New Delhi, Feb 16: As Valentine’s Day approaches, many Indians over 40 are redefining what love means in midlife. According to a recent study by Gleeden in collaboration with IPSOS, adults in Tier-1 and Tier-2 urban areas report that emotional connection, companionship, and feeling valued now outweigh physical romance in long-term relationships.
The study surveyed over 1,500 adults and found that emotional gaps are common, with 43% of respondents admitting to emotional or physical infidelity. Interestingly, Tier-2 urban respondents (46%) reported higher rates of infidelity compared to Tier-1 cities (39%), reflecting a growing need for emotional validation beyond metropolitan lifestyles.
Emotional Infidelity Hurts More Than Physical
For midlife Indians, emotional infidelity is often more painful than physical infidelity. Half of the respondents indicated that emotional betrayal causes deeper distress, with Tier-2 cities reporting 56% and Tier-1 cities 45%. Cities like Kolkata (69%), Jaipur, and Patna (60% each) highlighted the critical importance of emotional exclusivity in long-term relational security.
Companionship Over Passion
As relationships mature, the physical aspect of love may shift, but emotional closeness becomes increasingly important. The survey revealed that 35% of respondents currently prioritize emotional connection, rising to 42% in Tier-2 cities. Kolkata (58%) and Jaipur (46%) were highlighted as cities leading this trend. For many over 40, Valentine’s Day is no longer about gifts and grand gestures—it is about being emotionally present, valued, and understood by their partner.
Understanding Midlife Needs
The study also noted a rise in emotional-only infidelity, with 18% of respondents in Delhi and 20% in Indore engaging in such connections. These relationships often reflect a desire for validation, emotional support, and companionship, rather than seeking a physical replacement.
Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager, Gleeden India, commented:
“This research shows that 40+ midlife infidelity is rarely about chasing a sexual relationship. It reflects a lack of emotional care and attention in long-standing partnerships. People over 40 who engage in emotional connections are seeking someone to listen, value, and connect with emotionally. Valentine’s Day often highlights what is missing rather than what is broken.”
The Gleeden-IPSOS findings suggest that midlife relationships in India are evolving rather than failing. As couples prioritize emotional needs, companionship becomes the new currency of love—showing that meaningful, ongoing emotional connection matters more than fleeting romance.