Emma Watson's Feminist Dating Advice Is The Only Dating Advice You Need
Emma Watson has an important message for the Tinder generation: Respect goes both ways.
In a Facebook-broadcast interview for the UN's HeForShe initiative on March 8, the actress and Goodwill Ambassador elaborated on a year that made her a formidable feminist icon.
Between the viral speech she gave in the fall and her continued work on behalf of women, Watson preaches a liveable version of feminism advocating equality for all.
While on the subject of dating, Watson gave the most practical advice. It's so straightforward, you'll wonder why you've never tried it.
She emphasized the importance of mutual politeness and a willingness to discuss any subjects that make you both uncomfortable.
By addressing issues as they arise, you're bonding and forging ahead in gender equality.
Opening the door should be for everyone.
I love having the door open for me. I mean, isn't that just polite? Isn't that just a nice thing to do for someone else? I love having the door open for me. I love being taken to dinner. It's so great. But, I think the key is, would you then mind if I open the door for you?... I'm polite, and you're polite and we're making the world a better place with this small, kind, polite gesture.
Paying for dinner isn't the end of the world for either person.
I actually took a man out for dinner. And I chose the restaurant, and I offered to pay. And it was really awkward and uncomfortable... I'm sure he would say he's a feminist. But he was just like, 'I'm not really sure about this.'
Having the conversation about why you feel uncomfortable is the first step toward progress.
The cool thing about it was that we were both willing to have the conversation about why it was awkward or why it was uncomfortable. We were able to have this dialogue. I chose the restaurant because it's my favorite restaurant and I would love to pay, but next time you choose the place and you pay. Or whatever it is. You can split it, or whatever makes you each feel comfortable.
Chivalry is a two-way street.
I think the key is chivalry should be consensual. Both parties should be thinking about that. I think it's just a problem when people expect things to be a certain way… Just be willing to have that awkward conversation. It does come out OK.
Watson's full, hour-long interview is grounded and enlightening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYkFIF-exWg
Citations: Emma Watson just gave the best advice for feminists: u2018Weu2019re never going to be able to fly as high unless weu2019re both in support of each otheru2019 (Metro)
