A noteworthy phenomenon has surfaced in the maze of contemporary relationships, where love, intimacy, and social standards converge: the exploration of desire within the bounds of commitment. 
 
With 2.8 million users in India, Gleeden, an extra-marital dating app has observed some of the most common dating practices rising among married couples in its new Gleeden pan-India poll, which provides insightful information about the complexity of contemporary love and desire. The study revealed three major themes:
 
1. Proximity for intimacy
In secret relationships, proximity is crucial; a significant percentage of users would rather locate partners in their local areas. According to the survey, 28 per cent of men and 27 per cent of women look for companions in their communities who can provide accessible opportunities for physical proximity. Cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Kochi became hubs for local relationships, especially for people in the 25–35 age range.
 
2. Exploring connections outside local boundaries
For individuals uneasy about the potential for local entanglements, nearby towns or cities offer a covert setting for covert gatherings. About 21 per cent of men and 25 per cent of women choose a company outside of their city limits so they can develop relationships without having to deal with the hassle of travelling. The trend was found to be most prominent in Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, emphasising the appeal of anonymity outside of one's comfort zone.
 
3. Privacy from the public eye key
Especially in busy cities where privacy is paramount, a large portion of users have private conversations away from prying eyes. Top cities for these kinds of activities were found to be Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata, with 11 per cent of male users preferring the anonymity that comes with being in an urban setting.

“Apart from these in-person meetings, the internet has developed into a haven for covert relationships, with a significant portion of users favouring virtual exchanges as a disguise for adultery. Cities with a higher propensity for online flirting are Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata, which highlights the relationship between technology and intimacy in contemporary relationships,” says Gleeden's Country Manager in India, Sybil Shiddell.