As social norms continue to evolve and technology continues to shape our lives, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to shape the love landscape in India.
The trends in Indian relationships reflect a greater shift towards more individualism and autonomy in love and romance
With the modern age bringing technological advancements, social media and shifting cultural norms, love and relationships in India have undergone significant transformations. Exploring India’s evolving love landscape can provide insight into the changing nature of relationships and individuals’ changing expectations. One of the most surprising trends is the rise of online dating and the use of dating apps, which is a departure from the traditional practice of arranged marriages that has long been the norm in Indian culture. This trend reflects changing attitudes towards love and marriage, with individuals seeking greater autonomy and agency in their romantic lives.
The trends in Indian relationships reflect a greater shift towards more individualism and autonomy in love and romance. As social norms continue to evolve and technology continues to shape our lives, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to shape the love landscape in India.
As the first discreet dating app created by women, Gleeden focused on understanding the changing mindset about marriage, infidelity and other traditional socio-cultural norms in India. The study, conducted in February 2023 by renowned global market research and opinion specialist Ipsos, surveyed 1,503 Indian married persons between the ages of 25 and 50 from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The research aimed to explore key areas such as common perceptions of infidelity, personal experiences of infidelity, the impact of the pandemic on how people feel about infidelity, and new trends in relationships. One of the key findings, the study revealed some of the most sought-after love practices Indians experiment behind closed doors.
- Open couple
The world of open relationships – where two people can love AND date each other. It’s all about communication, consent and safe sex because let’s face it, no one wants a surprise triangle with chlamydia. Whether it’s a fling or a full-blown romance, open relationships come in all shapes and sizes. But the main ingredients? Trust, honesty and a great group chat. Apparently 25% of both men and women are against some ethical non-monogamy. In addition, a whopping 27% of urban dwellers in Tier 1 cities are breaking away from traditional relationships. - Swinging
Swinging is like a sexual jazzercise where couples go about their business with other couples or individuals outside of their head pressure. You can hit the party scene or arrange your own more exclusive affair. It’s all about communication and consent. One should set their limits and set guidelines. It’s not for everyone, but for those looking for a little spice in their love life, swinging can be great. In fact, swinging has become so popular these days that our research showed that 17% of people between the ages of 34 and 50 are ready to give it a try. Even townspeople from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are getting involved, with over 20% and 15% showing interest respectively. - Same-sex relationships
A same-sex relationship is just like any other romantic or sexual relationship, except it’s between two people of the same sex? They can be casual or committed, live together and raise children – basically anything a straight relationship can do. And while they have always existed, they are finally getting the recognition they deserve in parts of the world. 16% of young adults prefer same-sex relationships. Plus, in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, it seems like non-straight love gets more love. - bdsm
The world of BDSM, where ropes, whips and pasties are the norm. This kinky umbrella term encompasses all sorts of consensual activities related to power dynamics, domination and submission. Surprisingly, according to our research, 21% of men are into BDSM. It seems people across the country are curious about exploring their kinky side, with 30% of individuals from Tier 1 cities and 24% from Tier 2 cities saying they enjoy a good spanking. - Three
A party for three in the bedroom (or whatever you feel like) has become increasingly popular lately. It’s important to remember that gender or sexual identity doesn’t matter if you’re all consenting adults looking for some extra fun. In fact, the study found that about one-fifth of peeps in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities want a trio. In addition, 16% of the men specifically expressed interest in joining the fun.
“The remarkable shift in the perception of relationships within Indian society embodies a paradigm shift towards embracing individuality and personal autonomy. Our recent study revealed that, contrary to popular belief, Indians show a pronounced propensity for adventure, with over 60% having explored unconventional forms of relationships. Among the most sought-after trends we find open ones who indulge in BDSM and swinging. Surprisingly, threesomes generated the least enthusiasm among the respondents. It is also significant that a significant percentage of participants (22%) have embraced the concept of open couples, thereby embracing non-monogamous relationships. The study clearly proves that Indians are far from conventional and like to experiment and express themselves in the bedroom, often together with their partners,” said Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager, India, Gleeden.
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