Bumble reveals dating deal breakers ahead of Valentine’s Day

The last two years of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions have changed how we connect online and what we are looking for when it comes to finding a partner. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Bumble, the women-first dating app, reveals the dating deal breakers for single Indians in 2022:

 Clear dating intentions

Who doesn’t like to be on the same page with their connections? For 66% of single Indians surveyed, not having clear dating intentions can be a deal breaker as they embrace dating in 2022. 

Aligned on political leanings

One’s political leanings is becoming more important for Gen Z and young millennials in India. When it comes to dating, not being aligned on political leanings can become a deal breaker as per Bumble’s study. 46% of single Indians surveyed say they won’t date someone whose political views are not aligned.

Vaxxed or not

Following safety protocols continues to be important for daters in India. Almost one in three (27%) Indians surveyed prefer not to go on a date without discussing COVID-related safety precautions and health concerns first, and as many as 42% of people claim they will not go on a date or have sex with someone who hasn’t received the COVID-19 vaccine. 

To help normalize and better facilitate conversations about dating during the pandemic, Bumble has added a COVID Preferences Center that can be accessed by tapping the profile icon within the Bumble app. After matching with someone, both individuals will be able to see what the other person’s dating preferences are - virtual only, or meeting outdoors and in uncrowded places only - and what precautions they want to take.

“To forge a meaningful connection, it’s important to be authentic about who you are and what matters to you. Last two years of lockdown restrictions and social distancing norms had a seismic impact on our dating priorities and choices when it comes to who, when and how we want to date. 2022 looks to be the year when people want to date the way that works best for them without compromises.” commented Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble.

This Valentine’s Day, women who found love on Bumble share their tips and tricks on how to navigate online dating: 

1. Be your authentic self - Ishita Chakravarty, who met her partner within a week of downloading Bumble last year, was impressed by his perfect date idea stated as “homemade mutton curry and wine” on his Bumble profile. Commenting on the importance of a complete profile bio, she says, “Everyone loves a funny, interesting, and memorable profile. You can be fun, outgoing, adventurous, love to travel, or enjoy being active, so why not share that! If you like to cook, what’s your favorite dish to make? What show are you watching on TV right now? What does your typical Saturday night look like? It helps in making a woman decide to make the first move!” Ishita also adds, “Do not rush the process. If the connection between two people is real, then things will fall into place”.
2. Be clear on dating intentions - Believe Anamika when she says “If you feel something is  right, go for it. Be yourself and let people get to know the real you. Being clear about your dating intentions and your true self will help you make better decisions and have transparent conversations with your match. “This helps in building that trust you both need to take it to the next step,” adds Anamika.
3. Interesting conversation starters- Struggling to start a conversation with something that’s more interesting than just a ‘hi’? Go for the basics, Anamika advises. “Talk about what you like or dislike, give a cute compliment or even share something funny that happened recently”. Anamika suggests playing Bumble’s Question Game which has proven to be a great conversation starter for her–“I remember playing the Question Game on Bumble. My favourite was Beach or a Mountain person, Cat or a Dog person, House party or Clubbing?”
4. Respect boundaries - Angana Chakraborty, who met her partner on Bumble last year and got married to him within a year, shares that honesty in their relationship helped in making the decision to spend their lives together. Angana believes that respecting one’s boundaries and space is essential. “Carry on chatting with your connection if you are comfortable or politely decline. Women know how to take hints if you are not interested. In case a woman did not, for whatsoever reason, have the courtesy to give her closure”, she shares.
5. Patience is a virtue - Urmi Bhatt who met with her partner on Bumble during the lockdown in May 2020, explains that finding trust in the online space can be a little tough for women. So, it is best to give someone the time and space she requires to build a connection. “Be clear but not overtly persistent. It's great to ask questions and keep the conversation going but try not to go overboard with too many messages if she is taking time. She’ll come around!”