Protest dating is real now! 35 per cent Indians say they've had a crush at a rally

A new dating survey suggests Indian singles are increasingly noticing romantic sparks not at some candlelight dinners but amidst a protest where there's collective outrage for a cause they stand for.

Remember all the Vaishali baddies who were looking for a partner to accompany them at the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar a few weeks ago? Do you also remember the couples who decided to show up for a cause they deeply cared about and also make it the new date idea to spend time together? Turns out, "protest date pe chaloge" was not just some fringe movement.

At the CJP protest, Gen Z had already begun swapping cafe dates for protest dates, turning a day of slogans, speeches and shared outrage into an unlikely date itinerary. And mind you, there was no undermining the cause of the protest.

Now, new data suggests that people are still thinking about it. It wasn't just a first (or last) date idea for them. Those butterflies are still fluttering. According to happn's Freedom to Love Index, 35 per cent of Indian singles say they have spotted an attractive stranger at a protest and wished they could cross paths with them again.

So, yes, maybe protest dating is the new meet-cute?

Are rallies the new spot to find a match?

It might sound absurd to some, but clearly Gen Z has ways to find a way out of dating apps and make them sound believable. Think about it for a minute.

You are all sweaty, and so are they. You are also at the most unromantic dating spot, yet completely yourself. And the latest dating survey, which surveyed over 1,000 Indian singles, suggests that people not only came with their partners but also found a crush they wish to meet again.

64 per cent of singles say seeing someone without their “first-date armour” — unfiltered, possibly holding a badly spelt placard — makes them feel more real. About 33 per cent find it more attractive.

And what stands out in crowds? Not a witty bio, for sure. Passion is attractive and a big green flag for 31 per cent. Then comes empathy and kindness at 25 per cent and a good sense of humour at 24 per cent. Caring deeply, and unapologetically, makes the heart somersault a little.

Even opposing views aren't necessarily a deal-breaker. Around 28 per cent said they'd still get to know someone they felt an instant spark with, political differences be damned, while 23 per cent would simply hope to find common ground later. Which, honestly, sounds like the most optimistic thing anyone has said about modern dating in years.

The survey had some more truth bombs in its research.

What does freedom in dating look like?

Now, this is interesting. For all the eye-roll-worthy dating trends, here's what daters actually want freedom from.

While everyone's apparently looking for authenticity, people are also becoming less willing to entertain dating's greatest hits of nonsense, as 37 per cent want to declare independence from love bombing. Looks like people are done with the endless showers of gifts, too much attention and too many grand gestures with no breathing space. No offence to the grand-gesture enthusiasts who do it mindfully, though. You do you!

Then, 36 per cent want freedom from late-night “WYD?” (What are you doing)texts, 19 per cent from ghosting, and 9 per cent want to clean up the breadcrumbing concept. For 42 per cent, "true freedom lies in being authentic". Yup, sure.

It's Independence Day week, and clearly, the dating world is interested in swiping right on something revolutionary.

- Ends