Life is full of decisions, some of which impact only ourselves, while others ripple out to affect those around us. Often, these choices are deeply personal, but they can still catch others off guard—especially when they come from someone in the public eye.
Take Emma Watson, for example. Widely recognized for her iconic role in the *Harry Potter* films, Watson recently opened up about her relationship status, sparking curiosity and conversation. Her revelation? She identifies as "self-partnered."
In a world where new labels and terms seem to emerge constantly, Watson introduced this unique concept back in 2019, leaving many puzzled at the time. She clarified her perspective, explaining:
"I never believed the whole ‘I’m happy single’ spiel. I was like, ‘This is totally spiel.’ It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”
Watson went on to share that while she does date, she doesn’t commit to one specific person. She also revealed that dating apps aren’t her thing, preferring to meet people through friends.
"I’m very lucky in the sense that because I went to university and because I’ve done these other things outside of film, my friends are really good at setting me up. Really good. And what’s really nice is some of my best friends are people I got set up on a date with, and it didn’t work out,” she added.
Since Watson’s revelation, the term "self-partnered” has gained traction. California-based psychologist Carla Marie Manly, for instance, has embraced the concept. She describes it as a state of being where an individual feels complete and fulfilled within themselves, without relying on a romantic partner for happiness.
"A self-partnered person would feel whole and fulfilled within the self and does not feel compelled to seek fulfillment through having another person as a partner,” Manly explained. "To be truly self-partnered, one must often invest a great deal of time and energy on personal development.”
Being self-partnered doesn’t mean ruling out marriage or dating altogether. Instead, it reflects a commitment to prioritizing self-growth and personal well-being above all else. While the idea itself isn’t entirely new, the term "self-partnered” offers a fresh and intriguing way to describe this mindset.
Watson’s openness has not only sparked conversations but also encouraged others to embrace their own paths, whether partnered or self-partnered. It’s a reminder that fulfillment can come from within, and sometimes, the most important relationship we nurture is the one with ourselves.
