It is a truth universally acknowledged that Emma Watson is an inspiration. While she started her career playing the intelligent, badass and outspoken Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, we’re now beginning to wonder whether she grew up to be Hermione in real life. Ever since Harry Potter ended, Emma has been involved in multiple projects outside of acting, including becoming the UN Women goodwill ambassador and advocating for women’s rights in general.
But, what makes audiences love her is her realness–her life isn’t all about red carpets and charity galas–she worries about the same things any other millennial in their late 20s would worry about. In a recent interview with an international publication, Emma opened up about the societal pressure on women to ‘have it all’ by the time they hit the big 3-0!
Sharing that she suffered from the same anxieties about turning 30, she said, “If you have not built a home, if you do not have a husband, if you do not have a baby, and you are turning 30, and you’re not in some incredibly secure, stable place in your career, or you’re still figuring things out … There’s just this incredible amount of anxiety.”
Her words certainly resonate with us, especially when it comes to the unrealistic amount of pressure women in our society have to deal with when it comes to getting married. Women, especially in India, are not taught how to be happy by themselves–we’ve all grown up being told that we’re not ‘complete’ till we have our ‘prince charming’. But the truth of the matter is, having the ability to feel completely fulfilled by yourself is a beautiful feeling, but it’s not easy and takes a lot of strenght and effort.
And then there’s the stigma attached to the label of being ‘single’–because over the years, ‘single’ somehow became the synonym for ‘unhappy’ and ‘lonely’. Throwing all those societal standards out of the window, Emma decided to do away with the term altogether and rid herself of the negativity attached to it. She said, “It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”
Can we just take a minute to appreciate the genius of the term ‘self-partnered’? Emma cleverly clapped-back at everyone who keeps repeating the mantra ‘you need a partner’. Well, guess what, nosey-aunty-who-lives-two-buildings-away? If Emma Watson can be her own partner, so can I!
Of course, single people on the internet were happy with this new revelation, and wasted no time in hailing the concept of being self-partnered on Twitter:
I like this #selfpartnered concept.
It is simpler and more comfortable being on your own, doing your own thing. Happiness is more easily attainable. It all comes back to self-love and being content on your own with yourself, an important place to be at mentally and emotionally.
— Hot Bot (@LuxeGiorgio) 5 November 2019
Can’t wait to throw the I am #SelfPartnered to certain family members and watch them literally choke on air, because I refuse to accept the “you need a rich man with a fast car to look after you” backwards thinking.
— Helen Lambert (@HRLambert) 5 November 2019
All about being 'self partnered', I'm happy and single. Just because I'm nearing 30 does not mean I need to be married with kids. Thanks for coining this phrase Emma Watson ❤️
— Hannah Tucker (@h_tucks) 5 November 2019
So the next time that judgy aunty asks you “shaadi ka kya socha hai“, give her a sweet smile, tell her that you’re ‘self-partnered’, and walk away as she tries to figure out what you just said.
As always…Hermione saves the day!
Featured Image: Instagram
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