Emma Watson and Many Others Are Saying They Aren't Single, But "Self-Partnered"

   By SheSpeaksTeam  Nov 18, 2019

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If the term ‘single’ sounds wrong or has negative connotations for you, there may be a new way of talking about your relationship status that feels more accurate. The actress Emma Watson recently referred to herself as “self-partnered” and the term appears to be trending with those who feel happy and fulfilled without a significant other by their side.

NBC News reports about Emma Watson’s recent declaration in a Vogue interview that she is “self-partnered” and how the term has become popular with many who find it to be a more positive way of talking about their relationship status. Watson, who is almost 30 years old, explains how the term feels right to her at this moment in time. She says, “It took me a long time, but I'm very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”

So, is being “self-partnered” merely just a meaningless new buzzword of the month? Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly explains that the new term is actually a very healthy way of seeing yourself. Manly says, “Self-partnering focuses on the ideal of being happy and complete as a solo individual. 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.” She also says, self-partnered people are probably more self-aware and comfortable in their own skin. Manly explains, “To be truly self-partnered, one must often invest a great deal of time and energy on personal development.”

Though being “self-partnered” doesn’t mean dating is off the table, Manly explains that this type of relationship status also comes with positive aspects like focusing more on self-goals and having more emotional energy to spend on friends and family. The constant focus on finding a mate is removed so that the person is free of the “social burden of needing to find a partner”. Learning to love spending more time by yourself can also be a goal of “self partnering”. Manly explains, “Although it’s normal and healthy to want to be with others, it’s important to also nurture feeling at ease without others - and loving your time alone.” She adds, “Whether it’s eating out solo, going to a movie alone, reading books, or volunteering on your own, your self-esteem grows when you consciously learn to love your own company.”

What do you think of the trending relationship status known as “self-partnered”?

Do you think being “self-partnered” is a better term to describe someone who is not focused on finding a partner?