Suelen Carey, a 36-year-old Brazilian influencer, model, and Marilyn Monroe impersonator, captured global attention when she announced her decision to marry herself in a symbolic act of self-love.

On September 21, 2023, she shared pictures on Instagram with her 400,000 followers, wearing a white wedding dress and holding a bouquet, while declaring her solo matrimony.

In her post, she wrote, “Today, I value and love myself. I married myself here in London. This celebration is important because I have learned to prioritize my well-being and mental health.”

The move resonated with many of her followers, who praised her for embracing self-love in a world that often prioritizes romantic relationships over personal well-being.

This act of self-marriage, commonly referred to as sologamy, has gained traction in recent years. It is seen as a statement of self-respect, independence, and self-appreciation, particularly among women who feel societal pressure to conform to traditional expectations of relationships.

Suelen Carey’s decision to marry herself wasn’t the first time the concept of sologamy made headlines. In 2021, Brazilian model Cris Galera famously married herself but divorced after just 90 days when she found a romantic partner.

Similarly, Indian woman Kshama Bindu made waves in 2022 as the first Indian woman to marry herself, inspired by a Netflix series. She explained that she wanted the joy of being a bride without the obligations of being someone’s wife.

For Carey, her sologamous marriage symbolized a deeply personal journey. Born in Brazil and residing in London, she expressed her desire to focus on her mental health and emotional growth through the act of marrying herself.

The decision came after experiencing difficulties in finding a suitable partner and facing societal expectations about marriage and relationships.

At the time, Carey described the event as empowering, stating it marked a new chapter in her life where she prioritized self-care and personal happiness over external validation.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, Carey recently announced her decision to “divorce” herself, ending her solo matrimony nearly one year after the unique ceremony.

The announcement came as a surprise to her followers, as she shared her reflections on the challenges of sologamy. In her candid statement, Carey explained that her self-marriage, while symbolic and empowering at first, became emotionally taxing over time.

“It was a lot of pressure on myself,” she admitted. She revealed that her solo union required constant self-analysis and reflection, which eventually left her feeling drained.

Carey’s decision to end her sologamous marriage highlights an important realization she came to during this period of self-exploration.

She acknowledged that while self-love and independence are crucial, the lack of interpersonal connection began to take a toll on her emotional well-being.

Despite regular therapy sessions and efforts to navigate the complexities of her solo commitment, Carey ultimately concluded that it was time to move forward.

She stated, “It’s crucial to know when to end a cycle,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing when something no longer serves personal growth.

Reflecting on her experience, Carey shared that her solo marriage was a process of healing and self-discovery.

It allowed her to confront her own expectations and imperfections. She explained, “Personal growth can lead us in different directions,” adding that divorcing herself was a necessary step for her continued emotional development.

The journey taught her valuable lessons about self-reflection, acceptance, and the need for balance in one’s life.

She noted that while commitment to oneself is an empowering concept, it also comes with unique challenges, such as managing the pressure to always meet one’s own expectations.

In an Instagram post following her announcement, Carey addressed her followers, stating, “Self-analysis and reflection are necessary, even in a marriage with ourselves.

It’s important to accept our imperfections.” She went on to explain that walking away from her sologamous marriage was not a sign of failure but a testament to her growth and understanding of her needs.

Carey insisted that she had no regrets about her decision to marry herself, as it was a meaningful chapter in her life that taught her valuable lessons about self-love and resilience.

Carey’s decision to divorce herself has sparked conversations about the broader implications of sologamy.

Some critics have questioned whether her marriage and subsequent divorce were genuine expressions of self-love or publicity stunts designed to garner attention and fame. However, Carey’s reflections suggest that her intentions were sincere.

She expressed gratitude for the journey, emphasizing that it allowed her to explore aspects of her identity and emotional well-being that she might not have confronted otherwise.

Now, Carey is ready to embrace new possibilities, including opening her heart to romantic relationships. In an Instagram story shared after her divorce announcement, she humorously posted, “I need a new husband,” accompanied by a laughing emoji and a heart.

This lighthearted comment indicates her readiness to move forward and explore new opportunities for connection and companionship.

Carey’s story serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of personal relationships and the diverse ways people navigate their emotional needs in modern society.

Her journey highlights the importance of self-love and the courage it takes to prioritize one’s well-being, even if it means stepping away from a commitment—whether to another person or oneself.

At the same time, her experience underscores the human desire for connection and the challenges of sustaining a life solely focused on individual self-discovery without external support or companionship.

While sologamy remains a niche concept, it has sparked important discussions about the value of self-love, the pressures of societal expectations, and the ways people can redefine relationships in the modern world.

Carey’s journey of marrying and divorcing herself may be unconventional, but it resonates with those seeking to embrace their individuality and challenge traditional norms.

As she continues her life in London, Suelen Carey is determined to move forward with an open heart and a renewed sense of purpose.

Whether she finds a romantic partner or continues her path of self-discovery, her story stands as a testament to the complexities of love, personal growth, and the ever-changing nature of relationships.

Her journey reminds us that the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves—and that sometimes, knowing when to let go is the ultimate act of self-love.