an intense urge to settle down, many people overlook relationship drama, and some even mistake it for passion. In fact, a survey by Indian dating app, QuackQuack, reveals that 27 per cent of Indian daters believe that chaos is not a sign of chemistry as it is not passion. Respondents also disclosed that they inevitably became emotionally exhausted from trying to keep up with it and realised that ignoring red flags neither led to a deeper connection nor "fixed" the relationship. The survey was conducted among 8738 daters from metros and suburban India. Participants ranged between the ages of 22 and 35 years, and were selected from various professional and educational fields. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, "The findings of the survey clearly show that many young daters force themselves to believe that the turbulence in their relationship is just a form of love, but most of them are finally realising that it's more exhausting than exciting." Crazy in LoveThe survey said 3 in 6 people admitted that they once believed "fights mean you care". Over 31 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men shared that they equated jealousy and the 'break-up make-up' cycle, with passionate love. But over 60 per cent of the same daters said that they have since realised that the cycle is not just toxic, but it is also emotionally taxing. The feeling of love after the end of an intense argument might have seemed good enough to overshadow the fight itself, but once it turns into a pattern, couples forget how to communicate healthily. Priya (27) from Pune, said, "With my ex, the situation got so bad that every time I felt like I needed attention or the relationship seemed to be getting dull, I'd get into an explosive fight. I only realized later that our relationship was dying because of those fights, and somehow, also surviving because of them. But truly nothing is worth going through the conflict, crying, bitterness, and in the end, calling it love." Gen Z daters between 22 and 26 years seemed to be more emotionally aware of the matter, and 36 per cent of these daters explained that a healthy relationship is not supposed to constantly feel like an emotional rollercoaster, no matter what movies will have people believe. Healthy attraction does not need chaos to remain kindled. It thrives better on consistency, calm communication, and mutual respect. Red flags don't turn greenThe survey showed that over 33 per cent of daters from both Tier 1 and 2 cities ignored red flags in their matches, hoping they would change with time. But only 9 per cent seemed to have rightly predicted; for the rest, it eventually escalated. Among the red flags ignored in a match or in early connections, extreme jealousy (36 per cent), possessiveness (31 per cent), lack of respect for boundaries and personal space (22 per cent), and anger issues (11 per cent) were found to be the most common. Data also suggests that while women are more likely to excuse red flags to save a connection, men were not far behind; however, the reason was more rooted in their observation being overshadowed by the prospect of romance. Communication is the new chemistryOver 44 per cent of daters between 25 and 35 years voted calm communication as the biggest contributor to chemistry in a relationship. The survey data suggests that couples who communicated with their match regularly, whether about boundaries, goals, or even addressing red flags early on, were 1.7 times more likely to take the relationship in real life. Asmaan, a 26 year old software engineer, said, "I thought a little drama makes a relationship exciting. That was before I experienced what healthy communication can do. Now I strictly avoid matches who think like the old me."
19 November,2025 03:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBeing 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.”
