Instead of viewing “sologamy” as an extension of an “auto-sexual” lifestyle, characterized by being sexually attracted to oneself, a progressive news outlet presented it as more closely related to mental well-being and the concept of “self-love.”
While the exact number of individuals celebrating sologamy with ceremonies remains unknown, the concept has been discussed in recent news articles, according to CNN.
Women who were interviewed described the act of self-marriage as a symbolic expression of self-love and an affirmation of a deep, meaningful relationship with oneself.
Contrary to common misconceptions, the BBC highlighted that sologamy has nothing to do with renouncing future partnerships or spousal relationships.
Body image consultant Danni Adams shared her journey toward self-marriage, which involved years of self-investment, therapy, breaking generational patterns, and processing past traumas.
After the pandemic, Adams held a small wedding for herself, attended by approximately 40 people. The wedding party of nine cost a total of $4,000. During the ceremony, Adams recited her vows in front of a full-length mirror while a friend officiated. She completed the legal process of marrying herself and then went on a honeymoon to Tulum, Mexico.
Adams explained that her self-marriage symbolized a fresh start and taking charge of her own happiness and decisions. She clarified that her self-marriage did not preclude the possibility of marrying someone else in the future.
Ena Jones, who initially married herself on her 50th birthday in 2020, plans to reaffirm her wedding vows to herself when she turns 55. Since her husband’s passing from cancer in 2016, she has been planning her own wedding.
During her ceremony, which she disguised as a birthday party, Jones appeared wearing a tiara and a knee-length white dress. She walked down the aisle with her late husband’s father, holding a bouquet of sunflowers. At the end of the aisle, a three-tiered chocolate cake awaited.
Jones views her self-marriage as a symbol of her lifelong love for herself.
It’s important to note that self-marriage is not legally recognized in the United States, and some critics consider it “narcissistic.” However, therapist John Amodeo provided a different perspective, suggesting that sologamy could be an expression of healthy self-love. He emphasized that it is a lack of self-love that leads to unhealthy narcissism, as individuals seek validation from others to fill their inner emptiness.