The dating world, online or in real life (IRL), thrives on effort. But over 8,500 women told Indian dating app, QuackQuack, that the line between effort and annoyance is thin, and daters need to realise it sooner rather than later. 2 in 5 women noted that genuine interest is appreciable, but that coupled with over-persistence is a red flag; striking the right balance is everything.|

Ahead of International Women`s Day 2025 being celebrated on March 8, the survey was conducted among active female users aged 20 to 35 across all major Indian cities. Respondents belonged to various professional fields and socio-economic backgrounds. They were asked to share their experiences with persistence or its overplay, their perception of effort, and ways to date safely. The app`s founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, added, "In modern dating, emotional intelligence trumps almost all other qualities. Lasting connection while dating online is directly proportional to striking a balance between persistence with effort and giving your match their space to decide whether they are ready to accept all that you have to offer. Only when there`s mutual interest is effort appreciated."

Read the `chat` room
The response or lack of it should be indication enough if your match welcomes the work you are putting in, said 2,876 women between 25 and 30. 3 in 5 of these women revealed that if a match has not replied in a reasonable time frame, it is safe to assume they are not interested. Repeated messages or follow-ups are neither required nor welcome. Over 38% of the respondents shared they find it unsettling if a match relentlessly pursues the connection. Pritika from Delhi said, "Reading the room is very important in dating, online or offline. Double texting is okay, but the third time is not the charm in this case. It is much more appealing when a person gives their match space and time to respond."