17 November,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe history of relationships since the beginning of time in literature and beyond shows how the act of infidelity involved writing secret letters, quiet phone calls, and chance rendezvous. Today, however, the rules of love and betrayal have changed; the act of infidelity has made it to the digital age. With the festive season around the corner and the possibility of emotions running high and social connections are young, insights from a new survey by dating app Gleeden delves into understanding the role of technology as a messenger of affairs today. According to the survey with IPSOS, 69 per cent of individuals across India stated that when it comes to connecting, flirting, and experimenting outside their primary relationships, social media allows for some level of cheating. Surprisingly, this is true across the board when looking at both metro and smaller individuals agreeing 70 per cent in Tier-1 cities and 67 per cent in Tier-2 cities that technology amplifies temptation. The highest affirmation came from cities such as Patna (76 per cent), Ahmedabad (76 per cent), and Delhi (75 per cent). Today the digital world has weakened the hold of culturally conservative norms about what is acceptable. When festivities fuel flirtationsThe festive season has family gatherings, social gatherings among friends and an almost child-like excitement about reestablishing connection. However, when we throw in swipe dating, Instagram stories, and nightly DMs the line becomes blurry and even easier to cross. Casual compliments on someone's festive selfie can easily turn into emotional and even the physical act of cheating. "Festivities unite individuals, both online and offline. With increased activity on social media and the magic of new beginnings, people often find themselves exploring connections that cross emotional boundaries. Technology allows us to carry on conversations we never would have had without technology. It’s not always about the intention and sometimes it’s just about access and opportunity," says Sybil Shiddell, country manager of the application. The ‘DM’ effectInfidelity isn’t about hotel rooms or secret calls anymore; it’s about intimacy online. Between liking an ex’s post, and a DM thread that innocently starts off as a conversation then turns intimate, digital simplicity is right there in front of you. While 28 per cent of people still feel like cheating is based on the person, as opposed to the platform, and 4 per cent still don't know, the majority of people agree that social media lowers the threshold associated with infidelity. During the festive weeks, when celebration intersects with curiosity, these lines become even finer. In fact, 63 per cent keep their social media interactions secret from their partner, just to be on the safe side and avoid unnecessary conflict. Love in the time of likes As the lights become more festive, the temptation of online validation comes also. Likes, comments, and compliments can at times fill the emotional voids that partners do not offer. And while flirting in a digital capacity may not feel harmful in practice, the survey indicates that 41 per cent of responders consider this kind of behaviour a full form of infidelity. So, even if technology may not create infidelity - it does, though, reveal how easily curiosity can slip into connection when the opportunity is only a click away.
07 November,2025 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe way we perceive relationships are constantly evolving not only around the world but also in India, where monogamy was once the epitome of the successful relationships, according to the traditional mindset. As the temperature drops, hearts appear to beat up faster amid the spark of being together during this time of the year. Winter has always been the season for love - when people want companionship, cosy movie nights and someone to share their blanket with. This time, however, there is a twist to the story. The Gleeden-IPSOS Infidelity Study 2025 reveals that 69 per cent of Indians approved of open relationships as they are becoming more socially accepted. What was once considered unconventional has now become part of real conversation between couples. Cuffing season is upon us, but love is a little more open. Love this winterWinter is supposed to turn even the most practical into hopeless romantics. However, as love blossoms, this winter is not only about finding “the one,” but also finding what works for you. Couples are opening up to new ideas, from discussing boundaries to exploring emotional freedom. According to the study, 69 per cent of respondents throughout India feel people are more open minded about relationships now, with only 23 per cent feeling that monogamy will always be the norm. A tiny 8 per cent are not sure, giving indications that more people are prepared to have honest conversations regarding modern love. India opens up - one city at a timeAccording to city-wise data revealed by the study involving 1510 respondents across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, Tier-2 cities are leading in the spread of relationship fluidity across India. Guwahati, Jaipur and Ludhiana are way ahead in this race with 86 per cent, 77 per cent and 74 per cent respondents respectively being open to modern relationship models. Among Tier-1 cities, Delhi (80 per cent) and Bengaluru (70 per cent) reflect maximum acceptance of the urban populations with regards to open relationships. Instead, Hyderabad (58 per cent) and Ahmedabad (68 per cent) reflect a more traditional outlook, although there are indications of change in attitude here too. Overall Tier-1 cities reflect a score of 68 per cent and Tier-2 cities slightly higher at 70 per cent indicating that the openness in relationships is no longer restricted to the metros but is slowly gaining ground across all parts of the country. Survey says 35 per cent are already in open relationships But it is more than a question of acceptance, for many people in India are already living in such a way. The survey indicates that 35 per cent of the respondents are at present in open relationships, while another 26 per cent have thought of the possibility and think that it might be good for their own relationship. This means, then, that more than six out of 10 people are either open to, or actually practicing, non-monogamy relationships. On the other hand, 31 per cent said that they still believe in monogamy and 7 per cent were not sure. From monogamy to meaningful conversations Today’s relationships are not a question of rebellion, but a question of real conversations. More couples are taking transparency over tradition. They are talking about attraction, about boundaries and about how to keep emotional honesty as the heart of their relationship. According to Sybil Shiddell, country manager with the online dating app says, "What we are witnessing is not a disintegration of commitment but a development thereof. There is more open communication between Indian couples about their wishes and thoughts. This shift to transparency means a deeper understanding of emotional wants and esteem for individuality in relationships." The data in the survey concerning the cities, too, gives us depth to this transition. Jaipur (48 per cent), Ludhiana (55 per cent), and Indore (65 per cent) contain the largest proportion of those people who are at present in open relationships. Even in the larger cities of India, the idea is gaining ground. Thus we find that Delhi (34 per cent), Mumbai (30 per cent), and Hyderabad (27 per cent) are coming on. Cuffing season, but make it honestWith temperatures dropping, cuffing season appears to be the ideal time to think back on what love means today. To a great deal of people, love no longer carries the connotations of exclusivity or control. It signifies trust, mutual respect and choice. No matter how one defines love: as monogamy or open relationships, the constant theme here is connection, defined by communication. Love in 2025 no longer expresses itself as based upon rules. It is expressed as based upon respect and freedom. This winter, as people are cuddling and connecting, it is not simply “cuffing” for comfort’s sake, but “cuffing” with clarity. For the future of love is, as the study points out, is not alone open. It is honest.
