Dakota Johnson is making headlines not just for her new film, Materialists, but also for her refreshingly straightforward approach to dating after her recent split from Chris Martin. The actress, known for her roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Social Network, has revealed her "non-negotiable" for any future romantic partner, offering a glimpse into her perspective on relationships post-breakup.
Following weeks of swirling rumors, multiple sources confirmed earlier this month that Johnson and Martin, the Coldplay frontman, had called it quits after nearly eight years of an on-again, off-again relationship. The split, described by one insider as feeling "final this time," has prompted reflection on the couple's time together, which included a secret engagement that lasted for years. While neither Johnson nor Martin has publicly commented on the breakup directly, subtle hints and actions have spoken volumes. Martin, during a Coldplay concert in California, urged his audience to "be kind to yourself, be kind to each other," and even gave a shout-out to Johnson's new film, Materialists.
Amidst the breakup buzz and the promotion of her new film, Johnson appeared on Today with co-star Chris Evans. When asked by co-anchor Craig Melvin about her "non-negotiable" in a potential partner, Johnson didn't mince words. "Like, not an a**hole?" she quipped, eliciting gasps and laughter from the hosts and crew. Evans jokingly chimed in, "That's concise! There it is. Nail on the head." Melvin playfully noted that NBC would have to "clean that up for the West Coast feed," highlighting the unfiltered nature of Johnson's response.
Johnson's candid remark has resonated with many, drawing attention and support from fans and peers alike. Chris Evans, who is married, offered a contrasting but equally lighthearted non-negotiable: "Must love dogs. Gotta love dogs. If you're not a dog person, what are we doing?".
Johnson's dating philosophy extends beyond just avoiding unpleasant partners. In a previous interview with the Los Angeles Times, she questioned societal norms surrounding relationships, marriage, and divorce. "Why is divorce bad?" she asked. "Why do people have to get married or at a certain age or only once? Why? It doesn't matter." This perspective suggests a broader outlook on love and relationships, one that prioritizes individual happiness and fulfillment over traditional expectations.
Sources suggest that differing views on having children and the couple's age gap contributed to the split between Johnson and Martin. Johnson, 35, is reportedly interested in starting a family, while Martin, 48, who already has two children with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, is allegedly not keen on expanding his family. Despite the breakup, Johnson's fondness for Martin's children is clear. "I love those kids like my life depends on it," she told Bustle in March 2024.
Materialists, Johnson's new film, explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and modern matchmaking. In the film, she plays a matchmaker caught in her own love triangle. Johnson has expressed that she related to the characters' confusion and the messy, imperfect aspects of relationships portrayed in the film.
As Dakota Johnson steps back into the dating scene, her focus on kindness, respect, and authenticity is clear. Her "non-negotiable" rule serves as a reminder to prioritize personal values and to seek partners who are, simply put, not unpleasant.
