Even as romantic relationships bloom in India, Friendship Day always holds a special place in people`s hearts because there is nothing like celebrating your friends.
Friendship Day, which is being celebrated on August 3 this year, acts as a precious golden pause to recognise other relational exchanges which nourish us more quietly, deeply, and than romantic forms of affection.
That being said, for anyone over 40 years old, single, divorced, or widowed, it may also reflect a sense of loneliness. An experience that is particularly pronounced in periods of life when social or family ties have diminished in size, such as post-divorce, an empty nest syndrome or the act of using dating apps seemed too large of a chaotic maze to navigate but change is brewing, according to a new survey.
Conducted by dating app Gleeden, the survey stated that people over 40 years old are finding themselves utilising platforms for reasons beyond seeking romance and companionship. 54 per cent of Gen X respondents (aged 45–60) admitted to frequently thinking about forming other connections outside their relationship, the highest among all age groups. However, the motivation is not necessarily romance or physical cravings, and is the complete opposite. 51 per cent feel emotional connection is missing in their current relationships, 44 per cent want better communication, 42 per cent crave excitement and thrill. They are, with intentional and emotional agency, finding ways to reclaim and invest in meaningful friendships for the sake of healing, wellness, and empowerment, disconnected from the stigma associated with traditional titles. Friendship is becoming a new form of dating.
Sybil Shiddell, country manager for the app, explains, “Friendship doesn’t seem to be defined by gender or age anymore. It’s actually becoming the new form of relationships, particularly among users in their 40s, and we are seeing a growing tribe of people who are not looking for validation through romance, and who want companionship that feels emotionally safe, liberating, and fulfilling. This Friendship Day, they are choosing people not their role within the friendships.”
“No, I don’t want your Netflix password – Just a coffee and good banter”
There is a quiet revolution happening. Many over 40s are instead, choosing to reject the pressures to enter back into new relationships, and instead seek friendships built on acts of healing that can build us up and empower us. And they are fording deeper connections through hobbies, forums, travel groups or, yes, even on apps that were built for flirting. The app, which was built for discreet connections, is witnessing a blooming user behaviour. Conversations are becoming more mindful; less transactional, founded on authentic connection.
Divorced, not broken — Just finally free to make real friends
For many people who are divorced, especially women, this is a rebirth after divorce. They have done the emotional legwork, checked the boxes needed to socially move on from their divorce, and are now looking for relationships, either platonic or romantic, that meet them in the moment and this time, they are choosing better. Friendship has the capacity for so many things old structures simply couldn’t offer: space, support, and sanity.
Widowed but still blooming: A life refresh with companionship
Change is hard when someone important to you dies, and loss changes everything. For people who are widowed, Friendship Day now represents second chances: human connections, joy and laughter. Even if it is walking on a Sunday with a friend, going to a poetry group, or finding a kinship with someone you met on an app, the reality is the human need to feel seen and connected doesn’t disappear.
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