06 November,2025 03:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Is physical cheating a deal breaker or a deal broken?.' The recent episode of Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle sparked an internet debate after the two actresses said they wouldn’t mind if their partners cheated—while 28-year-old Janhvi Kapoor disagreed, calling physical cheating a 'deal broken.' Social media quickly sided with Janhvi, reigniting conversations about what love, loyalty, and emotional boundaries mean today. In the spirit of that conversation, here are five shows that dive deep into the messy, evolving relationship dynamics of the 21st century. 1. Nobody Wants ThisNobody Wants This explores the adulting, contemporary love, marriage, and fidelity with unflinching honesty. The series dissects the complicated crossroads of desire, guilt, and emotional accountability, striking a chord among today's viewers with moral gray areas to navigate. Its second season, which started on October 23, keeps probing if love can indeed survive the temptations of the modern world. 2. The Summer I Turned PrettyThis teen romance drama captures perfectly the messiness of teenage love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. As Belly grapples with tangled relationships and first loves at Cousins Beach, the series mirrors how emotional bonds shift with age. Under its beachy veneer is a thoughtful examination of attachment, loyalty, and the poignancy of growing up. 3. My life with Walter boysAnother teen drama about second chances, My Life with the Walter Boys tracks Jackie, who is taken in by a big, boisterous family when tragedy befalls her. The series deals with issues of loss, belonging, and emotional exposure as it examines how teenagers establish new connections and learn to open their hearts once more. 4. Sex EducationSex Education delves into intimacy, identity, and boundaries from the perspective of teenage discovery. From emotional truth to sexual fluidity and the definition of consent, the show redefines what healthy communication within relationships can be. It's not about sex—it's about knowing yourself and others in an unfiltered world. 5. FleabagFleabag is still one of the most tremendous portrayals of emotional disorder in the 21st century. With its sharp wit and crushing vulnerability, the show conveys a woman's battle with loneliness, guilt, and human connection. It redefines intimacy—not as a state of perfection, but a state of courage to be revealed absolutely, flaws and all.
