“Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend?” - that’s the question setting global pop culture on fire right now. The debate began after British Vogue ran a story with that exact headline, and it instantly struck a chord. Single women everywhere are gleefully sharing screenshots of it, wearing the line like a badge of honour - a witty validation of their relationship status, and a reminder that being single has never looked cooler.

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Though the viral write-up primarily explores why many women choose not to post about their partners online - or prefer a subtle “soft launch” instead (think clinking glasses, a hand on the steering wheel, or a shadow in the background) - that hasn’t stopped single women from proudly flexing their relationship-free status, using the piece as proof of a full-blown cultural reset. This includes Indian women as well.

In our country, however, being a single woman past your mid-twenties often feels like you’ve become a cause of concern for everyone around you; as if your life is an unfinished puzzle they’re determined to solve by finding you a partner. Not a single gathering (be it a family wedding or friends' reunion) is complete without someone asking you to at least start seeing someone. Even without you asking for help, you’re met with: “I know a guy”, “Should I talk to that bua whose son just returned from Australia?”, or “Let’s make you a Bumble profile!” With solo travel, solo dining