From romantic fasting to compatibility checks: How GenZ and millennials mark Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has long been associated with dramatic confessions and roses. But in 2026, the mood appears to be shifting. A new survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals a clear divide between Gen Z and Millennials, with the former opting for what they call “Romantic Fasting” and the latter taking a far more strategic approach. The study surveyed 10,853 active daters aged 20 to 35 across metros, suburbs and rural towns. All respondents had spent at least three months on dating apps. Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal said, “GenZs are going in total airplane mode this Valentine's Day. Mostly, it is to avoid the pressure of labelling an ongoing connection, or going over-the-top one day and not being able to follow through the rest of the year… Millennials, on the other hand, are picking up the pace… their effort looks really genuine.

” Among 20 to 26-year-olds, 33 per cent said they are deliberately avoiding new matches and major plans around 14 February. For many, the pause is about avoiding comparison anxiety and resisting forced milestones. Nikita, 25, from Delhi, said, “I am really taking these days for self-care… Just because it's Vday doesn't mean I have to turn my new match into my boyfriend.” Millennials, however, are treating the day as a checkpoint. Around 43 per cent of those aged 28 to 35 are making plans with long-term potential in mind. For them, Valentine’s Day is less about spectacle and more about consistency, effort and clarity.