NEW DELHI (India CSR): As Mental Health Awareness month brings conversations of emotional well-being into the spotlight, the real-life dating app happn and Anna Chandy & Associates, one of India’s leading counselling organisations, are taking the conversation further by exploring how mental health influences relationships today. Together, they surveyed happn users to understand how personal well-being, boundaries, and emotional readiness are shaping modern dating in India.
The results reveal a powerful shift; Indian singles today are prioritising mental health and emotional alignment more than ever before. 67% feel comfortable discussing mental health with a partner, and 60% feel confident supporting someone through difficult moments, indicating that openness and vulnerability are becoming the new markers of intimacy.
Yet, emotional compatibility still takes work. Nearly half (47%) of singles say it’s challenging to find partners who align with their core values, highlighting that compatibility now goes beyond shared interests or humour; it’s about emotional intelligence, boundaries, and communication.
22% of singles are returning to dating after a long-term or married relationship, treating heartbreak not as an end but a reset. These individuals are approaching love again with clearer expectations and healthier intentions.
While 28% of singles admit to having ignored red flags in the past, their experiences are now shaping more mindful dating behaviours. Among women, 23% said they tend to call things off when they notice red flags, with 15% rarely continuing to date despite them, and 17% ending things immediately. Similarly, 23% of men said they prefer to step back early when something feels off, indicating a growing awareness around emotional safety across both genders.
Emotional needs are also evolving – women prioritising feeling heard and understood (37%) and men valuing emotional safety and trust (36%). Together, these insights show a shared desire for depth and security in relationships. With 36% of singles now clearly stating and maintaining boundaries, communication is becoming a strength, and protecting one’s peace is redefining modern love.
Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO & President of happn, said: “Singles today are dating with a greater emotional awareness, seeking connections that feel genuine, not performative. At happn, we’ve always believed in this mindful approach to relationships by creating a space where honesty is valued. Our collaboration with Anna Chandy & Associates builds on this belief, spotlighting the importance of mental health in modern relationships and encouraging open conversations among Indian singles around emotional wellbeing and real connection.”
Deepti Chandy, Therapist & COO, Anna Chandy & Associates, said: “As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, we’re seeing a growing emotional awareness among singles- one that values authenticity, safety, and self-awareness in relationships. Love today isn’t just something people hope to find; it’s something they consciously build, rooted in emotional wellbeing and genuine connection. When people feel safe enough to be themselves, that’s when real intimacy begins. The findings further affirm that emotional health lies at the core of every meaningful relationship – it’s what allows individuals to connect with empathy, courage, and clarity”.
As singles continue to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, one thing is clear- emotional awareness is no longer optional, it’s essential. Through this collaboration, happn and Anna Chandy & Associates aim to keep driving these important conversations, empowering individuals to build connections that are not just romantic, but emotionally fulfilling and rooted in mutual respect.
(India CSR)
