Swinging, Emotional Infidelity, Fetish: Survey Reveals Dating Trends Of Modern India

We are living in an age of infidelity. The idea of ‘loyalty’ is a discerned history, not a very ‘cool’ thing. It doesn’t come as a surprise then that there is a significant rise and acceptance of infidelity and non-traditional dating methods in society. The Gleeden Survey paints a surprising picture of modern India – a land traditionally known for its strong emphasis on commitment and marital fidelity – where attitudes towards relationships seem to be undergoing a significant shift. The rise of non-traditional dating methods and a growing openness to alternative relationship structures challenge the long-held ideals of monogamy.

In the survey, 1,503 married Indians from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities between the ages of 25 and 50 were assessed.

Gone are the days when loyalty was simply the expected norm. The survey reveals a staggering 60% of respondents embracing non-traditional practices like swinging and open relationships. This openness suggests a potential dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional marriage, prompting individuals to seek alternative avenues for fulfillment.

Platonic Relationship

However, infidelity isn't just about physical intimacy. The survey delves deeper, highlighting the prevalence of emotional infidelity through platonic interactions. The survey results were interesting – a whopping 46% of men admitted to seeking out platonic connections outside their marriages. However, this behavior wasn't evenly spread across the country, with Kolkata taking the lead at a surprising 52%.

Nearly half of the men surveyed admitted to pursuing such connections, a number that raises questions about the emotional boundaries within committed relationships.

Virtual Flirtation

The digital age further complicates the landscape. Virtual flirtation, once a taboo topic, now holds a surprising allure for men and women at about 35% and 36% respectively, according to the survey. The ease of online connection presents a new temptation, blurring the lines between harmless interaction and emotional betrayal.

Dark, Dreamy Fantasies

Interestingly, the survey also touches on the internal world, revealing that a significant portion of both genders i.e. 33% of men and 35% of women openly admit to having fantasies about someone other than their partner. This challenges the notion that monogamy necessarily equates to a complete absence of desire for others.

For generations, societal pressure has dictated monogamy as the "ideal" relationship model. Gleeden's study acts as a wake-up call, highlighting the evolving nature of love, commitment, and personal fulfillment. Perhaps the "one and only" ideal no longer resonates with a significant portion of the population.

However, a note of caution is necessary. The survey focuses on urban, educated individuals, and may not represent the broader Indian society. Additionally, while the findings point towards a changing landscape, it doesn't necessarily equate to a decline in marital fidelity. These new ideas may coexist with traditional values, creating a more nuanced and diverse spectrum of relationship models.

Sybil Shiddell's observation about the survey offering a "fascinating window" into contemporary Indian relationships rings true. It compels us to question long-held assumptions and consider the possibility that a one-size-fits-all approach to love and commitment might no longer serve everyone.

The question remains: are these changes a positive step towards a more fulfilling relationship landscape, or a potential erosion of traditional values? Perhaps the answer lies not in rigid definitions, but in open and honest communication within partnerships, allowing individuals to navigate their desires and find models that work for them. The journey of love, it seems, is becoming increasingly complex and personal in modern India.

Views expressed by the author are their own