25 October,2025 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFestivals are synonymous with colour, joy and togetherness, streets are ablaze, homes are crowded, and hearts are fuller. It is no different with Diwali this year, as many people familly and friends come together, but it gets tougher for those in love and in relationships. Once the celebrations are over, silence reigns in the place of laughter and for couples in a long-distance relationship, that silence weighs ever so heavily. According to a recent survey by Gleeden in collaboration with IPSOS, 59 per cent of Indians believe long-distance relationships are harder to maintain in today's world, the majority remarking that "physical presence matters more than ever before". This feeling is more pronounced in Tier 2 cities (63 per cent) such as Jaipur, Ludhiana and Guwahati than in Tier 1 cities (56 per cent) such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The high of festivities and the emotional low that follows During the festive period, it appears everyone is surrounded by love, couples celebrating together, exchanging gifts, taking selfies, visiting families. For those domiciled miles apart, the constant reminders of closeness make the feel of distance more distant. And when the festivities are past, it is not just the fatigue of festive excess that comes , it is emotional emptiness. Watching others together during the festivals brings home the distresses of long-term relationship partners for what they are missing. Cities such as Guwahati (75 per cent) Delhi (69 per cent) and Jaipur (69 per cent) show that many people admit they find long-distance relationships exceedingly difficult during the festival periods since they are so very much associated with the present physical presence of their partners, and shared things. Tech keeps in touch, but not completeThough 21 per cent of the respondents said that technology has made long-distance romance easier, by video calls, messages, and sharing of playlists, most of them agreed that no screen could bring the comfort of being together. Even in tier 1 cities like Kolkata and Bangalore, only some 25 per cent were convinced that technology could bridge the emotional gap. Meanwhile, 20 per cent of the respondents have taken an even view of things, saying that 'it all depends on the couple.' They maintain that in all cases understanding, communication, and mutual effort will determine how the distance will affect the continuity of the love. Festivals create a yearning for what is lacking"Festivals emphasise emotions, joy, nostalgia and a sense of belonging and for long-distance couples they accentuate absence rather than presence. Where everyone else is rejoicing with their mates, it is impossible not to feel that emotional gap. After the festivals this sense of loss is accentuated because the distractions obtruded by the festivals grow monotonous, and the longing influences the spaces of the mind. This is why emotional values are of such grave significance it is not a matter of mere calling up on the telephone or exchanging messages, but of endeavours, reassurances, and rituals which keep love flourishing in long-distance romances in spite of space. It is not proximity that saves long-distance couples, but constancy." says Sybil Shiddell, country manager, Gleeden India The festival time in India bring to one mind the fact that love is meant to be shared, in presence, in laughter, in little everyday moments. But for 59 per cent who say that distance makes love feel more painful today, it also enforces the fact that love is not only a question of being together, but of staying together, by calling attention and innumerable things which bridge the distance between two hearts.
22 October,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe festive season is equal to a glow-up, and the same celebratory spirit has made its way into the dating world, too. According to a new consumer study by an Indian dating app this year's Diwali isn't just about diya, lights, and sweets. It is equally sparking new connections and relationship trends that are a perfect mix of traditional and modern, with a dash of self-reflection. QuackQuack surveyed 10468 daters from urban, suburban, and rural Indian cities to understand how love and dating look in the middle of all the festive chaos. The participants, aged between 22 and 40 and representing a wide range of professions, offered a candid glimpse into how Indian daters are mixing celebration with connection this year. The app's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, "Festivals like Diwali bring out an extra dose of authenticity in people. It's the perfect time to understand the user mindset and how festivities or seasons affect it. Daters connect differently around these times. For instance, this year, daters have been a lot more conscious and self-reflective about matches, and there's a bit of team effort too." Profile cleansing and emotional declutteringHomes get deep cleaning before Diwali; why not dating profiles too? Diwali 2025 is all about emotional hygiene for Indian singles. The survey shows that about 34 per cent of daters over 28 years are decluttering their emotional space by finally giving closure to matches that didn't work out, deleting chats with connections that did not lead to a relationship, and rewriting their bios to give themselves a "fresh start". Avinash, a 31 year old software engineer based in Chennai, said, "I recently realised that I still have my ex's favorite book quote in my bio. I made it my personality and didn't even understand. This Diwali, decluttering was finally deleting that and letting myself shine, even if I don't come off very elite or intellectual." Sparkly phooljhari matches3 in 7 daters claimed that sometimes a short burst of genuine connections can be amazing and helps boost confidence like nothing else. Men and women from Tier 1 and 2 cities are calling them Phooljhari matches and claiming that these quick but real bonds can instantly lift your mood and come without the pressure of "what are we?" or "where is this going?" It doesn't necessarily have long-term expectations; however, 1 in 3 of these matches have shown great potential to make it in the long run. Sibling screeningThe third person has officially entered the chat, and this time, it isn't a bad thing. 23 per cent of male daters between 22 and 27 years revealed that this Diwali, they asked their siblings to lend them an extra set of eyes, to screen for any toxic trait they might be overlooking in their match, because love's sparkle can truly make you blind. In Tier 2 cities, the number was even higher, especially before an IRL meetup. Young users shared that they trust their siblings' intuition more than their own, and 3 out of 4 men disclosed that the screening process is more thorough with their sisters in charge. Family-friendly profilesOn an interesting note, Indian daters are using family pictures as display images to soften their profile this festive season. Even edgy bios are being replaced by more wholesome ones with notes of nostalgia in 2 out of 3 profiles. 21 per cent of participants from metros and suburbs disclosed that they have made their profiles "family friendly" because it hits close to home, especially during the festive season, and they have received considerably more matches since the change. Gautam (31) from Indore said, "People see my DP with my parents and immediately assume I am here for serious business, which I am. It gives off 'this guy wants to settle down' or 'this guy is safe,' all of which is true and exactly what I want to convey."
