- Author: GREAT MASTER VIKRANT ROHIN
- Date: MAY 3, 2023
According to a recent study by Bumble, 81% of women in India said they felt more at ease being unmarried and living alone
Bumble is a dating app and social network that empowers users to connect with confidence whether dating, networking, or meeting friends online. On Bumble, women make the first move, shaking up outdated gender norms. Bumble also has features like Bumble Bizz for career opportunities and Bumble BFF for making new friendships
Wedding festivities and celebrations are back in full swing this year at wedding-related parties and events. Weddings can be enjoyable, but they can also generate tension and anxiety due to social and familial pressures to marry, particularly for unmarried women in India.
According to a recent Bumble study, nearly two-fifths (39%) of Indian daters say their families pressure them to make traditional matches around the wedding season. When asked when they plan to marry, 39% of those polled stated they are under pressure. During the Indian wedding season, over one-third (33%) of unmarried Indians surveyed feel driven to establish a serious, long-term relationship.
In addition to the emphasis on togetherness at this time, single-shaming makes people feel judged for being single. This is frequently the outcome of unwelcome questions and opinions about how they date. Single shaming, which refers to the idea that being single is simply a temporary position that must be addressed as soon as possible, is deeply embedded in Indian pop culture and cultural expectations.
According to Bumble, the dating trend ‘Consciously Single’ is becoming more popular in India during this wedding season, as single people, particularly women, are consciously choosing to stay single and not compromise on their preferences while being more deliberate about who and how they want to date
According to a recent study by the dating app, 81 percent of women polled in India said they felt more at ease being unmarried and living alone. When dating someone, 63 percent of respondents say they won’t give in to their preferences, needs, or requirements. In fact, according to a survey, 83 percent of women say they are content to wait until they find the right person.
“The shaadi (wedding) season in India often brings experiences of single-shaming with questions and judgment about our dating lives. Often, the identity of a single woman is synonymous with being unmarried. This single-shaming also means that single women are anxious about attending wedding functions or family events in anticipation of people telling them that they are not trying hard enough or trying to set them up in the traditional way. Attending a loved one’s wedding instead of celebrating often becomes a source of anxiety, when it shouldn’t be!” Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble.
“Consciously Single trend shows more women are being intentional in how and who they want to date. On Bumble, women are in control, choosing who and how they want to date, and what is important to them. We want to encourage women to date on their own timelines, making the best first moves as and when they want!” she adds.
Tips on how to navigate the wedding season:
When your parents ask, “When will you get married?” a smooth and respectful answer could be, “I’m focusing on myself right now and many things that are important to me.” After all, we spend most of our time with ourselves. Therefore, focusing on yourself, treating yourself and paying close attention to your own needs and desires is a very important skill to master.
When that aunty suggests, “My nephew would be a great match for you!”
Who hasn’t been there? Other people regularly think you would be a wonderful match for someone just because they are also single. Personality, interests, life goals, or other needs don’t seem to matter in front of societal expectations to get married within a set timeline. Stay cool, as you can say, “I know you mean well, but I prefer taking control of my dating life when I feel like it. I will date on my own terms, and that’s better, I think.”
If mom asks, “Don’t you want children? You’ll be all alone after us.”
Responding in a kind but determined way, “Thank you for your concern. I’m moving at my own pace,” would be a competent answer in this situation. Your mom’s concern is understandable, however, you should not let this stress you out and focus on your priorities.
Responding in a kind but determined way, “Thank you for your concern. I’m moving at my own pace” would be a competent answer in this situation. Your mom’s concern is understandable; however, you should not let this stress you out and focus on your priorities.
When that relative or your neighbor wants to know, “Where is your better half?”
The term “better half” implies that one is incomplete and less significant without this other person. Instead, we should see ourselves as whole and worthy without a partner. Our happiness grows through self-awareness and maturity. You could answer something like, “Which half? I’m here, quite completely, and that feels really great!”
