What’s THIS Celeb’s #1 Dating Rule?

Dakota Johnson is setting the record straight—both on her relationship status and her refreshingly simple rule when it comes to love: don’t be awful.

At a Glance

• Dakota Johnson told the TODAY show her dating deal-breaker is being “an a——”
• Rumors of a breakup with Chris Martin were recently denied by Johnson’s rep
• Chris Evans, her “Materialists” co-star, said his own deal-breaker is “must love dogs”
• Their upcoming film follows a matchmaker struggling with her own messy love life
• The story mirrors Johnson’s real-life take on privacy, authenticity, and modern romance

Candid Talk and Clear Boundaries

While promoting her new romantic comedy, Materialists, on the TODAY show, Dakota Johnson kept her relationship expectations short and sharp. When asked what her one dating deal-breaker was, she replied bluntly: “Don’t be an a——.” Her co-star, Chris Evans, chimed in with his own must-have: “You’ve got to love dogs.”

The natural chemistry between the two actors reflected the film’s premise—Johnson plays a savvy matchmaker who can fix everyone else’s love life but struggles with her own. Their easy banter added lightness to an interview that touched not only on film themes but also on Johnson’s off-screen love life.

Rumors Swatted Down

Johnson’s appearance comes on the heels of intense speculation about her nearly eight-year relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Several entertainment outlets, including People, recently reported the couple had split after dating since 2017 and possibly being engaged since late 2020.

But a spokesperson for Johnson firmly denied the breakup buzz, stating that “the reports are not true” and confirming the couple is still together. The clarification poured cold water on swirling narratives about a separation and highlighted the couple’s continued preference for privacy over pageantry.

Art Meets Life in “Materialists”

In Materialists, Johnson’s character Lucy is a matchmaking pro with no handle on her own affairs of the heart. Caught in a love triangle involving characters played by Evans and Pedro Pascal, Lucy’s struggle to navigate love amid shifting relationship expectations mirrors Johnson’s own modern take on partnership.

During their TODAY segment, Evans reflected on how social attitudes around romance have evolved, while Johnson has previously questioned traditional ideas around marriage and commitment in interviews. The movie’s exploration of emotional honesty and vulnerability tracks closely with Johnson’s public persona—measured, real, and resistant to hype.

Living Authentically, On and Off Screen

Throughout her relationship with Martin, Johnson has kept a low profile, often sharing that they prefer nights in over Hollywood events. That understated dynamic parallels her Materialists character, who works behind the scenes helping others while hiding her own romantic struggles.

As Johnson continues her press tour, her straightforward relationship philosophy—be kind, be real—seems to echo both her role in the film and her real-world approach to love. In an era dominated by overexposure and romantic spectacle, Dakota Johnson is proving that sometimes the best answer really is the simplest one.