
Lifestyle
January 14, 2026
2026 is the year of the 1, a sign of the beginning of a new cycle—including in love! happn, the real-life dating app, surveyed singles on their intentions for this new year, particularly regarding their relationship with their ex(es). The result: in the 2026 BINGO, happn users are checking off "staying friends with an ex," "healthy relationship," or even "taking one's time." To support this fresh start, happn is offering its users the opportunity to gift their ex a premium subscription so they can find love in 2026!
2026, the year of renewal: making a clean sweep of the past!
In 2026, singles' top priority is taking their time and not rushing things (38%). To achieve this, more than one in four (26%) claim they want to detach themselves from past relationships—an action considered necessary by a majority of singles (77%) to be able to move forward. However, breaking free from the past isn't always easy. After a breakup, 41% admit they struggle not to idealize what they experienced, while nearly a quarter find it difficult to abandon the hope of a rekindled flame.
Singles' New Year's resolutions: a dose of wisdom and kindness
At the start of this year, singles are arming themselves with the willpower to make good resolutions regarding their former relationships. Nearly one in three (30%) commit to no longer re-reading old messages, and just as many wish to end impulsive behaviors such as late-night texting or social media monitoring. While "Stalking" remains a guilty pleasure for 10% of singles, more than one in two (57%) admit they never spy on their ex on social media! Some go even further and envision a peaceful relationship: 22% would like to become friends with their ex, an intention more pronounced among men (23%) than women (12%). 2026 marks the year where singles commit to having a benevolent and peaceful relationship with their past.
happn invites singles to gift a premium subscription on the app to their exes!
If singles were to cross paths with their ex on an app, 20% would be curious to see their profile but without intentions, and 13% would be happy for them! This is particularly noticeable among Gen Z: 21% (+10 points compared to Millennials). To support these good intentions, happn is offering users who subscribe to a premium plan the chance to gift a subscription to their ex! One final benevolent gesture to turn the page and move toward new encounters.
"For this year of renewal, we at happn observe a real desire for peace among singles and a sense of emotional maturity. We are proud to support singles in this daily movement and add a bold touch by offering them the chance to give their ex a subscription to a dating app!" comments Claire Rénier, Head of Communications at happn.