Emma Watson has revealed she’s “very happy” being single, adding that she’s coined a new term to describe her relationship status: self-partnered.
“I never believed the whole ‘I’m happy single’ spiel,” she said in an interview with
British Vogue. “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.”
The actor’s rebranding has had a mixed reaction; while Piers Morgan scoffed at the phrase, others are more open to using it.
Nicola Slawson, who runs the newsletter The Single Supplement, says she “doesn’t hate” the term self-partnered, but isn’t against calling a spade a spade.
“I can see that a new word might help remove some of the stigma, but I actually don’t mind the word single. ‘Singleton’, on the other hand, can be put in the bin,” she tells HuffPost UK.For Slawson, being single was a conscious decision after a “truly disastrous relationship”.
“I would like a partner eventually, but I’m not willing to settle or compromise myself again,” she says. “Being single feels really empowering. Plus it is great to be able to sleep like a starfish because I always get the bed all to myself!”
Whatever you choose to call it – single or self-partnered – flying solo has its perks. Here, six more
Women share what they love about it.Related... I Gave Up On Love And It Was One Of The Best Decisions I Ever Made A thriving social life 💃“I love the term self-partnered so much and wish I’d coined it myself. Being single has a massive stigma attached and I’ve never really understood why. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on any part of life – or that my life is less fulfilled – because I’m single. I think a lot of people just don’t spend enough time focusing on their own mental wellbeing. I have a thriving social life, spend time with friends and enjoy going out and meeting new people, too.” – Hannah Crofts, 25, Leeds No holiday compromises 🏝“I love being selfish when it comes to making plans or holidays. Of course it’s nice having a companion, but it also means I don’t have to compromise when I go somewhere for dinner or make travel plans. I spent a week in Copenhagen walking around by myself, eating brunch and visiting little boutiques without needing to split my time in two with someone else.” – Kara Godfrey, 27, London Rediscovering yourself 💗“I’m newly single after separating from my husband 15 months ago. I think relationships can sometimes make you lose yourself – what you love doing and what makes you happy. When you’re single you have time to rediscover yourself. It’s important to know that you are enough, alone.” – Helen McCusker, 36, HampshireFull access to the TV 📺“I enjoy not having to check in with somebody else – that allows for spontaneity and freedom of choice. My life is entirely my own. And, after time with a very uncompromising ex, that is not something I take for granted. Also, never underestimate the joy of having sole control of the TV remote!” Carla Linford, 40, LincolnshireDecorating however you want 🏠“I’m no longer single but was for so long, and there are so many perks. I bought my dream home, a little cottage in the ‘city’. I sanded the floors, painted the walls and some floors, made all the curtains and all the soft furnishings. I went on sewing courses and also did a DIY course on how to do things around the house that ‘men usually do’. I was so happy I was single because I could do all of that and give no explanations.” – Maria de Sousa, 47, Kent Feeling empowered 💪“For me it’s empowering to know that my happiness, my sense of completeness and self-worth is my own; I’m responsible for it and no one else. I am enough to fulfil my own life. If I meet someone else who adds something to that, and brings something to the table, that’s great. But I don’t need to rely on anyone else for it.” – Tess, AberdeenREAD MORE: This Is What Therapists Tell People Who Are Sick Of Being Single 11 Things Everyone Learns When They Are Single Emma Watson Is Backing This New
Sexual Harassment Helpline For Women At Work