India’s most recognisable matchmaker, Sima Taparia, also known as “Sima Aunty,” repeats one line that has now become her signature philosophy in building relationships: “You will only get 60%.” According to her, this is the biggest reality check young people need in today’s marriage market.
On Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Sima Aunty gently dismantles the modern obsession with perfection. She says that today’s youngsters are becoming “too picky.” They want everything from “the ideal height, the ideal career, the ideal habits, the ideal family, the ideal vibe.” In short, they want 100%.
But she points out that you cannot get 100% from anyone because even the best partners come with their own flavours, habits, and differences. According to her, a successful match begins with accepting that only a part of your checklist will be fulfilled.
So her approach to finding a potential match is to focus on your top 2–3 non-negotiables, which people commonly look for, like shared values, stability, and kindness. The rest of the traits can only be understood when people begin living life together.
In the podcast, she also contrasts the old “work it out” mindset with today’s “compare and see what’s better” mindset. Today’s relationships fluctuate because people don’t want to compromise, and the “buffet mentality” of dating apps makes everyone feel replaceable.
However, Sima Aunty’s 60% rule doesn’t say one has to settle, but instead emphasises the importance of recognising that compatibility is created, not delivered. This ties directly into what psychologists call the expectations trap — the more options people have, the more perfect they expect the outcome to be. When reality doesn’t match those imagined standards, disappointment and self-blame soon follow.
She also notes that many Gen Z and millennials are circling back to arranged marriages. They’re realising that parents, families, and even matchmakers sometimes understand long-term compatibility better than endless swipes.
A big reason for this shift is the emotional exhaustion created by modern dating itself. Constant scrolling, judging, and comparing has left many young adults mentally fatigued and emotionally depleted. With this overload of choice, it becomes more challenging to figure out what they truly want.
In the end, Sima Aunty’s point is simple: stop chasing perfect, choose real, and build that remaining 40% together.