A new survey conducted by dating platform Gleeden in collaboration with research firm IPSOS reveals that 59% of Indian respondents believe long-distance relationships (LDRs) and long-distance attempts at dating become significantly harder after festive periods. The study found the challenge more acute in India’s smaller cities, with 63% of respondents in Tier-2 locations saying distance feels tougher, compared with 56% in Tier-1 metros.
According to the research, festivals – which generally emphasize closeness, shared rituals and physical presence – heighten the emotional impact of separation. Cities such as Guwahati (75%), Delhi (69%) and Jaipur (69%) reported particularly high levels of strain. During festivities, when friends and families gather, couples living apart feel the lack of togetherness more sharply, and once the celebrations conclude, that emotional gap becomes more obvious.
The survey also probes the role of technology in maintaining long-distance connections. While 21% of respondents said digital tools like messaging and video calls ease the burden, most indicated that no screen could replace in-person proximity. In larger cities, only about 25% believed that technology could fully bridge the gap. A further 20% took a middle view, suggesting that success in LDRs “depends on the couple.”
In comments accompanying the findings, Gleeden India’s country manager Sybil Shiddell observed: “Festivals emphasise emotions, joy, nostalgia and a sense of belonging … for long-distance couples they accentuate absence rather than presence.” She added that succeeding in an LDR isn’t solely about proximity, but about consistent effort, rituals and emotional reassurance through whatever tools enable it.
