The way we perceive relationships are constantly evolving not only around the world but also in India, where monogamy was once the epitome of the successful relationships, according to the traditional mindset.
As the temperature drops, hearts appear to beat up faster amid the spark of being together during this time of the year. Winter has always been the season for love – when people want companionship, cosy movie nights and someone to share their blanket with. This time, however, there is a twist to the story.
The Gleeden-IPSOS Infidelity Study 2025 reveals that 69 per cent of Indians approved of open relationships as they are becoming more socially accepted. What was once considered unconventional has now become part of real conversation between couples. Cuffing season is upon us, but love is a little more open.
Love this winter
Winter is supposed to turn even the most practical into hopeless romantics. However, as love blossoms, this winter is not only about finding “the one,” but also finding what works for you. Couples are opening up to new ideas, from discussing boundaries to exploring emotional freedom.
According to the study, 69 per cent of respondents throughout India feel people are more open minded about relationships now, with only 23 per cent feeling that monogamy will always be the norm. A tiny 8 per cent are not sure, giving indications that more people are prepared to have honest conversations regarding modern love.
India opens up – one city at a time
According to city-wise data revealed by the study involving 1510 respondents across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, Tier-2 cities are leading in the spread of relationship fluidity across India. Guwahati, Jaipur and Ludhiana are way ahead in this race with 86 per cent, 77 per cent and 74 per cent respondents respectively being open to modern relationship models. Among Tier-1 cities, Delhi (80 per cent) and Bengaluru (70 per cent) reflect maximum acceptance of the urban populations with regards to open relationships.
Instead, Hyderabad (58 per cent) and Ahmedabad (68 per cent) reflect a more traditional outlook, although there are indications of change in attitude here too. Overall Tier-1 cities reflect a score of 68 per cent and Tier-2 cities slightly higher at 70 per cent indicating that the openness in relationships is no longer restricted to the metros but is slowly gaining ground across all parts of the country.
Survey says 35 per cent are already in open relationships
But it is more than a question of acceptance, for many people in India are already living in such a way. The survey indicates that 35 per cent of the respondents are at present in open relationships, while another 26 per cent have thought of the possibility and think that it might be good for their own relationship. This means, then, that more than six out of 10 people are either open to, or actually practicing, non-monogamy relationships. On the other hand, 31 per cent said that they still believe in monogamy and 7 per cent were not sure.
From monogamy to meaningful conversations
Today’s relationships are not a question of rebellion, but a question of real conversations. More couples are taking transparency over tradition. They are talking about attraction, about boundaries and about how to keep emotional honesty as the heart of their relationship.
According to Sybil Shiddell, country manager with the online dating app says, “What we are witnessing is not a disintegration of commitment but a development thereof. There is more open communication between Indian couples about their wishes and thoughts. This shift to transparency means a deeper understanding of emotional wants and esteem for individuality in relationships.”
The data in the survey concerning the cities, too, gives us depth to this transition. Jaipur (48 per cent), Ludhiana (55 per cent), and Indore (65 per cent) contain the largest proportion of those people who are at present in open relationships. Even in the larger cities of India, the idea is gaining ground. Thus we find that Delhi (34 per cent), Mumbai (30 per cent), and Hyderabad (27 per cent) are coming on.
Cuffing season, but make it honest
With temperatures dropping, cuffing season appears to be the ideal time to think back on what love means today. To a great deal of people, love no longer carries the connotations of exclusivity or control. It signifies trust, mutual respect and choice.
No matter how one defines love: as monogamy or open relationships, the constant theme here is connection, defined by communication. Love in 2025 no longer expresses itself as based upon rules. It is expressed as based upon respect and freedom. This winter, as people are cuddling and connecting, it is not simply “cuffing” for comfort’s sake, but “cuffing” with clarity. For the future of love is, as the study points out, is not alone open. It is honest.
