5 Key Takeaways
- Hobosexuality refers to entering romantic relationships primarily for housing or financial support, rather than genuine emotional connection.
- Skyrocketing property prices and high rents in Indian metro cities are making independent living unaffordable, fueling the rise of hobosexual dynamics.
- The phenomenon, originally a Western term, is gaining ground in India, especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru where the dating scene is becoming more transactional.
- Relationships affected by hobosexuality often involve hidden power imbalances, with one partner disproportionately benefiting while offering little in return.
- The trend reflects broader societal issues such as financial insecurity, cultural pressures to settle down, and the emotional loneliness of urban life.
Why “Hobosexuality” Is Becoming a Thing in Urban India
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news, you’ll know that property prices in India’s big cities are through the roof. Whether it’s Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, buying a home is getting harder, and rents are following suit. For many young professionals, living alone or even upgrading to a slightly bigger flat is starting to feel like a distant dream.
But there’s a new trend quietly taking root in our cities, and it’s got a cheeky name: “hobosexuality.” Don’t let the term fool you—behind the humor is a real issue. Hobosexuality is when someone gets into a romantic relationship mainly for a place to stay or financial support, rather than for love. On the surface, it might look like a regular relationship, but often, one partner is doing most of the giving—emotionally, financially, or both—while the other is mostly just along for the ride.
The term “hobosexual” first popped up in Western internet culture, describing people who date for shelter (think Matthew McConaughey in “Failure to Launch”). But now, with sky-high rents and the cost of living in Indian metros, it’s becoming more common here too. The dating scene in cities is getting more transactional, and some people are using relationships as a way to solve their housing problems.
Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a psychotherapist, says she’s seeing more cases where one partner, often a woman, ends up supporting someone who doesn’t contribute much in return. The relationship might look romantic, but there’s a hidden power imbalance—one person is clearly benefiting more.
Take Ankita (name changed), a successful entrepreneur in her late 30s. She thought she’d found love and welcomed her partner into her home. But soon, she realized she was paying all the bills and carrying the emotional load, while he contributed little more than the occasional dog walk or meal. When she needed support, he was nowhere to be found.
Why is this happening? It’s not just about high rents. Many young Indians are living paycheck to paycheck—over 50% of millennials and Gen Z, according to a Deloitte report. In cities like Mumbai, rent can eat up nearly half your income. Add to that the pressure to “settle down” and the idea that struggling together is romantic, and you have the perfect recipe for hobosexual relationships.
Spotting these dynamics isn’t always easy. Modern dating often blurs the lines between genuine affection and manipulation. But it’s important to remember: healthy relationships are built on equality and mutual support, not just convenience.
Calling out hobosexuality isn’t about shaming people who are struggling. It’s about encouraging awareness and fairness in relationships—because love should be about empathy, not just a place to crash.
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