‘They have lots of practice’: Twinkle Khanna explains why older people may be better at hiding affairs; expert decodes how age, experience, and privacy shape infidelity

The next statement on the show added another layer to the discussion: “Today’s kids change their partners faster than they change outfits.” Here, Twinkle agreed, while Farah, Kajol, and Ananya disagreed. Twinkle explained her view, saying, “It’s a good thing because in our time, it was like, ‘What will people say? We can’t do this.’ They are changing their partners quickly, and I think it’s a good thing.”

Ananya, however, countered, “People have always been changing their partners. Earlier, it was a bit quiet.” Twinkle went on to say that younger people have “no baggage. They are like, ‘This is not working. Let’s move on quickly.’” This exchange reflects a generational shift, what older generations may see as instability, younger ones may view as emotional clarity and self-respect.

This isn’t the first time Twinkle has shared a bold take on relationships. In a previous segment, she had said that physical cheating isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, explaining that “raat gayi baat gayi,” suggesting that a physical act without emotional attachment might not always end a relationship.

So, is there any truth to older people being better at deception when it comes to relationships?

Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “Older individuals are not necessarily better at deception; they are simply more discreet because they grew up in a time when privacy was a natural part of relationships. Experience teaches them to manage emotions with restraint.”

He adds, “Younger people live in a digital age where even small gestures, like a message or a like, can expose emotional intimacy.” The difference, according to him, lies less in morality and more in visibility. Older people learned to navigate relationships privately, while younger ones exist under constant observation. 

 

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Shifting cultural norms and how younger generations approach commitment

With social acceptance of dating and breakups, commitment is now viewed as a conscious choice, not an imposed duty. 

“Moving on quickly does not always mean emotional detachment. It can show an ability to heal and move forward without guilt. However, constant exposure to new options through dating apps and social media has changed emotional depth. This does not make the generation shallow; it reflects a new emotional adaptability in a culture that values growth and self-awareness over endurance at any cost,” notes Raj. 

Emotional infidelity vs physical infidelity

Raj states that emotional infidelity feels more painful because it disrupts trust at its core. “When someone’s feelings or attention shift elsewhere, it threatens the emotional safety of the relationship.” Physical betrayal can sometimes be seen as impulsive, while emotional betrayal feels deliberate and deeply personal. 

Society has become more accepting of physical mistakes but less tolerant of emotional distance. This change does not reflect moral decline but emotional evolution. People today seek authenticity and transparency more than perfection, says the expert.