India, Sept. 11 -- 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. 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. Psychologist Arpita Kohli of PSRI Hospital explains, "Self-partnering fulfils the need for emotional security, acceptance, and resilience. It helps one validate their worth without depending on external approval. For many, it reduces loneliness and creates the understanding that fulfilment can come from within." However, self-partnering is starkly different from sologamy, or self-marriage, which often involve vows. It can be better understood as a mindset wherein people give themselves with the same care and attention as a partner - setting personal goals, protecting boundaries or taking time to rest. Younger generations have been quick to adopt self-partnering. The past decade has seen Gen Z and millennials prioritise therapy and wellness over traditional timelines. This was further accelerated at the height of pandemic, as months of isolation pushed people to reflect on their priorities and experiment with living alone. Social media has further amplified the trend, making independence and self-care aspirational goals. As Kohli puts it, "People who are self-partnered are also more likely to focus on physical wellbeing, rest, and healthy eating." The reasons vary. Some see it as an empowering step that creates space for careers, wellness goals, or creative passions. Others adopt self-partnering as a form of avoidance, shaped by fear of rejection or vulnerability. This difference matters, Kohli tells us. "The question is whether this choice comes from empowerment or fear. That is what decides whether self-partnering improves wellbeing or becomes a way to escape." Echoing the sentiment, relationship expert Lovepreet Singh notes, "People are no longer defining happiness only through milestones such as marriage or cohabitation. Self-partnering allows them to create their own benchmarks for fulfilment, which can be liberating."...