Three in five divorced singles say they now have new deal breakers: Study

Divorce is increasingly being seen not as an end, but as the start of a new phase. For many Indians who return to dating, this new beginning comes with clearer boundaries and stronger self-awareness.

A recent study by Rebounce, an Indian matchmaking app for second chances, found that three in five divorced singles who re-entered the dating scene in 2025 now have deal breakers that did not exist during their first marriage. The study was conducted among 5,834 active daters who are divorced or separated, aged between 27 and 40, across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities. Rebounce Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal said, “The study reveals a clear change in mindset about second chances.

People are no longer ready to settle or compromise. Second chances have become more about newfound clarity and intentional compatibility. Divorced singles are highly emotionally literate; they know what didn't work, what eventually hurts, and they are making conscious efforts not to repeat the pattern.

” One of the strongest deal breakers is emotional unavailability. Many participants said they had ignored it earlier.

Tarini, 35, from Mumbai, said, “Silence is not strength and quietly staying with an emotionally unavailable partner is not doing any good to your mental health or the health of your marriage. I understand that now.” Communication has also become central. Rajeev, a 38-year-old paediatrician, shared, “For me, slow replies are completely fine… But detachment and inconsistencies are unacceptable. I don't want to do the emotional heavy lifting all alone once again.” Money is another key area. Samira, 33, from Delhi, said, “It doesn't mean divorced singles are money-minded… I am working; I don't need a provider. But I need someone who's upfront and not spending beyond his capacity for showing off.” Respect is also non-negotiable. Paromita, 38, from Kolkata, said, “My threshold for all these has sharply dropped since my divorce. I don't want a man who doesn't think I deserve respect.”