The Reverse Trend: Why Indian Men Are Now the Ones Delaying Marriage
Riya Kumari | Dec 13, 2024, 20:52 IST
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Highlight of the story: Marriage today has become so complicated that many men would rather stay unmarried and commitment-free than tie the knot and spend their lives in frustration. With chemistry missing and every genuine effort misread as control or criticism, the idea of love and partnership feels more like a battlefield than a bond. It’s no wonder they’re opting out—it’s not about dodging responsibility; it’s about avoiding a life where their love feels like an attack and their happiness an afterthought.
Men are probably the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. They love love too—real, steady, let’s-build-a-life-together love. They want families, a sense of belonging, and the simple joy of being someone’s first call at the end of the day. When they see red flags being chosen over good intentions and every guy labeled as “trash,” it starts to wear them down. The constant tearing apart, the blame that’s ready and waiting no matter what—it’s pushed men to a point where they’re questioning if it’s even worth fulfilling their natural instincts anymore. And what’s left? A growing clash between men and women that no one really wanted but somehow everyone feels stuck in.
1. Hyper-Independent Women
Corporate
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Strong, independent women are chef’s kiss. Truly. But when both partners are channeling alpha energy, things get… complicated. Everyone loves an independent partner. However, Call it ego, call it evolution, but men are wired to want a role in your story. When hyper-independence becomes the norm, they’re left awkwardly holding the metaphorical sword, wondering, “Am I just an extra here?” When two Type-A personalities meet, it’s not always fireworks, It’s more like a heated game where no one’s scoring but everyone wants to win. So when a woman’s anthem becomes “I don’t need you,” some guys are left wondering, “Cool, then what exactly am I bringing to this table?”
2. The Entitled Women Epidemic
Bill
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Some women have turned dating into a glorified HR process. Step 1: Spot the man. Step 2: Analyze his income potential. Step 3: Swipe left if he doesn’t meet the criteria. And look, it’s not about the money. It’s about feeling reduced to it. Some modern relationships come with terms and conditions that would make a corporate contract blush. “Do you earn six figures? Do you have a car? Are you emotionally available but not too emotional?” Men, for their part, are tired of auditioning for roles like “Provider of the Year.” Sure, they’re ready to step up, but when relationships start to feel more like transactions than partnerships, the appeal of marriage goes out the window. It’s not that they’re unwilling to invest—it’s that they want to feel valued for more than their paychecks or potential.
3. The Great Family Clash
Family dinner
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Indian men, modern as they may seem, are still pretty family-oriented. They’re not asking you to churn butter at 5 a.m., but they do want someone who vibes with their parents, uncles, and that one nosy aunt who always asks inappropriate questions at weddings. Men often dream of a partner who’ll fit seamlessly into their family dynamic, whether it’s helping out during festivals or just showing up for family dinners without rolling their eyes. So when one partner envisions a tight-knit family setup and the other is vibing with a more “us against the world” approach, it’s a mismatch waiting to happen.
4. The Nagging Wife Trope
Nagging
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Sometimes when Men do try, it’s met with eye-rolls and comments like, “Ugh, you’re doing it wrong.” Let’s call it what it is: nobody wants to feel like they’re constantly being corrected. Men (yes, even the progressive ones) don’t handle it well when every action, big or small, is up for critique. And while the word “nagging” is overused, the feeling of being micromanaged? That’s real. Maybe stop calling every minor suggestion “mansplaining.” Marriage isn’t appealing if it feels like signing up for a lifetime of “Why can’t you just do it my way?”
5. The Rise of Hookup Culture
Dating apps
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They just don’t see the point of marriage if loyalty and permanence are no longer part of the deal. Why commit when you’re not even sure if your partner is? Men have options, and while swiping isn’t exactly fulfilling, it’s easier than dealing with the pressure of a serious relationship. Most men do want commitment. They want stability, loyalty, and someone to binge-watch Netflix with. It’s not about fear of commitment—it’s about fear of the wrong commitment. Men aren’t avoiding marriage because they don’t believe in it; they’re avoiding a version of it that feels one-sided, transactional, or stifling.
6. The “Do It All”
Woman working
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But when every “I can help” is met with a “Don’t bother, I’ve got this,” they’ll eventually stop offering. The result? Women feel overburdened, men feel useless, and everyone’s sitting around wondering why relationships are so hard. Spoiler: it’s because nobody knows how to ask for or accept help anymore. A guy offers to help and suddenly, he’s labeled “controlling.” It’s not that men want to take over; they just want to contribute. And when they step back, they’re accused of not caring. It’s a vicious cycle where no one wins. Men don’t want to dominate—they just want to feel like their efforts are appreciated, not dismissed.