Pawan Gupta finds that 83 per cent of the young urban population believes that compatibility and mutual interests matter while looking for a life partner
For years, it has been believed that marriages are made in heaven, but the traditional matchmaking in India is more of a hassle to fix multiple dates, meeting with families that are often based on outdated criteria, including religion, caste, community, and not compatibility. With a shift in the mindset of the urban Indians, there has been a swift change in the approach of the life-partner searching process. It has become more realistic rather than a patriarchal fairy tale checklist nowadays.
Betterhalf.ai recommends profiles based on true compatibility, preferences. Recently, it conducted an online survey to understand the mindset and requirements of independent working professionals. The survey revealed a radical change in the mindset of urban professionals while finding a life partner.
Out of 220 respondents, 83 per cent of urban Indians consider compatibility and mutual interests shall matter while searching for a perfect partner. On the other hand, 10 per cent of the respondents believe in looks and family background, while five per cent consider kundli, caste, religion, and three per cent believe profession and salary are significant components.
Matchmaking in India is more about going over a series of tea or coffee meetings that involve parents. Living in a fast-paced world prompted us to conduct this survey; the findings reveal that the life-partner searching process has become more realistic than the conventional process.
Due to the repetitive practices of old-age custom, the idea of a paraya dhan and kanyadaan has become so ingrained in our minds that it doesn’t even look like a violation of rights at all. As women have grown up with these values, they are mostly put down for questioning the traditions and are looked down upon if they resist the notion. That’s how every traditional belief and value continues to reign over our societies.
According to the survey findings, if given a choice, 63 per cent of urban Indians would want to live separately with their partner, while 27 per cent do not wish to change the old-age stereotype of having the bride leave her house after marriage. Apart from this, close to 10 per cent think that husbands should move to wife’s houses after marriage.
Creating a profile on matrimonial sites happen out of the enthusiasm of parents, completing a list of conventional questions while signing up. However, the mindset of urban Indians is changing, and the influx of new ideas related to a successful marriage is bliss in the changing world.
(The author is the CEO of Betterhalf.ai, India’s first matrimonial application without parents’ involvement.)