16 October,2025 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGlobal pop-star Taylor Swift is all set to hit another mark, but this time not with a broken heart. The 35 year-old American singer-songwriter, who recently announced her engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce, is all set to release TS12, her twelfth album– The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3. Ahead of her album release, while her fans globally are looking forward to knowing more about her life on the Era’s Tour and her blooming romance with Travis at the time, one of her exes has stolen the spotlight in India. Seven-time Grammy award winner John Mayer, infamously known as Taylor’s ex among Swifties has announced his performance in Mumbai at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on January 22, 2026. Although the multi-Grammy award winning artists only briefly dated, the wounds of the breakup still run deep. Although Taylor Swift never confirms directly about who has inspired which song, her fans– Swifties– are quick to decode the easter eggs in her songs. So here are all the songs that are (if not directly) about John Mayer: Dear JohnDear John is a song from her third album ‘Speak Now’ in 2010. Aside from his name being directly mentioned in the title, the lyrics were very-specific and aligned with the timeline of her relationship with him.John had hinted and re-confirmed by expressing how ‘humiliated’ he was, when this song was added as a surprise song on the tracklist of Taylor’s Eras Tour. Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve This song was released after over a decade of her breakup with John Mayer, alluding to how the ‘bad-blood’ between the two was still cold. It featured on her 2023 album ‘Midnights (3 am Edition).’ Although the name of this song doesn’t direct to anything, the deep lyrics directly point all fingers to John Mayer. The strong and bitter lyrics–At nineteen, and the god’s honest truth was that the pain was heaven– nineteen, the age that she dated John Mayer. Other lyrics, such as, ‘years of tearing down our banners, you and I,’ recollecting the time they tore down each others’ posters at their concert post their breakup. These are the two songs that are confirmed (indirectly) to be about John, here are some other songs speculated to be about him The story of UsThis song also featured on ‘Speak Now’ is also speculated by fans to be about Mayer. ‘Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room, and we're not speaking and I'm dying to know,’ –Taylor has gone on record to say these lyrics were inspired by an awkward run-in with an ex at an award show and fans were quick to speculate it being about John Mayer, during 2010 CMT Awards. OursAnother song from the ‘Speak Now’ album that is speculated to be about Mayer. The lyrics with the physical description of the song’s subject was enough for Swifties to crack the code,’Cause I love the gap between the teeth" and "any snide remarks from my father about your tattoos will be ignored". SupermanThis song, again from her ‘ Speak Now’ album also relates to Mayer, however the lyrics are sweet and largely describe him in a good light. The songs' subject is described as ‘tall, dark and beautiful’, and insisting that, "He's not all bad like his reputation."
