Why more number of young Indians are 'manifesting' the ideal partner

Despite our reservations attached to ‘manifestation' - the cosmic belief has found a footing among Gen Z and millennial dating pools. The "think it, get it" technique appears almost too idealistic but is emerging as a tool for intention-setting and self-fulfilment.

The faith system revolves around the active engagement of the mind to manifest a vision, idea or dream from the realm of thoughts into tangible reality. According to a recent survey by Tinder, 40 per cent of Indian youth believe manifesting is the new astrology. Additionally, there has been a 66 per cent rise in the use of the word 'manifestation' on bios of popular dating apps.

Why a growing interest in this transient philosophy, we ask?

Ravi Mittal - the founder and CEO of popular Indian dating app QuackQuack, tells Midday, "The increase in the use of 'manifestation' on dating app bios reflects a profound shift in the mindset of young daters. A rising number of young adults acknowledges the transformative power of the mind to shape one's destiny."

Mittal continues, "The direct observation of this trend shows that modern daters are not passively hoping for the best but are proactively developing their mindset to actuate its vision." So, how does manifestation work in the realm of dating? To find out, Midday.com racked the brains of a relationship expert, a psychologist, a counsellor and an astrologer. Here's what we found:

The role of manifestation in dating realms

When it comes to dating, the manifestation process plays a pivotal role by delving into the subconscious aspects of an individual's desires, opines Awasthi. Rather than relying on verbal expressions, true intentions are often revealed through subconscious behaviours. Those adept at articulating their genuine desires tend to navigate the dating landscape more effortlessly, finding partners that align with their authentic wants.

Here, manifestation acts as a bridging mechanism, urging individuals to openly communicate their subconscious desires and break away from societal expectations. It encourages a focus on partners who genuinely enhance one's life rather than conforming to societal norms. When approached sincerely, the manifestation process brings clarity, revealing that Indians, for instance, tend to manifest partners who support their professional goals and balance traditional values with contemporary lifestyles.

However, it's crucial to use manifestation authentically and avoid creating an unrealistic ideal partner, recognising that true clarity may not be achieved through conforming to external expectations set by family, peers or social media. "As young people look for ways to navigate modern challenges that come with dating, manifesting offers a practical and personal approach to shaping their reality," shares Dr. Madhu Kotiya - a New Delhi-based psychic counsellor and healer.

Alternatively, the rise in the use of 'manifestation' in dating app bios may be linked to the collective desire for intentional connections, shares Harshit Raj Vajpayee - a Vedic astrologer and spiritual Counsellor. Certain astrological transits might influence a more deliberate and focused approach to relationships, emphasising shared values and goals.

What to manifest while seeking a partner

When individuals seek a new romantic relationship, various psychological and emotional needs surface, shaping the desires and expectations of the partner. Awasthi shares factors to be considered while manifesting a romantic partner:

Security and trust
Embracing a relationship often stems from a fundamental need for security and trust. Individuals seek emotional safety in a partner, desiring someone with whom they can share vulnerabilities without fear of judgement. Trust forms the foundation of a healthy relationship, providing a sense of stability that is crucial for emotional well-being.

Connection and intimacy
The pursuit of connection and intimacy is a prevalent psychological need in relationships. Human beings crave meaningful connections and embracing a romantic relationship satisfies the innate desire for emotional closeness. The shared experiences, both positive and challenging, contribute to the deepening of emotional bonds and fulfilment of the need for intimacy.

Validation and self-worth
Embracing a relationship often fulfils the psychological need for validation and affirmation. Individuals seek acknowledgment and acceptance from their partners, as it contributes significantly to their sense of self-worth. Positive feedback and appreciation within a relationship can bolster self-esteem and create a supportive environment for personal growth.

Autonomy and independence
While relationships satisfy the need for connection, individuals also harbour a need for autonomy and independence. Striking a balance between togetherness and personal space is crucial. Embracing a relationship that respects individuality fosters a healthy emotional environment, allowing each partner to maintain a sense of self and pursue personal interests and goals.

Manifestation - a coping mechanism for young adults

For young people negotiating societal demands, career problems and personal growth in a dynamic environment, manifestation acts as a coping strategy and a proactive method, remarks Awasthi. It becomes a hands-on belief system that serves as a placebo effect to induce a sense of control over their destiny and future outcomes.

Manifestation is initiated, driven and controlled by its practitioner, providing a sense of agency for him to create his own story. It is a story of empowerment, giving one the power to actively create his or her reality with good thoughts and intentions, which appeals to those wanting to live life on their own terms.

