Indian Gen Z Singles Are Prioritizing Emotional Availability

A new survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals that many Gen Z users are deliberately checking a potential partner’s emotional availability before deciding to commit to a relationship. The study, conducted among 9,748 daters aged 18 to 28 from metros and Tier 2/3 suburban areas, found that over 43% of respondents aged 22–28 actively assess emotional readiness during the early stages of chatting.

The trend hinges on the growing caution among younger daters who have witnessed the downsides of rushing into relationships due to loneliness, FOMO, or peer pressure. Rather than asking directly in most cases, many users observe subtle signs such as delayed replies, inconsistent communication, avoidance of personal topics, frequent mentions of ex-partners, or lingering resentment toward past relationships.

QuackQuack Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal noted that this generation appears more emotionally selective, which can sometimes be mistaken for emotional unavailability. He described it as a positive shift toward preparing properly for relationships – but, naturally, it also has downsides due to the potential for misunderstandings.

The survey also showed that 8 in 10 daters tend to walk away if a connection remains stuck in a vague “figuring out” phase for too long. This has contributed to a decline in tolerance for situationships. Many users now include clear statements in their bios, such as “seeking commitment” or “if unsure, please scroll away,” signaling their intentions upfront.