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Generation Z (18-25), who have grown up online and are used to constant interaction, tend to feel the absence of company more intensely.
According to the survey, 29% of Indian singles admit that being single can sometimes feel lonely, suggesting that even in an era of hyperconnectivity, emotional companionship still holds weight.
Being single today is not about waiting; It's about becoming. On Singles Day, happn, the real-life dating app, conducted its survey to explore how singles across India are embracing independence, tackling loneliness, and redefining what love and connection mean to them.
According to the survey, 29% of Indian singles admit that being single can sometimes feel lonely, suggesting that even in an era of hyperconnectivity, emotional companionship still holds weight. At the same time, 16% say they love being single because it gives them space to focus on themselves, reflecting a growing cultural shift toward prioritizing self-care and personal growth.
Being single today is not the same for everyone, it looks and feels different depending on the generations. Generation Z (18-25), who have grown up online and are used to constant interaction, tend to feel the absence of company more intensely. 31% say loneliness hits hardest when they are single, a reflection of a generation that values closeness and emotional connection, even as it celebrates independence. Millennials (26-35), on the other hand, approach singleness with a more measured lens. 25% say they are happy to be single for now, but open to a relationship when the time is right, showing they are learning to balance love with self-confidence.
But as mindsets evolve, social expectations still persist. For some, being single still comes with an invisible timer; 21% feel they consider it “temporary,” while 38% say the pressure depends on where you are in life, your age or even your gender. What stands out, however, is how more and more singles are choosing to go beyond these norms, redefining singleness on their own terms and adopting a pace that feels right to them.
This focus on self-care and personal fulfillment is also changing the way singles show up in relationships. With self-awareness and emotional clarity at the forefront, singles are approaching love more consciously, 22% say the experience has made them more intentional about choosing a partner, and 24% now set clearer boundaries when dating. Singles are entering relationships with a deeper understanding of themselves, seeking connection not out of pressure, but from a place of purpose and trust.
Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and President of happn, says: “Being single today is about choice and trust, not circumstances. Our Singles' Day survey reveals that singles are using this phase to focus on personal growth, reflect on what they really want, and approach relationships with intentionality and self-esteem. At happn, we see this as a fundamental shift in dating culture, one that celebrates authentic connection, whether it leads to meaningful companionship, friendship, or love. when the time is right.”
Our life needs a little style to get the perfect touch in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is a one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationships…Read more
Our life needs a little style to get the perfect touch in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is a one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, relationships… Read more
Nov 19, 2025, 09:36 IST
