Gleeden: India Singles Increasingly Question Monogamy Norms

A recent survey carried out by dating platform Gleeden in partnership with IPSOS offers a provocative snapshot of shifting attitudes toward relationships in India — with many participants rejecting the notion of lifelong monogamy. According to the results, a substantial portion of respondents now question whether exclusivity is a natural fit for human relationships. This falls in line with previous Gleeden reports from this year.

The research polled 1,510 individuals from both Tier-1 and Tier-2 Indian cities, covering a mix of genders and generations. One of the headline findings: roughly six in ten respondents — regardless of demographic — believe monogamy is imposed by social norms rather than rooted in human nature.

Emotional disconnect, lack of time, and diminishing intimacy were among the top reasons cited for relationship dissatisfaction. According to the study, 51% of participants said they felt emotionally disconnected from their partner, while many also flagged declining excitement and sexual intimacy as key issues driving interest in non-monogamous arrangements.

Naturally, this means that platforms and services that allow for polyamorous or other non-monogamous relationships could see a rise in popularity, even if they still remain mostly discreet and private. Interestingly, despite the decline in “traditional” cheating rates – which other reports note has fallen by 16% since 2023 – many Indians appear more open to alternative relationship models than before. The shift seems less about increased infidelity and more about a reevaluation of what commitment and emotional honesty mean in modern relationships.