In the aftermath of her recent split from Chris Martin, Dakota Johnson has revealed the single requirement she has for anyone she dates moving forward, giving insight into her perspective on relationships post-breakup. Her straightforward non-negotiable, shared shortly after she reentered the dating scene, has drawn attention and support from her peers and fans, shining a spotlight on Dakota Johnson’s dating non-negotiable post breakup.
Dakota Johnson Outlines Her Relationship Standard After Breakup
Shortly after her eight-year relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin ended, Dakota Johnson discussed her candid approach to dating. On the June 9 episode of Today with Craig Melvin, Johnson explained that her main criterion for a potential partner is simple and firm: they must not be unpleasant or disrespectful. As she put it, her boundary is steadfast, keeping her personal values at the forefront during this new chapter.
Her co-star from the film Materialists, Chris Evans, praised her clear rule, noting its directness. —Chris Evans, Actor
This comment from Evans, who shares the screen with Johnson in a story about modern matchmaking, demonstrates a camaraderie and public support for her decided approach to future relationships.
Reentering the Dating Scene and Public Appearances
Dakota Johnson’s comments come soon after news of her breakup with Chris Martin began circulating on June 4, following months of speculation and several rounds of rumors about the pair’s relationship status. Johnson and Martin, whose romance began in 2017, had often kept details private but found themselves under public scrutiny, especially as the reports of their separation emerged.

Despite the emotional charge of the situation, Chris Martin maintained a supportive stance. During a Coldplay concert on June 1 in California, he asked his audience to
“be kind to yourself, be kind to each other”
and encouraged support for Johnson’s latest film. —Chris Martin, Singer-Songwriter
Johnson, accompanied by fellow key figures such as Pedro Pascal in the upcoming Materialists—slated for release on June 13—has been active, appearing at promotional events even in the wake of personal turmoil. These engagements, including high-profile outings like her New York dinner with Taylor Swift and walks in Tribeca, have kept her firmly in the public eye, often sans any visible engagement ring.
A Timeline of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin’s Relationship
Interest in Dakota Johnson’s personal life has long been high, especially regarding her connection with Chris Martin. Their relationship unfolded largely away from direct public commentary but played out through milestones and subtle signals:
In November 2017, dating rumors ignited after Johnson attended a Coldplay concert, hinting at the pair’s growing closeness. Public confirmations were still months away, but sightings became more frequent as time went on.
January 2018 marked their appearance together at the launch of Stella McCartney’s fashion collection at SIR Studios, where their public display of affection provided fans with the confirmation they’d awaited.
By September 2018, Johnson and Martin were spotted bearing matching infinity tattoos, a symbolic gesture that further emphasized their bond. That same month, Johnson addressed her relationship in an interview with Tatler, telling the outlet,
I’m not going to talk about it,
she remarked. —Dakota Johnson, Actress
In November 2019, the duo was seen supporting one another at major events, including Johnson’s 30th birthday and a subsequent Saturday Night Live after-party, pointing to a partnership comfortable with balancing their busy careers and personal connection.
Johnson expanded her creative influence in February 2020, directing the music video for Coldplay’s “Cry, Cry, Cry,” which depicted a couple’s emotional journey and echoed aspects of her own romantic narrative with Martin.
March 2021 saw the couple take a major step, reportedly purchasing a home modeled after Cape Cod’s architectural style in Malibu for $12.5 million, capturing the attention of both real estate and entertainment circles.
During the summer of 2021, the two vacationed in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, enjoying sightseeing and time together, reinforcing the partnership’s strength at the time.
In October 2021, Martin acknowledged Johnson during a Los Angeles Coldplay concert, noting her presence with the words,
This is about my universe, and she’s here,
spoken before the band’s song “My Universe.” —Chris Martin, Singer-Songwriter
More recently, in April 2023, the couple was seen in Malibu enjoying downtime, a snapshot of everyday normalcy before news of their breakup would surface months later.
The Significance of Johnson’s Simple Rule and Looking Forward
With Dakota Johnson embracing her lone dating requirement in the wake of a high-profile split, public interest in her approach to new relationships remains strong. Her focus on kindness and mutual respect, combined with support from figures like Chris Evans, positions her as a relatable voice for those navigating romantic changes.
As Johnson continues promoting Materialists and making solo appearances, the broader conversation around her dating non-negotiable post breakup invites reflection on healthy relationship standards, especially in the context of intense public scrutiny. Whether or not she soon finds a new partner, her clear and honest approach is likely to resonate with many navigating similar transitions.
