Remember when Emma Watson hit the headlines last year for using the term ‘self-partnered’ as opposed to ‘single’?
In a move which, let’s be honest, rivalled Gwyneth Paltrow’s use of the term ‘conscious uncoupling’ back in 2014, Emma adopted the ‘self-partnered’ tag while tapping into the less than subtle narrative which surrounds single women of a certain age.
Speaking candidly to British Vogue, she told the publication that while she wasn’t immune to societal pressures, she was doing her utmost to drown out the noise, saying: “It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”
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Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on my British Vogue cover. ❤️??
According to Emma (and reinforced by women everywhere), the pressure to hit certain milestones definitely intensified as she approached her 30th birthday.
And five months on from that highly-publicised interview, that particular birthday has arrived.
Yep, that’s right; the kid that played Hermione Granger is now 30 – and you’re officially old.
So in honour of the self-partnered actress (and the status which made headlines all over the world) we have decided to compile a list of some of her more memorable quotes.
1. Let’s kick off with a speech she delivered as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador as part of the HeForShe campaign in 2014.
“I have realised that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.”
2. Oh, and the speech also contained this gem.
“Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.”
3. Speaking to Vanity Fair about the importance of listening to your gut.
“What’s the point of achieving great success if you feel like you’re losing your freakin’ mind?”
4. Oh, and remember when she told everyone to get on OMGYes. Like immediately, if not sooner?
“There’s a website called OMGYes. It’s based on research which is a complete study on female sexuality and it’s a pretty cool website. I wish it had been around longer. Definitely check it out. It’s an expensive subscription… but it’s worth it.”
5. When she told Vanity Fair how she strikes a balance between life in the spotlight and life at home.
“I’ve often thought, I’m so wrong for this job because I’m too serious; I’m a pain in the ass; I’m difficult; I don’t fit.” But as I’ve got older, I’ve realised, No! Taking on those battles, the smaller ones and the bigger ones, is who I am.”
6. And what about the time her fake ‘Times Up’ tattoo was dragged for being grammatically incorrect? Well, she took it like a pro.
“Fake tattoo proofreading position available. Experience with apostrophes a must.”
7. On her role as Meg March in Little Women.
“With Meg’s character, her way of being a feminist is making the choice — because that’s really, for me anyway, what feminism is about. Her choice is that she wants to be a full-time mother and wife.”
8. And finally…
“Feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like. I promise.”
