Moving beyond unrealistic, flashy gestures, as seen in movies and on screen, people are now ‘micromancing’ their way into companionships. Waiting for a partner to serenade you or woo you through grand gestures is a matter of the past.
Micromancing is the trend of expressing your love through small, thoughtful gestures instead of grand romantic gestures. These everyday acts of affection can help build deeper connections and strengthen bonds.
It is also about remembering the small intricate details and the little things that bring joy and reminiscence of some happy memories or feelings. While traditional romantic gestures are elaborate, need extensive planning, and are costly. It could be small gestures like sending each other memes or sharing each others’ favorite bar of chocolate.
Dr. Ambarish Ghosh, a consultant psychiatrist at CMRI explains, “People nowadays have become busier and also whimsical. They prefer being reminded every day of the emotions and love from their partners rather than wait for their anniversary or birthdays.”
Small gestures make partners feel loved every day and make them realise that their partner cares for even the minute things which makes them happy. “It’s also much more feasible and takes little effort and the fact that the person is in their thoughts at all times,” says Dr Ghosh.
Micromancing is not erasing the monumental moments in a romance. Rather, it introduces smaller ways to care for your partner through attention and affection. These gestures could be as small as leaving a sweet note, sharing playlists, or taking a morning coffee walk together.
Dr Ghosh remarks, “Couples can keep micromancing alive in long-term relationships by going back to their courtship period and remembering the small intricate details which used to bring a smile to their partner’s face and things which used to make them have instant gratification.”
“Micromance is about the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline on a regular basis which keeps you euphoric on most days,” says Dr. Ghosh. 49% of Gen Z singles surveyed believe that bonding over shared interests, however niche or quirky, is a form of intimacy. It’s all about embracing the bizarre and sharing common interests.
Bringing back the child in you and joy in the smaller things while not affecting each other’s daily schedule and professional life is the key to a strong relationship. In today’s era when relationships are very fragile and people go through multiple relationships before settling down, micromancing helps them both express their love, yet is pocket-friendly.