Indian adults say setting boundaries early on in a relationship is healthy: Survey

32% of adults between 21 and 30 say that setting boundaries as soon as you match is essential, and it ensures safety while dating new people. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Online dating is not just about browsing through the myriad of profiles that lead you to your soulmate. It requires a lot more than scrolling mindlessly; it involves prioritizing yourself to avoid heartbreak and falling prey to easily-avoidable situations. Setting boundaries the right way and at the right time seems to be at least 41% of adults' one-stop solution for it all.

Indian dating and matchmaking app, QuackQuack's recent survey analyzes the advantages of boundaries in a budding online relationship. 10,000 adults from tier 1 and 2 cities participated in the survey. Participants ranged between 18 to 35 years. QuackQuack Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal commented, "We used to see matches discussing likes and dislikes in their initial chatting phase, but now we notice users between 18 to 35 setting boundaries first, mostly in cases where they are scared of heartbreak."

Boundaries should start early
32% of adults between 21 and 30 say that setting boundaries as soon as you match is essential, and it ensures safety while dating new people. These adults call it the best way to keep yourself from getting emotionally hurt in the event things don't go the way you want them to. From setting a time limit on how long you will interact with your new match per day to asking them not to call or text you during office hours or any other time of the day that isn't convenient for you, boundaries can help adults from investing too much of their time in a could-be relationship.

Keep it under wraps
37% of women between 25 and 30 advise young adults to keep their private information within the boundaries. Budding connections are known to cloud people's judgment, and that is when most adults make mistakes, such as sharing their home address or giving away sensitive information, blinded by the idea of potential love. Women from metros and smaller cities mention the importance of setting this boundary even before downloading a dating app. No matter how amazing your match might seem, maintain the confidentiality of private information.

Steer clear from fights
The best way to avoid miscommunication and dodge unnecessary fights is to set certain limits early in the relationship and come to a mutual understanding of what falls within them and what is beyond, as stated by 25% of adults from tier 1 and 2 cities. If you let your potential partner know that you will not compromise some aspects of your life at the very beginning, they will either date you as you are and not expect it or pass because it does not work for them. Either way, it helps avoid future conflicts.

It's okay to refuse
The two most crucial boundaries to set while dating online are private photos and financial talks, says 42% of adults between 20 and 28. If you sense that a conversation might take such a turn, make it evident that you are not comfortable with it; 22% of women in the group articulated that even if it seems okay to talk about such things, or your date seems trustworthy enough to be shared a photo with, don't. It's okay to say no.

Time limits
17% of men above 25 say a timeline while chatting with an online date is one boundary they always set as soon as they match. How long they'll wait for the first date, how long they will wait for a reply, how many reschedules they'll overlook, everything is set before entering the talking phase. They expressed how it protects you from people who will merely drag you around without committing to anything real.

Block if they stalk
39% of women above 30 say it's perfectly alright to cut off communication and even go as far as blocking someone when you have already expressed your disinterest in them more than once. Allow yourself to build that boundary if someone cannot take no for an answer. It will help you rid yourself of unnecessary guilt associated with rejecting someone.

Also Read: Indians reveal how they want to navigate relationships in the modern world: Survey