Relationship Recession: Why More People Are Staying Single And What Experts Predict About What’s Next

Given the rise in relationship recession, we asked Ms Gaglani a few key questions to help us understand the reasons behind it and what it means for society today.

What Is Relationship Recession?

Relationships today are encountering unique challenges, with many becoming less common and, in some cases, more fragile. The concept of a ‘relationship recession’ serves as a metaphor for a period marked by a decline in satisfaction, intimacy, and emotional investment in couples.

Similar to an economic downturn, the essential elements of love, affection, and connection appear to be in short supply. This isn’t just a perception seen on social media; hard data now shows a clear global decline in birth rates. A recent report by the Financial Times highlighted that this decline isn’t due to families intentionally limiting their size, but for the first time in history, there are simply not enough couples ready to have children.

Ms Gaglani points out that while the term ‘relationship recession’ is relatively new, it reflects the growing recognition of the challenges individuals face, particularly in the current trend of casual dating.

She emphasises that this trend underscores the need for intentional efforts to nurture and sustain connection and intimacy in relationships. "Historically, relationships and marriages were built to endure and overcome challenges together. However, in times of emotional 'recession,' many find it easier to part ways rather than confront and work through these difficulties," Ms Gaglani said.

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Why More People Are Choosing To Remain Single In Today’s Society?

As per Ms Gaglani, several factors are contributing to why more people are choosing to remain single today:

• Focus on Personal Growth and Independence: Many individuals are now prioritising their personal and professional goals, such as pursuing education, career growth, and exploring the world through travel. For these people, being single is seen as an opportunity to invest in themselves and achieve their aspirations without the added responsibilities and commitments that come with being in a relationship.
• Changing Social Norms: The societal perception of singlehood has undergone a significant shift. The stigma that was once attached to being single has decreased, allowing people to embrace different relationship statuses. In this more open-minded environment, individuals feel empowered to focus on their happiness, rather than conforming to traditional expectations of partnership or marriage.
• Navigating Dating Challenges: The rise of digital platforms and casual dating has introduced new challenges to the dating scene. While these platforms have expanded the pool of potential connections, they can sometimes feel overwhelming or superficial. Additionally, busy lifestyles and shifting social dynamics make it harder for people to meet and connect in person, further contributing to the choice to remain single.

Will Rising Singlehood And The Impact Of Dating Apps Continue In The Foreseeable Future?

Ms Gaglani observes that the trend of singlehood is likely to grow within specific age groups, reflecting varied behaviours across different cohorts. For example:

• Millennials are actively seeking partners with a stronger sense of urgency to settle down.
• Early Gen Z individuals remain in a phase of exploration, focusing on discovering their preferences and options.
• Late Gen Z (ages 18-24), however, are beginning to show a surprising shift towards settling down sooner rather than later.

These generational trends, combined with the influence of dating apps, are reshaping modern relationships in subtle but significant ways. Singlehood is increasingly seen as a period of self-discovery, career advancement, and personal growth, driven by evolving social norms and reduced societal stigma around staying single. The desire for independence is also a key factor motivating this shift.

To adapt to these changes and encourage meaningful connections, platforms like Aisle are evolving. Ms Gaglani shares that they’ve introduced an interest-based hybrid model called Aisle Experiences, where single individuals can meet in person. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights people's willingness to invest in genuine relationships amid these changing dynamics.

As priorities and relationship dynamics continue to evolve, it is evident that the future of dating will reflect a mix of modern independence and a renewed focus on authenticity.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: FREEPIK