CHOOSING YOURSELF: THE RISE OF SELF-PARTNERING

As conversations around self-partnering — treating oneself like a partner — emerge online, we ask experts to unpack the term’s popularity

- Navya Sharma

What if the most meaningful relationship you ever committed to was with yourself? That is the idea behind ‘self-partnering’. Now a social media phenomenon, the term has sparked debates online about what it means to love yourself and live independently.

The phrasing might make it sound frivolous, but psychologists and health experts suggest it reflects a broader cultural shift toward well-being, resilience, and personal happiness. Even research supports the idea: a 2024 study from the University of California found individuals practising self-compassion displayed lower levels of stress, healthier sleep patterns, and better recovery from illnesses.

BUT WHAT IS SELF-PARTNERING?

The phrase first gained attention in 2019, after actor Emma Watson stated in an interview that she preferred to describe herself as self-partnered instead of ‘single.’ Turning 30 at the time, Emma often faced questions about her relationship status. The actor later explained that she wanted to challenge the stigma around being unmarried after a certain age.