New Delhi : While Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with grand romantic gestures and extravagant displays of affection, a new survey by Rebounce suggests that divorced and separated singles in India are prioritising emotional safety and consistency over intensity and spectacle.
According to the survey, conducted among 5,748 divorced, separated and widowed individuals across metro and suburban regions in India, 49% of respondents said they value consistent emotional reliability more than flashy expressions of love. Participants, aged between 27 and 45, included both single parents and divorced individuals without children.
Rebounce’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “Our users have experienced loss, and they have had hard first-hand lessons. Their definition of love is shaped by many encounters in life. They are not easily impressed by intensity; we noted that they are much more attracted to consistency, emotional reliability, and genuine intention. And it makes sense too, because grand gestures usually fade once the occasion passes, but the rest is for life.”
The findings reveal a strong preference for steady communication and predictable behaviour over what respondents described as “love bombing.” Nine in ten users stated that the emotional distance following an intense episode of affection—particularly around occasions like Valentine’s Day—is not worth it. Additionally, 39% of male and female respondents said regular communication, emotional availability and consistent effort are the most meaningful “gifts” for both special occasions and everyday life.
Inconsistency in expressing affection emerged as a significant red flag. Supriya (36) from Delhi said, “Being too nice on V-day or anniversaries and then being indifferent the rest of the year doesn’t sit well with me. It reminds me of my first marriage, which ended in a disaster. I believe that steady effort, even if it is slightly mellow for a special day, is the new romantic currency.”
Clarity of intention has also become a defining factor for those seeking second chances at love. About 44% of female users between the ages of 30 and 40 said their preferred Valentine’s Day gesture would be an honest conversation about the future of the relationship. Sulagna, 33 year old IT professional, said, “I have already done one let’s-figure-this-as-we-go and failed. Now I like to have things upfront, discuss every possibility, and calculate all the probabilities. So, clarity about their intentions is really the only thing I ask from my matches.”
Among 3,627 respondents from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, many expressed hesitation in trusting partners whose grand gestures on special days are not backed by everyday effort. Six in eight divorced singles indicated that emotional neglect during regular days, followed by expensive gifts on occasions, holds little meaning for them. Jayadweep, 39 year old single dad, said, “Small efforts every day, like asking how I am on a stressful day, or remembering trivial things like my medicine timing, are much more meaningful to me than getting lavish gifts on Valentine’s Day.”
The survey highlights a shifting narrative around romance for India’s divorced singles—where emotional security, transparency and steady effort are emerging as the true markers of meaningful connection.
