HomeLifestyle NewsLove makes the world go round but in India it’s getting more down-to-earth
Valentine’s Day 2026: Aisle’s ‘Better Because of Love’ study reveals 83.7% of Indians feel love improves them, reshaping dating habits, communication, and Valentine’s Day. Indians are also going slow on grand gestures, emoji-based love, instead looking hard at the practical and giving side of loving.
By Asmita Pant February 12, 2026, 8: 28: 12 PM IST (Updated)
3 Min Read
If love were a self-help book, most Indians would rate it five stars. According to Aisle’s latest industry study, ‘Better Because of Love,’ a striking 83.7% of Indians say love has made them better people. Based on insights from 5,868 urban Indian singles across GenZ (43%), millennials (54%), and GenX (3%), the report maps how modern dating is reshaping emotional habits, communication styles, and even Valentine’s Day plans.
When asked how, respondents most commonly selected:
- More patient (63.6%).
- Better communicator (49.1%).
- More confident (44.2%).
- More self-aware (40.1%).
- More adjusting (40.7%).
And if you’re expecting dramatic declarations and red-rose theatrics, think again.
Valentine’s Day, But make it ordinary
For 53% of singles surveyed, Valentine’s Day is treated like any other day. The day of heart-shaped balloons and prix fixe menus appears to have lost its emotional monopoly.
Men, however, are 42% more likely than women to feel reflective about wanting a relationship on Valentine’s Day (14.5% vs 10.2%). Only 1% of men report feeling pressured by society on the day, while women register 0%.
How do singles spend the day instead? Women are twice as likely as men to opt for self-care (19.4% vs 9.4%), while men are more likely to spend it with friends (18.4% vs 14.8%).
Grand gestures? Hard pass.
Over half of Indian women (54%) reject grand romantic gestures, preferring acts of service.
Also Read: Planning a surprise trip is the most ‘sexy’ thing you can do this Valentine’s D