67% of Indian singles now discuss mental health openly: happn–Anna Chandy & Associates survey

As conversations around emotional well-being take centre stage, a new survey by dating app happn and Anna Chandy & Associates has revealed how India’s singles are reshaping the landscape of modern love by having open conversations around mental health.

The joint study, conducted among happn users across India, found that 67% of singles feel comfortable discussing mental health with a partner, signalling a decisive shift toward emotional openness and vulnerability in dating. Six in ten respondents also said they felt confident supporting a partner through difficult times—a sign that empathy and communication are increasingly seen as essential to connection.

Yet, the report notes that emotional compatibility still takes work. Nearly 47% of singles said they struggle to find partners who share their values, pointing to how “chemistry” today goes beyond humour or interests—it’s about alignment in emotional intelligence and boundaries.

Interestingly, 22% of respondents are returning to dating after long-term or married relationships, viewing heartbreak as a reset rather than an ending. The report says this group is approaching relationships with clearer expectations and a stronger sense of self.

At the same time, dating behaviour is evolving through awareness. While 28% admit to having ignored red flags in the past, many now recognise the importance of emotional safety. Among women, 23% said they end things as soon as they notice red flags, and 17% said they stop immediately. Among men, 23% said they prefer to step back early when “something feels off.”

The findings also highlight gendered nuances in emotional needs: women most value feeling heard and understood (37%), while men prioritise emotional safety and trust (36%). Across both groups, 36% of respondents said they now state and maintain personal boundaries more clearly—a trend suggesting that communication and self-protection are becoming markers of maturity rather than caution.

“Singles today are dating with greater emotional awareness, seeking connections that feel genuine, not performative. Our collaboration with Anna Chandy & Associates builds on this belief, spotlighting the importance of mental health in modern relationships and encouraging open conversations around emotional well-being," says Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and President of happn.

“Love today isn’t just something people hope to find; it’s something they consciously build — rooted in authenticity, safety, and self-awareness. When people feel safe enough to be themselves, that’s when real intimacy begins," says Deepti Chandy, Therapist and COO at Anna Chandy & Associates.

The study concludes that emotional awareness is no longer optional but essential. With more singles prioritising safety, clarity, and emotional health, dating in India is becoming less about finding “the one” and more about building relationships that feel honest, balanced, and kind.