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Topics: UK News, Sex and Relationships, Books, Valentine's Day, Tinder, Technology, Film and TV, Instagram
Liv Bridge
Topics: UK News, Sex and Relationships, Books, Valentine's Day, Tinder, Technology, Film and TV, Instagram
There's a new dating trend called 'micromancing' which relationship gurus are urging people to be aware of.
As if there's not enough things to be concerned about when tiptoeing into the dating minefield, from spotting subtle red flags to surviving the trenches of swiping apps, there's new terminology on the scene for 2025 to wrap your head around. And if you've somehow forgotten, Valentine's Day looms just around the corner, too.
Fortunately, celebrity life coach and British relationship expert, Anna Williamson, has parachuted in just in time to give us the lowdown on the hottest dating trends that might bag you a date this February 14 - and for all the V-days that follow.
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One such trend concerns 'micromancing', a term highlighted by the dating app Bumble in its 'hot-take' predictions for 2025.
But the founder of The Relationship Place app says isn't as scary as it sounds - and could be 'the way to win your lovers heart' this year.
Interestingly, it's not about big declarations or huge gestures like bouquets of flowers, but something a little easier, cheaper and quicker to do.
Citing Bumble's 2025 dating report, Williamson explained: "From embracing the cringe, the PDAs and the rom-coms, romance is making a comeback for 2025.
"Over half of British women are self-proclaimed romance lovers and a lack of romance is having a real detrimental effect on their dating lives.
"Instead of grand gestures, it seems as though people are embracing the joy of micromancing - expressing your interest through small gestures that have a big impact."
The mom, who appears on Celebs Go Dating and has written a book about dating, Where is the love? The honest guide to dating and relationships, explained there could be more power in the little things.
She continued: "In fact the majority of singles now agree that they show their love and affection by doing the small things such as sharing a meme, a playlist, or sharing an inside joke.
"So it turns out you don't need to win over your crush by sending a massive expensive bunch of flowers - I mean you can if you like - but all you actually need to do is send them a cute little meme."
She then asked her 470,000 Instagram followers what they think of the trend, and it's left some people quite divided.
Dozens said the small gestures amounted to 'flirting currency' and said they are 'so important'.
For example, one woman said she appreciates small texts from her married partner such as 'our song came on the radio' instead of a huge bouquet of flowers.
Another wrote: "I'm here for the cute little gestures, they mean far more to me than grand gestures or expensive things."
However, others were apparently more inclined to be wooed by the big box of chocolates or gifts.
"So the bare minimum has a name now," wrote one critic of micromancing, "Got it."