This growing interest in manifesting can be attributed to a search for personal empowerment and control in a rapidly changing world. Unlike traditional astrology, which is often seen as deterministic and reliant on external celestial influences, manifesting empowers individuals by emphasising their internal power and intention.

It's a pragmatic approach, where one's thoughts and feelings are believed to directly influence their reality. This shift from external to internal control can be particularly appealing in today's self-driven, individualistic culture, tells Kotiya to Midday.

The downside of manifesting

The primary risk associated with manifestation arises when there's a plan in place but no subsequent action. Mere manifestation without tangible steps toward the set goals leads to unfulfilled aspirations. Depending solely on external factors for goal attainment may prove to be ineffective. Consequently, stress becomes a significant drawback, particularly when the manifestation is rooted in idealised representations prevalent on social media, altering perceptions and behaviour in relationships, often driven by a desire for public approval.

This approach may result in overlooking potential matches better suited to the individual while waiting for someone to meet unrealistic expectations. Another peril is the potential for delusion, wherein individuals dismiss red flags in the pursuit of a romantic relationship, making them vulnerable targets for scams.

To mitigate these risks, it's imperative to strike a balance between manifestation and a pragmatic understanding of relationships, recognising the need for effort and compromise. Staying grounded, trusting intuition, and addressing concerns during the manifestation process are essential for a healthier approach to relationships.

Expert-backed tips for manifestation

Exploring manifestation to enhance your relationships or dating experiences can be a transformative journey. Here are some practical tips to guide you along the way:

Write it down
Nothing brings clarity like putting pen to paper (or text on a screen). Be specific about what you want from the relationship and not just a partner - think about the feelings you would like to experience in an ideal relationship, the conversations you would like to have and the personal goals you would like to achieve. This will also help you understand the work you need to do on yourself to be able to achieve this relationship.

Affirmations and mindset
Use affirmations to reinforce positive beliefs about relationships. Affirmations can reshape your mindset and attract the energy you want. Create affirmations that reflect the love, respect and compatibility you aim for. Repeat them daily to instil these beliefs into your subconscious.

Self-Improvement and openness
Sometimes what we manifest may come to us rather indirectly - so be open to new experiences. Manifesting is not just about changing external circumstances but also about evolving internally with new experiences. Cultivate qualities that contribute to a healthy relationship, such as empathy, communication skills and emotional intelligence.

The impact of manifesting on the future of dating

As the practice of manifesting gains momentum, its impact on the future of Indian dating and relationships is poised to be significant, ushering in both challenges and opportunities.

Shift in expectations
The growing popularity of manifesting could lead to a shift in individuals' expectations of their relationships. People might become more intentional about their desires and preferences, fostering clarity in communication and compatibility.

This shift could contribute to healthier and more fulfilling connections. On the other hand, the practice of manifesting might also give rise to unrealistic expectations. To ensure a positive outcome, those manifesting should seek guidance and accept that a relationship is created through interaction and growth.

Increased focus on personal growth
Manifesting often involves setting intentions for personal growth and self-improvement. Couples may engage in mutual support for each other's aspirations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within relationships.

However, people may use their self-improvement goals to postpone or delay a commitment, without realising that self-improvement is a constant journey that doesn't need to be completed before getting into a relationship.

Integration of technology and dating apps

The rise of manifesting could influence the development of better dating apps and platforms in India. A swipe will no longer be considered an interaction, a match will no longer suffice as a date and dating apps will no longer be able to be just discovery platforms for seeing who is single.

These platforms will be required to incorporate features that allow users to align their intentions and preferences, facilitating more meaningful connections. More importantly, Awasthi opines that dating apps should focus on increasing actual interactions and ensuring that they provide a safe space for their users to express their needs in an ideal relationship.

Why manifesting is not new to Indians

Upon retrospection of Indian spiritual and philosophical literature, the term 'Sankalpa' comes to light. Found in ancient Vedic texts and Upanishads, it refers to the ‘compelling force of intention.' The technique has been mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, where it emphasises the power of intention and draws its dynamics from the law of attraction.

So, while it may be expressed through different mediums like yoga, meditation or just introspection - the practice is not alien to Indians. Certain prayers and rituals in multiple religions also offer a rundown approach to setting intentions, informs Saurabh Awasthi, the co-founder of the dating app Meet7.

Additionally, the famous dialogue by Shahrukh Khan in Om Shanti Om - "Once you make a decision, the entire universe conspires to make it happen," serves as a resounding affirmation. It sheds light on the action-oriented approach to improve one's immediate state, rather than getting overwhelmed by an unforeseeable future. Thus, the practice gives individuals a sense of autonomy and hope for a better life.