Emma Watson, known for her captivating acting and thought-provoking statements, is revisiting her iconic term “self-partnered.”
The phrase, which sparked global conversation back in 2019, has intrigued fans and sparked debates about its deeper meaning.
In a recent interview with *British Vogue*, Watson delved into what she truly meant by the term and offered fresh insights on her life choices.
In 2019, as Watson approached her 30th birthday, she expressed anxiety over the societal expectations associated with the milestone.
She reflected on the pressure to have a husband, children, and a stable career, all by the time one hits 30.
“There’s just this incredible amount of anxiety,” Watson said, referring to the pressures she faced.
To cope with this stress, Watson introduced the term “self-partnered” to describe her relationship status.
At the time, she admitted she had never bought into the “I’m happy single” narrative, believing it to be disingenuous.
“It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [to be single],” she explained, stating she prefers to call it being “self-partnered.”
The phrase resonated with many, offering a fresh perspective on singlehood and independence that seemed to challenge societal norms.
However, in her December 2023 interview, Watson sought to clarify what she meant by “self-partnered.”
Now 34, she explained that the term wasn’t meant to glorify singlehood but was more about personal growth.
“Maybe I’ve figured out some things about how to care for myself better,” Watson said, emphasizing her pride in self-care.
Her statement was less about rejecting love and more about embracing her ability to stand strong on her own.
Watson’s journey of independence extends beyond her relationship status, touching her professional life as well.
Since her last acting role in 2018, she has directed a short film for Prada and co-founded a gin business with her brother, Alex.
These projects highlight Watson’s ability to thrive in various creative and entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing her personal growth.
Yet, Watson emphasized that “self-partnership” doesn’t equate to isolation, especially in light of the pandemic.
“Coming out of Covid, I really understood the importance of building community,” she explained in the interview.
Her realization about the value of relationships with friends and family has become a key part of her evolving perspective.
Additionally, Watson has continued to champion sustainability and eco-conscious fashion, highlighting industry issues.
She raised concerns about the waste generated by 100 billion garments each year, advocating for sustainable change.
“I expected the world would change overnight, but I’ve learned that change takes time,” she added, acknowledging the challenges.
While fans celebrated her “self-partnered” stance, media outlets have continuously speculated on her dating life.
Rumors linked Watson to American businessman Leo Robinton around 2019, though she kept her private life under wraps.
Despite her clarity on self-partnership, recent reports indicate she hasn’t closed herself off to love.
Since July 2024, Watson has reportedly been dating fellow Oxford University student Kieran Brown.
Watson’s clarification on being “self-partnered” comes with a nuanced message about independence and self-growth.
She made it clear that her statement was not a rejection of relationships but rather a celebration of her personal journey.
As Watson continues to focus on creativity, community, and sustainability, her evolving life choices inspire many.
Ultimately, her message is simple: live life at your own pace, whether partnered or self-partnered.
Feature Image Credit: (Warner Bros)
