Emma Watson has revealed a unique strategy for the post-breakup blues.
In an interview for Vogue UK’s September issue, the “Harry Potter” star said she took a vow of silence to cope with her “horrendous” split from Oxford rugby player Matt Janney in December 2014.
Instead of drowning her sorrow or lashing out, Emma turned the pain inward to help move on when the year-long romance fizzled. The actress told the British mag why quiet introspection was her best way to deal with being newly single.
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“I felt really uncomfortable,” she said. “Even before my relationship ended, I went on a silent retreat, because I really wanted to figure out how to be at home with myself.”
The gender equality activist hasn’t stepped out publicly with anyone since, but denied speculation that her celebrity status might have a negative impact on her dating life.
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“The boyfriends or partners I’ve had have generally made me feel really cherished,” Emma said. “They’ve built me up. I certainly haven’t found that with doing all that I do or being all that I am, that I’ve struggled in my love life.”
In fact, the idea that her success might be intimidating is one Emma quickly dismissed.
“I just think it’s very patronizing towards men,” she said. “It undermines them.”
While Emma has discovered that some words are better left unspoken, the HeForShe campaign founder definitely knows when to speak up.
WATCH: Emma Watson Delivers Powerful UN Speech On Gender Inequality
The 25-year-old has embraced her new title as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, which she accepted in July 2014. Just two months later, a passionate speech she gave on behalf of her platform went viral.
“Part of me relaxed after I took on that position, it gave me a sense of belonging and purpose,” Emma explained. “Everything clicked in to place, in a way that it hadn’t before. I understood what I’m here to do and knew where to channel all this energy that has been coming at me. I now feel this sense of peace. People say that I’m different since I did it.”
— Erin Biglow
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