Hollywood star Olivia Wilde has weighed in on the popular online discussion about whether having a boyfriend is considered 'embarrassing', stating that romantic partners are no longer a fundamental requirement in modern society. The actor and director believes this shift represents a positive cultural evolution, moving away from the traditional expectation for women to be in a relationship.
Speaking about her new comedy, The Invite, Wilde explained that while relationships don't inherently have to be embarrassing, the necessity of having one has diminished. She highlighted that for many, particularly women, staying in unsatisfactory relationships was often driven by a perceived embarrassment of being single. This societal pressure, she argues, frequently led to individuals sacrificing their own identity to maintain a partnership.
The Invite, a sex comedy directed by and starring Wilde, delves into these very anxieties. The film follows a married couple, Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Wilde), whose strained relationship is tested by the arrival of their charismatic neighbours, played by Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz, for an intimate dinner party. Wilde's character, Angela, embodies the erosion of self that can occur when individuals become trapped in a version of themselves designed to preserve a marriage.
Wilde elaborated on the profound sadness of a relationship unravelling and the subsequent identity crisis. She noted that the realisation of having to 'perform' within a relationship, or the loss of self, is often the true source of embarrassment, which can then act as a catalyst for liberation. This sentiment is echoed when friends witness a loved one emerge from a difficult relationship, often expressing relief that their 'true' self has returned.
Co-star Edward Norton added to the discussion, suggesting that the film also reflects a broader societal trend where individuals are increasingly conscious of how they present themselves. He observed that in an era where 'publishing of self-narrative has almost become compulsory', people are more 'hyper-attuned' and self-conscious than ever about their public image, often feeling disconnected from their authentic selves.