John Mayer is basically the world’s most famous bachelor. For years, he’s been the guy who writes the songs your ex-girlfriend still cries to, while simultaneously being the guy who can’t seem to stay out of the tabloids. But lately? It’s been different. The "sexual napalm" era is ancient history.
If you’re wondering if John Mayer is dating anyone right now, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s more of a "it’s complicated, but there’s a very specific name on everyone’s lips."
The Kat Stickler Connection
Starting in late 2025 and carrying right into early 2026, all signs have pointed toward Kat Stickler. If you spend any time on TikTok, you know exactly who she is. She’s funny, she’s 30, and she’s got that self-deprecating humor that John apparently finds irresistible.
They were first spotted together in October 2025. It wasn't just a casual coffee run either. We're talking back-to-back nights in New York City. They hit up private members-only spots like Flyfish Club and some exclusive lounges where they were described as "very touchy."
Honestly, it makes sense. John has been saying for a while now that he’s looking for someone who "knows what to do" and values vulnerability. Kat, who co-parents her daughter MK with her ex-husband, has built an entire brand on being real.
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Are they still together?
As of January 2026, they haven't exactly walked a red carpet together. That’s not really John’s vibe anymore. But the rumors haven't died down. Sources close to the situation say John was the one who "sought her out." He was the one texting her and inviting her out.
While Kat initially told people she didn't think it would be "serious," the fact that they’re still the primary subject of his dating life months later suggests there might be more "upward mobility" there than she first let on.
The New "Marriage or Nothing" Rule
John turned 48 recently. He’s in a different headspace. During a live taping of the SmartLess podcast with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, he dropped a truth bomb that changed how people look at his dating life.
He basically said he’s done with casual flings.
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"I would not date someone if it didn't have the upward mobility of becoming a marriage," Mayer said. "Every girlfriend would be a potential wife at this point."
That’s a huge shift from the guy who was linked to basically every A-lister in the 2010s. He’s looking for a "reliability kink." He wants to be the guy a wife can call when she needs something handled. It’s a very "fully-fledged grown-up" romantic fantasy, as he put it.
Why He Doesn't Date Like He Used To
If you're looking for a laundry list of new girlfriends, you're going to be disappointed. Ever since John got sober nearly a decade ago, his approach to women has changed. He’s admitted that he doesn't have that "liquid courage" anymore.
Meeting people is harder when you’re not hanging out at bars until 3 a.m.
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Plus, he’s hyper-aware of his reputation. He’s called himself "America’s ex-boyfriend." He knows that when he starts dating someone, the internet immediately starts a countdown or brings up his past with Taylor Swift or Jennifer Aniston. He’s trying to avoid the circus.
Recent Sightings and False Alarms
- Kiernan Shipka: There was a lot of noise about her for a while. They were seen at San Vicente Bungalows and Bird Streets Club in LA. But honestly? It seems like they were just part of the same social circle. No one has seen them together in a romantic context for quite some time now.
- The "Mystery Veterinarian": Before Kat Stickler, there were whispers about John dating a non-famous vet. Those rumors cooled off fast by late 2025.
- Minka Kelly: Every few years, people try to link them back together because they stayed friendly. But they’re just that—friends.
What's Next for John?
John is currently busy with a massive international tour, including stops in Mumbai and Bahrain. His concert in Mumbai was actually just pushed to February 2026. When he’s on the road, he tends to be pretty solitary. He’s focused on the guitar, the gear, and the performance.
So, if he and Kat are "thing," it’s likely a long-distance situation right now.
If you want to keep tabs on his relationship status, stop looking at the gossip mags and start looking at the small details. Look at who he's following on Instagram (Kat Stickler followed him back recently, which is the modern-day equivalent of a promise ring). Watch for those "soft launch" posts on TikTok where you might hear a very familiar, raspy voice in the background of a video.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the digital trail: John doesn't do paparazzi strolls anymore. If he's dating someone, they'll likely show up in the background of a friend's Instagram Story first.
- Listen to the lyrics: John is currently in his "Sob Rock" and post-solo-tour era. New music usually drops hints about his emotional state way before a press release does.
- Check the tour vibes: If he starts dedicating specific songs or changing setlists in certain cities, it's usually a nod to someone in the wings.
John Mayer might be single on paper, but he's clearly "in the market" with a very high bar for entry.