Emma Watson, the beloved actress known for her roles in Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast, has revisited and clarified her widely discussed term “self-partnered.” In a recent cover story for British Vogue, the 33-year-old star provided deeper insight into what she meant when she first used the phrase in a 2019 interview, addressing some of the misinterpretations that have arisen over the years.
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The Origin of “Self-Partnered”
Back in 2019, Watson, in another interview with British Vogue, offered the term “self-partnered” while discussing her single status. At the time, she was navigating the single life, despite rumors linking her to Leo Robinton. Her comments were a declaration of contentment and a shift in perspective on being unmarried as she approached her 30th birthday.
“I never believed the whole ‘I’m happy single’ spiel,” Watson admitted in 2019. “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.” This statement quickly went viral, sparking conversations and interpretations around the globe about what it means to be “self-partnered.”
Clarification in 2023: Evolving Meaning
Now, years later, Emma Watson has expanded on her definition in her latest British Vogue interview. She clarifies that “self-partnered” wasn’t simply about celebrating being single, but represented a more profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Having experienced more relationships and personal evolution since her initial statement, Watson’s current perspective offers a richer understanding of the term.
Self-Care and Personal Growth
Watson explained that reaching the age of 30 was a pivotal moment of realization. “Getting to the point when I was 30, I was realising: ‘Oh, maybe I’ve figured out some things about how to care for myself better – maybe quite well, actually.’ And taking pride in that,” she shared. For Watson, “self-partnered” became synonymous with acknowledging and celebrating the progress she had made in understanding and nurturing herself. It was about self-care, self-love, and recognizing her own capabilities independently of a romantic relationship.
The Importance of Community
Beyond her personal relationship status, Watson also emphasized the crucial role of community in her life, particularly in recent times. Reflecting on the period following the Covid-19 pandemic, she highlighted the significance of human connection and support systems. “Coming out of Covid, I really understood the importance of building community, having community and investing, very intentionally, time and energy into that.” This shift in focus underscores her belief that personal well-being is deeply intertwined with the strength of one’s community and social bonds.
Beyond Relationships: Emma Watson’s Broader Activism
Emma Watson’s passions extend beyond her personal life into broader global issues, notably sustainability and ethical fashion. Her commitment to environmental activism is well-documented, from championing second-hand and repurposed outfits on red carpets to serving on Kering’s board of directors, chairing the sustainability committee.
Watson’s activism is not a recent endeavor. She has long advocated for sustainable practices in the fashion industry, even when met with skepticism. “I would work with stylists and people would literally laugh at me – they thought this was some silly thing that I’d forget about,” Watson recounted. Despite facing discouragement, she has remained steadfast in her commitment, understanding that meaningful change requires time and perseverance. Her journey reflects a broader understanding that personal choices and public advocacy can contribute to significant global impact.
In conclusion, Emma Watson’s clarification of “self-partnered” reveals a deeper meaning beyond just being single. It’s a recognition of self-care, personal growth, and the importance of community. Furthermore, her ongoing activism highlights her commitment to using her platform for positive change, reinforcing her role as not just a celebrated actress but also a thoughtful and engaged global citizen.