01 October,2025 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFestivals in India have always been about community and celebrations, but now they are also serving as a litmus test for dating compatibility. According to a survey by India's most popular dating app, QuackQuack, 2 in 5 singles use Navratri and Durga Pujo as a measuring tape for cultural alignment. These festivals are not just festive, but also an important checkpoint to assess whether a potential match can vibe with them, as well as their traditions, values, beliefs, and, of course, family expectations. The survey was conducted among 11,000 people across the country, from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Participants, between 20 and 35, were randomly selected from various educational and professional fields to gain an overall understanding of the significance of these festivals in users' dating choices. QuackQuack's founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, "We run these surveys every year to enhance and update our platform according to consumer dating behaviour, and every year we note the festivities becoming a little more vital for daters as a deciding factor. In the online dating world, it's not just garba nights or pandal hopping; these nine days are the ultimate filter for shared values, respect, and love." Festivals: A compatibility filterNearly 32 per cent of daters from metros and suburbs revealed that they silently judge their match based on how they celebrate and approach cultural festivals. About 44 per cent of active daters who are between 22 and 28 years old, explained that a match who is too indifferent about these festivities is a no-go for them. For 4 in 5 of these respondents, it's not about the religious belief but rather the lack of sentimentality. 29 year old software engineer from Kolkata, Tuhina said, "It might seem petty, but I won't date someone who doesn't share the same love for Pujo the way I do. I mean, what if he doesn't care about coming home for the celebrations? No, that's not someone I wanna date." Fasting, feasting, and food compatibilitiesDifferent parts of India follow different eating habits during these days of festivities, and a huge divide among daters is noticed based on just that one choice. About 16 per cent of people who fast called it a dealbreaker to date someone who chooses to feast on these days. Whereas, over 31% of daters who commented the same last year changed their stance and also disclosed learning about cultural differences across the country, and how feasting is a big part of celebrations in several places. However, 37 per cent of men and women clearly stated that they would never connect with someone who mocked their food choices. Belief and boundariesThe survey showed a side not often covered; 14 per cent of men and 12 per cent of women below 25 shared that they have unmatched with people who were very rigid about rituals. 24-year-old Delhi techie, Suresh, said, "For me, respect is more than rituals. If I can respect someone's culture and traditional values, I expect the same from my match, even if we don't see eye to eye on the same." A family matter1 in every 3 daters above 28 years old said that around Navratri or Durga Puja, families gather, and so does the pressure to settle down. The app also saw a lot of traffic around this time, owing to the constant reminder of the 'ticking clock'. The app also quoted that they note a spike in matches, every year around this time, this year being no different. Most of these matches are to shield the "when are you getting married?" chorus at home.
25 September,2025 01:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSolo travel is no longer just a trend - it’s redefining how people, especially women, explore the world. According to a recent report by IntrCity SmartBus, India has seen a 135 per cent rise in solo women travellers between 2023 and 2025, while globally, women now drive over half of solo travel searches. Every year, World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 to celebrate the role of travel and tourism in our lives. The dating app called happn shares four reasons why people should take solo journeys as opportunities for both exploration and connections. Beyond the freedom of traveling alone, these trips open doors to love, friendship, and shared adventures. From destinations to connectionsMuch like in 'Eat Pray Love', where travel became a pathway to personal growth and unexpected bonds, today’s singles are using solo adventures to find more than souvenirs. In fact, 43 per cent of Indian singles believe the best relationships start as friendships, where emotional comfort builds first and chemistry follows. Travel, with its openness and sense of possibility, creates the perfect setting for these connections, whether it’s a conversation on a train, a shared table at a cafe, or a night of laughter at a local gig. Serendipity on the roadThink of the accidental encounters in films like 'Before Sunrise' or 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', where strangers became companions and trips became unforgettable. Solo travelers thrive on these unplanned moments, bumping into someone at a landmark, getting lost and finding help, or saying yes to a spontaneous invitation. Dating apps like happn mirror this serendipity, making chance encounters more intentional, so those who might have crossed paths unknowingly can actually connect. Exploring cultures, creating connectionsThe most memorable journeys are rarely about ticking off tourist checklists; they’re about experiences that feel real and personal. Today’s singles are seeking hidden gems and insider tips, making travel about deeper cultural exploration. Meeting locals or fellow travelers can unlock these authentic moments - an unlisted food joint, a tucked-away street market, or a rooftop view that doesn’t make it into the guidebooks. These shared adventures transform solo trips into personal stories. Freedom without lonelinessSolo travel offers the freedom to explore the world on your own terms, but it doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Travellers can seek connection on their own terms, whether through a friendly conversation, insider tips from locals, or a spark of romance, blending independence with the comfort of knowing meaningful encounters are just around the corner. Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and president of the dating app, shares, “Travel is about discovery, and at happn, we believe that includes discovering meaningful connections. Whether it’s friendship, companionship, or romance, we empower singles to define what they’re looking for and give them the autonomy to decide how their story unfolds. Solo journeys, then, become less about traveling alone and more about opening yourself up to possibilities that feel right for you.”
24 September,2025 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
