Relationships are constantly evolving not only around the world but also in India, where marriage is a sacred institution for the larger society. With changing dynamics in the way partners see each other, there is a lot more that people are realising, and aren't shying away from giving their relationships a new tag.

For as far as we remember, monogamy has always been the norm, with weddings sealing it, families expecting it and public conversation treating it as a default. Renowned experts and researchers, sociologists and therapists have been pointing out the limitations of the monogamist paradigm for quite some time and starting offering different relationship options. 

When dating app Gleeden, in its most recent survey, asked the question, “Do you think society pressures people to be monogamous?” The answers received were quite interesting. Nationally, 61 per cent of respondents answered that staying in a fully monogamous marriage is an obligation imposed by societal pressure, whereas only 29 per cent of respondents believe that couples willingly choose to stay monogamous, and the remaining 10 per cent said they were unsure. 

Moreover, only 26 per cent believe that monogamy is natural and achievable, while 41 per cent state that it indeed goes against natural tendencies. These answers echo life experience from across cities, tiers and professions and tell us that a clear majority of respondents are forced into monogamy and are not choosing it willingly. This matters because relationship norms don't exist in a vacuum, they include dating, companionship, intimacy and discussions on inter-personal level. If most people feel steered due to family expectations, cultural scripts or public shaming, then "choice" becomes privilege instead of regularity.