Dakota Johnson Opens Up About Her Biggest Dating Turn-Offs Following Chris Martin Breakup

Breaking up is never easy, but Dakota Johnson seems to be handling her recent split from Coldplay's Chris Martin with remarkable clarity about what she does and doesn't want in a relationship.

The 36-year-old actress recently sat down for a Q&A with Vogue Germany, and when asked about her dating deal breakers, she didn't hesitate. Her answer? Men who wear flip-flops in public. "Run," she said matter-of-factly, and the internet immediately had opinions.

The comment comes at an interesting time. Johnson and Martin, who started dating in 2017, have officially called it quits after an eight-year on-and-off relationship.

According to PEOPLE, the couple was even engaged at one point, but a source close to them confirmed the split is final this time. They were notoriously private about their relationship, rarely appearing together publicly and keeping personal details under wraps.

A few years ago, Johnson told ELLE: "We've been together for quite a while, and we go out sometimes, but we both work so much that it's nice to be at home and be cozy and private."

Interestingly, Johnson maintained a warm relationship with Martin's ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, throughout their time together. Paltrow told Harper's Bazaar that she "adores" Johnson, saying: "I just adore her. I always start to think of the ampersand sign...what else can you bring in, instead of being resistant to or being made insecure by? There's so much juice in leaning in to something like that."

Now, with the relationship over, Johnson's recent comments about red flags and relationship expectations are shedding light on her perspective. Keep reading to find out what else she's said about dating and why her flip-flop comment has everyone talking.

Johnson and Martin called it quits in June

Jo Hale / Redferns

Johnson's flip-flop red flag might sound trivial, but it's sparked genuine debate online. While there's no photographic evidence of Martin ever rocking flip-flops in public, he is frequently spotted going barefoot, which some have pointed out isn't too far off.

Whether or not footwear played any actual role in their split is unclear, but Johnson's comment does suggest she has specific standards when it comes to presentation and effort in relationships.

Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, notes that individual preferences in dating are often tied to evolutionary psychology. She argues that our deal breakers reflect instinctual needs for compatibility, attraction, and social status.

Fisher suggests that understanding these instincts can empower individuals to make better choices in their relationships. For instance, if someone is turned off by flip-flops, it might indicate a desire for partners who exhibit traits associated with attentiveness and social awareness.

Being aware of these underlying reasons can enhance one’s dating experience.

Flip-flops aren't her only deal breaker

Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images

Earlier this year, while promoting her film Materialists, Johnson appeared on the Today show alongside co-star Chris Evans. When host Craig Melvin asked what she looks for in a partner, her answer was refreshingly blunt: "Like, not an a**hole?"

Evans immediately chimed in: "That's concise! There it is. Nail on the head." It's a simple standard, but one that many people wish they'd stuck to earlier in their own dating lives.

Johnson's views on relationships go deep

Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for Global Citizen

Understanding Deal Breakers

According to relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon, deal breakers often stem from deeper values and beliefs about oneself and relationships.

She explains that identifying these deal breakers is crucial for establishing boundaries and protecting one’s emotional health. For Johnson, public flip-flop wearers may symbolize a lack of consideration for social norms, which could be a reflection of her personal values around presentation and respect.

Recognizing such traits early in dating can help individuals avoid deeper compatibility issues later on.

During an interview with The Los Angeles Times this summer, she challenged conventional ideas about how relationships should look.

"For a long time, we've all been so quick to judge relationships or how they should happen, how they should exist in the world. When should people get married? Divorce is bad. All these things that actually, if you think about it, why is divorce bad?" she said. "Why do people have to get married or at a certain age or only once? Why? It doesn't matter."

Her perspective feels especially relevant given her own relationship history. She and Martin were reportedly engaged but never married, which suggests they were navigating their own path rather than following societal expectations.

Johnson's willingness to question traditional relationship timelines and structures indicates someone who values authenticity over appearances. Neither she nor Martin has publicly commented on the breakup, and given how private they've been, it's unlikely they will.

Healing Approaches & Techniques

In the complex world of dating, awareness of personal deal breakers like those expressed by Dakota Johnson can lead to healthier relationship choices. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the roots of these preferences, which often relate to deeply held values and social expectations. By engaging with these insights, individuals can better navigate their dating lives, ensuring that they seek partners who align with their core beliefs. Ultimately, fostering self-awareness and open communication will help create more fulfilling and compatible relationships.