The Big Returns Of Micro Love Doses
As expressing love via BIG gestures seems the buzz, experts stress on the importance of micro-mance — tiny, genuine acts of love and appreciation
By : Roseina Coutinho
Update: 2025-07-26 16:22 GMT
In the age of grand proposals and larger-than-life Instagram-worthy getaway stories, lies a quiet world of Micro-mancing. It’s a form of dating where a relationship is built on small, consistent actions that show care, presence and love. Simply put, tiny thoughtful gestures that show love, respect and appreciation are in the spotlight. Micro-mancing moves far beyond big, flashy moments usually portrayed in movies or on social media.
One Step At A Time
“Micro-mancing to me, is all about those tiny, thoughtful gestures that may look small from the outside, but feel huge emotionally,” says Sarika Shukla, a Counselling Psychologist & Emotional Confidence Coach. Sarika explains, “It’s not about any grand declarations of love but those micro-moments that say, ‘I notice you. I care.”
Think of this as building a house together. Placing each brick tenderly yet with love and warmth. It’s more about making the other feel seen, valued and emotionally safe. Sarika opines that when you constantly show up even despite the tide, trust grows. Sarika adds, “Especially in long-term relationships, micro-mancing can do wonders!”
Slow & Steady
Modern relationships have a short shelf-life. They tend to (sadly) be increasingly time-starved and distracted. One wrong move, and the other gets thrown out. Also, with life moving at a breakneck speed, big date nights or extravagant surprises can feel unrealistic- or worse, even performative. But small actions? These are like fixed deposits! Sustainable and reliable.
Dr Archana Nanduri, Director at Vidyaranya Counselling Centre from Hyderabad says, “In my experience with couples, many don’t fall apart due to major conflict, they slowly drift because they stop showing up for each other in small ways.”
It’s here that micro-mancing brings that warmth and tenderness back into the everyday rhythm of life. Couples should also be mindful that micro-mancing isn’t a choice that fades off post the honeymoon period. It’s an active decision pursued every day. Dr Archana says, “It’s very real and necessary especially in long-term relationships especially because we assume that love speaks for itself, but actions do matter.” Long story short: Micro-mancing isn’t about romantic fluff and bluff, it’s about couples building a bond that sustains and stands the test of time. It’s about clinging onto the other even when the going gets chaotic and tough. Why? Because, it matters.
Across The Spectrum
Love isn’t confined to age. However, couples along the age spectrum may express differently. Sarika says, “Younger couples definitely seem more vocal and expressive when it comes to micro-mancing.” Sarika opines this to happen as they tend to be more emotionally expressive though may lack emotional depth and maturity.
Older couples on the other hand don’t need to be nudged into micro-mancing. She says, “They have been doing this even before the term existed!” From checking on their partner to see if the other has taken their medicine or offering a warm blanket while watching TV. Micro-mancing has always been there and has transcended beyond age and groups. Dr Archana shares that younger couples usually engage in more modern-trendy ways
of sharing love. For instance, they may send memes, voice notes or share playlists. While older couples may choose gestures such as quietly refilling the other’s bottle before sleeping, making each other a cup of tea or coffee, or humming an old favourite song on a quiet evening.
Dr Archana opines that in most Indian families, love is often expressed through care rather than words. She quips, “Micro-mancing in many ways is how we’ve always loved and cared for the other, we are just giving it a name now.”
Big Love, Small Packages
While the spark that big moments get is undeniable. Micro-mancing is more about filling those emotional gaps and blanks so as to constantly nurture the relationship. In a world obsessed with more- more attention, more drama, more tantrums — micro-mancing is a quiet rebellion to most of what couples practice today. It’s the art of showing up which doesn’t demand or shouts but whispers: ‘It’s okay. I see you. I care.’ Sometimes, silent gestures of love leave the loudest echoes!
“Micro-mancing to me, is all about those tiny, thoughtful gestures that may look small from the outside, but feel huge emotionally,” says Sarika Shukla, a Counselling Psychologist & Emotional Confidence Coach. Sarika explains, “It’s not about any grand declarations of love but those micro-moments that say, ‘I notice you. I care.”
Think of this as building a house together. Placing each brick tenderly yet with love and warmth. It’s more about making the other feel seen, valued and emotionally safe. Sarika opines that when you constantly show up even despite the tide, trust grows. Sarika adds, “Especially in long-term relationships, micro-mancing can do wonders!”
Slow & Steady
Modern relationships have a short shelf-life. They tend to (sadly) be increasingly time-starved and distracted. One wrong move, and the other gets thrown out. Also, with life moving at a breakneck speed, big date nights or extravagant surprises can feel unrealistic- or worse, even performative. But small actions? These are like fixed deposits! Sustainable and reliable.
Dr Archana Nanduri, Director at Vidyaranya Counselling Centre from Hyderabad says, “In my experience with couples, many don’t fall apart due to major conflict, they slowly drift because they stop showing up for each other in small ways.”
It’s here that micro-mancing brings that warmth and tenderness back into the everyday rhythm of life. Couples should also be mindful that micro-mancing isn’t a choice that fades off post the honeymoon period. It’s an active decision pursued every day. Dr Archana says, “It’s very real and necessary especially in long-term relationships especially because we assume that love speaks for itself, but actions do matter.” Long story short: Micro-mancing isn’t about romantic fluff and bluff, it’s about couples building a bond that sustains and stands the test of time. It’s about clinging onto the other even when the going gets chaotic and tough. Why? Because, it matters.
Across The Spectrum
Love isn’t confined to age. However, couples along the age spectrum may express differently. Sarika says, “Younger couples definitely seem more vocal and expressive when it comes to micro-mancing.” Sarika opines this to happen as they tend to be more emotionally expressive though may lack emotional depth and maturity.
Older couples on the other hand don’t need to be nudged into micro-mancing. She says, “They have been doing this even before the term existed!” From checking on their partner to see if the other has taken their medicine or offering a warm blanket while watching TV. Micro-mancing has always been there and has transcended beyond age and groups. Dr Archana shares that younger couples usually engage in more modern-trendy ways
of sharing love. For instance, they may send memes, voice notes or share playlists. While older couples may choose gestures such as quietly refilling the other’s bottle before sleeping, making each other a cup of tea or coffee, or humming an old favourite song on a quiet evening.
Dr Archana opines that in most Indian families, love is often expressed through care rather than words. She quips, “Micro-mancing in many ways is how we’ve always loved and cared for the other, we are just giving it a name now.”
Big Love, Small Packages
While the spark that big moments get is undeniable. Micro-mancing is more about filling those emotional gaps and blanks so as to constantly nurture the relationship. In a world obsessed with more- more attention, more drama, more tantrums — micro-mancing is a quiet rebellion to most of what couples practice today. It’s the art of showing up which doesn’t demand or shouts but whispers: ‘It’s okay. I see you. I care.’ Sometimes, silent gestures of love leave the loudest echoes!