A Microscopic Look at Micromancing: Is Less Really More?

With the ever-dynamic nature of social media dating trends from situationships to breadcrumbing, Gen Z has created their own dictionary of love - albeit with peculiar words! Micromancing is one of the latest dating trends to come up during Valentine’s Week! If you're a millennial struggling to understand this new term, we've got you covered! We break down the latest dating trend - micromancing right in time for Valentine’s Day.

So, what is micromancing?

In simpler terms, it is the antithesis to lovebombing! In an age where young adults are constantly internalising the grand gestures condensed in addictive 60-second formats, this might just be the slow love trend you are looking for this Valentine’s Day! It's all about showing your emotional connection with little, deliberate gestures rather than big, flashy demonstrations of devotion. Sending a heartfelt text message ("hey, this song made me think of you") or leaving a sincere note in their luggage could be effective. To add a more subtle and personalised touch to your love language, micromancing requires meticulous attention to detail. The practice of micromancing is a refreshing change from the current trend of mindless scrolling and superficial relationships; it serves as a reminder that true love and attraction aren't characterised by grand gestures but by the little, meaningful things that bring people together.

Put simply, return to the fundamentals! Micromancing is all about taking a closer look at the little things in your relationship that make it special. From sharing a poignant song that you shared in the past to doing an activity together or simply sitting in silence together—having a deep appreciation for the space you share. Micromancing is all about making every second count, but not in the fast-paced, hyper-stimulated way, but in a slower and more meaningful way.

The great thing about micromancing is that you don’t need to reserve this treatment for a romantic partner! Since micromancing is about refining your own universal love language, this can be a great way to show some love to your friends, parents, or even yourself!

Given it's right around the corner, here’s our take on showing ourselves a little more love on Valentine’s Week! 

13 Important Elements Of A Strong And Happy Relationship

Micromancing - Little tips that go a long way

Providing genuine praise

It only takes a sincere compliment to brighten someone's day. Anything that isn't narcissistic or overly dramatic will do. Instead, you might gain genuine and enduring popularity by expressing your admiration for someone's humour, vitality, and enthusiasm for life.

Understand their language 

Acknowledging when to back off and allow room is another aspect of micromanaging. Just as crucial as being considerate is knowing when to soften the impact of your gesture. Pay attention to the details the next time you're arranging a date or sending a text; it's the little things that frequently make a big difference.

Bringing tiny surprises to their lives

Send them a cup of hot soup through Swiggy when they're sick with the flu, surprise them with tickets to their favourite concert, or bring a box of mini muffins to their date.

Be intentional with your messaging 

Anyone who has used a dating app knows that the word "hey" is the most unattractive one a user can use. The goal of micromancing is to communicate with people through short, meaningful messages; these may be anything from a follow-up on a previous chat to suggestions for music or books that you think they might enjoy.

Posing thoughtful questions and actively listening

Ask the other person questions about themselves and their aspirations, and pay attention while they speak. Be sure to follow up with questions, give your thoughts, and express your interests. Just keep in mind that you don't want to come across as narcissistic or mansplaining, so it's important to keep your voice down.

Is micromancing changing the game?

It's easy to overlook the minor aspects of relationships in our fast-paced, technologically driven world. Micromancing reminds us to slow down, be present, and cherish the small, everyday moments that bring us joy and connection. Some see micromancing as a real way to cultivate love and grow closer to our partner.

While this sounds great, would we be sceptical to assume that micromancing might just be a cute way to plaster over bare minimum expectations from a healthy relationship? Well, its up to the chronically online folks to decide whether this dating trend stays in or out, but micromancing seems like a great idea to put off all the pressure that comes with modern dating. It is a great reminder that the conceited facade of being put together 24x7 and having the “best date” that looks good on Instagram is far less important than deepening actual connection. Regardless of the debate, micromancing appears to be resonating with modern daters. The trend reflects a move towards more sustainable, everyday romance, instead of depending on occasional extravagant displays.

Wondering if micromancing right for your casual relationship? Here’s our take on casual flings to help you out! Micromancing is humanising modern dating, and we are here for it! So go on, write a little note, whisper sweet nothings, and enjoy renewed connection with your partner—or yourself this Valentine’s Day!