In the Philippines, love teams are cherished by fans, who shower them with love and support. However, this adoration can come at a cost, particularly when these love teams either break apart or date someone else IRL.
When James Reid went public with his relationship with Issa Pressman, the news prompted a wave of backlash. Both James and Issa faced criticism and unpleasant comments across their social media platforms, an experience no new couple should have to endure.
ALSO READ: James Reid On His Relationship With Issa Pressman: 'I'm very in love'
Reflecting on this, James, in an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori, said that he never regretted being public with his relationship with Issa because he had always wanted to live life being himself.
"We knew what will happen once we became public and it’s not something I wanted to hide. I want to live my life authentic[ally]. What’s real to me, and that’s what I want to show," James recounted.
The decision to be transparent about their relationship was not made lightly. James told MJ that he knew how the public would react—with all the hate, bashings, and differing opinions. But he stood on his ground that what matters is more than pleasing people, but being themselves and being happy together.
"We knew what the consequences would be and we just had to stick it out until people see that we’re happy, and then eventually all that noise won’t matter," James said.
"At the end of our lives, it’s not how much we please other people. At the end of our lives, it’s how happy we were together. That’s all that matters," he added.
James Reid On The Importance Of Self-Awareness When Handling Public Hate
For celebrities, the spotlight comes with both love and hate. Every move, decision, and social media post is scrutinized then praised or criticized. James recognizes this harsh reality and offers advice to those facing similar challenges.
"It’s not something that most people would ever have to go through," James declared.
"But the more okay you are with yourself, the more happy you are with yourself. [It is] harder for other people to get to you by saying things," he declared.
James emphasized the importance of knowing yourself beyond anything and anyone. It is about self-awareness and self-love. Because at the end of the day, when you have a firm grip of who you are, you won’t allow other voices to define you.
"You just don’t believe it because you know yourself. You know you’re capable. You know you love yourself. You love yourself. You know what the truth is. So it doesn’t mean anything," James emphasized.
