Manifest-Dating 101: Willing a Romance to Life

Despite our best efforts, some of us remain on the dating market. Even though it stings, it’s not all that bad. All the singles that overlooked you are the ones missing out anyway, so it’s their loss and not yours.

That said, some are pretty serious about getting out of singlehood. Is that a bad thing? No. It’s their choice to do so, and no other person should rain on their parade just because we don’t like what they’re doing.

In recent times, one way of changing their IRL (which, for the unaware, stands for in real life) relationship status is through manifest-dating. Yes, you read that right — manifest-dating.

This post-pandemic dating phenomenon means exactly what it says. Confused? Allow us to give a thorough explanation without using fancy vocabulary. Who knows — you may end up doing this yourself after reading this entry!

What on earth is manifest-dating?

Before we break manifest-dating down, how about we add some context for a clearer picture?

Manifesting, explained

Let’s start with the first word: manifest. Per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to manifest something means to “make evident or certain by showing or displaying.”

Going beyond its dictionary definition, manifesting isn’t an old concept at all. In fact, it dates back to the 19th century, courtesy of the New Thought spiritual movement. According to BBC religion reporter Sophia Smith Galer, the movement has spirituality and metaphysics on its high priority list.

Galer also says that the Law of Attraction (sounds familiar, anyone?) lies at the heart of manifesting. In case you need a refresher, the mantra believes that thoughts eventually become tangible things. For example, if you’re big on optimism, positive happenings will come your way. You see where this is going, yes?

Despite its old age, the concept’s popularity reached its heights in mid-2020 by way of TikTok. If you’re someone who’s updated on all things internet, you may have encountered it through tweets, short clips, and/or memes.

Dating in the context of manifesting

Now that we’ve explained what manifesting is, let’s bring the other syllable out: dating.

In the context of this post, manifest-dating means to speak one’s positive thoughts about their ideal partner into existence. Aside from their desire to change their single status, many singles have hopped on this bandwagon to have someone who deserves their heart.

To be fair to them, who wouldn’t want to attract their dream partner?

If you think this isn’t real, let the next few sentences prove you otherwise.

A recent survey conducted by a dating app reveals that 96% of its single participants struggle with pessimistic thoughts and self-sabotaging behavior with regard to their dating life. The most common fear is the doubt of their dates’ interest, clocking in at 38%.

Those are pretty sad statistics, yes? To that end, 63% of the participating users share that they want to give manifest-dating a shot to find someone who has the ideal qualities they’re looking for in a partner.

Fear not — there is some good news out of this research. 74% of the survey’s participants reveal that manifest-dating helped them fare better in their dating lives.

If you’re not too keen on manifesting romance, you may want to look at this next stat. 58% of the participants believe that they can attract and turn their dream situations into reality. If you think about it, this is in the same boat as manifesting.

How does one give manifest-dating a try?

Give these steps a shot as you try to attract romance. No stones, beads, candles, or incantations are necessary for this section.

Have some self-love

Before betting on another person (not literally, of course), don’t forget to do some self-investment. Although having romantic company is great, you don’t need to wait for another person to help you live your best life. Do what YOU want to do and spend time with people that matter to you.

Make your intentions clear

Approach your dates with an open mind and a happy demeanor. They should be fun for you just as much as it is for the other person.

Paint a picture of your vision

What are the principles and traits you want in your ideal partner? What are your deal breakers? You may want to lay them out on a dating/relationship vision board to give yourself some direction.

Make room

Do a gradual cleanup of your mental space to let new things and experiences in. Get rid of the messes so that the things you want in your dating life will remain there.

Don’t let your relationship status define you

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’re not worth someone’s time and effort. Who knows — someone may be manifesting you as we speak!

Friendly reminder: you deserve your shot at happiness in love. If you think manifest-dating will help you out with that, go for it!