Married To Yourself?
In the whimsical realm of unconventional celebrations, Laura Mesi, an Italian trailblazer, delighted her guests in 2017 by tying the knot with none other than herself. Picture the perfect ceremony complete with an officiant, a stunning gown, a three-tiered cake, and a dance floor exclusively reserved for her. While Mesi's matrimonial feat marked a first in Italy, she certainly wasn't the first to embark on this extraordinary journey. When Vogue U.S asked her why she chose to exchange vows with herself, Mesi eloquently clarified that she wasn't a narcissist, celibate, or asexual. Instead, she sought to commemorate the marvel of self-love in a profoundly symbolic way.
"To marry myself was to declare that I embrace all facets of my being, even the less picturesque ones like jealousy or occasional bouts of melancholy," Mesi explained with a hint of charm.
Now, let's face it—social media has somewhat worn out the phrase "self-love," rendering it cheugy by 2022 standards. Nevertheless, at the core of this overused expression lies an idea that our humble establishment ardently believes is vital for a joyous and fruitful existence. Therefore, we set out to revitalise our comprehension of self-love by consulting my family to glean their personal perspectives on the matter.
Here are a few of the heartfelt responses we received:
"I understand it as accepting negative feelings about yourself as simply thoughts and not allowing them to have any further meaning than that." – Steve,30
"I have a benchmark of how I believe people should treat me and it's reflective of what I believe I deserve. It has never wavered for me, even if I don't get the respect I deserve I still believe that I do deserve it." – Sheena, 38
"To me self love is to be happy with all you are warts and all. It also means you love the things in you you cannot change and change the things that would make you better." – Magda, 70
"Being blissfully alone to indulge in whatever your body feels it needs without consequence." – Jamie, 35
As evident from these diverse perspectives, the notion of self-love—a term that marketing maestros propelled into popular consciousness—has blossomed into a deeply personal and subjective concept for individuals, showcasing its inherent beauty. By definition, self-love encapsulates a profound care for one's own happiness and well-being, nurturing personal and psychological growth, while consciously refusing to sacrifice individual needs to appease others.
Therefore, when contemplating the various interpretations and significance of self-love on an individual level, it no longer appears eccentric to devote oneself to its pursuit. In fact, Laura Mesi's decision to solemnize her commitment to self-love mirrors the prudence of pledging devotion to oneself, just as society embraces the notion of commitment to a romantic partner.
