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

That June breakup with Chris Martin is where all the noise started, and Dakota Johnson is the one putting boundaries on the chaos.

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.

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

When Craig Melvin asked what she wants, she basically said, “Not an a**hole,” and the conversation immediately got real.

Johnson’s dating red-flag drama has nothing on Kristen Stewart’s backlash after she told Americans to stop eating burgers for immigrants.

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

The barefoot flip-flops speculation may be silly, but it sets the tone for how people latch onto tiny details after Johnson and Martin went their separate ways.

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

Her Los Angeles Times comments about questioning marriage timelines hit right after the “not an a**hole” standard, like she is rejecting the whole script.</p>

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. Neither she nor Martin has publicly commented on the breakup, and given how private they've been, it's unlikely they will.

Her clarity on what she seeks—and what she does not—highlights the significance of self-awareness in forming healthy relationships. This awareness is not just a personal reflection but serves as a guide for others navigating similar waters. It suggests that by being upfront about their desires, individuals can foster connections that resonate more deeply and create a foundation for compatibility. Ultimately, her experience underscores the importance of open communication in cultivating fulfilling romantic relationships.

Nobody wants to date someone who ignores the script, even if they’re barefoot.

Want more royal stress? See how Prince Harry reacted when Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest came up during an interview.