Here’s Why You Should Choose Yourself (And Falling In Love Is Just A Bonus)

Think of literally any romantic comedy that came out in the ‘80s and ‘90s. If you had to write the thesis for each one, they’d all be the same: Falling in love is the most important thing you will ever do.

And it’s a nice thought, right? If you can just find someone to love you, you never have to worry about anything ever again. But in 2025, that doesn’t really feel like a good message anymore. Sure, love is wonderful, but there’s so much more to life. That’s why I’m loving the message from Prime Video’s new original movie, Picture This. Sure, it’s a romantic comedy–you’ll get the romance you’re looking for. But, even more, it’s about making your life the way you want it. So, in honor of Picture This, here’s 5 reasons why you should choose yourself first.

When you choose yourself, you go after your dreams.

In Picture This, Simone Ashley’s Pia is an accomplished photographer who already has her own portrait studio. Sure, it’s struggling, but she’s started going after her dreams even before the film starts. Choosing yourself means giving yourself permission to live the life of your dreams, even if it doesn’t necessarily fit other people’s vision of the perfect life.

When you choose yourself, you don’t bend to family pressure.

Listen, your family is likely going to want things for you that you don’t want for yourself. For Pia’s mother, it’s marriage. Your parents might want you to be a doctor or to stay in your small town forever or to never bare your midriff again. First of all: That doesn’t sound like any fun at all. Secondly, this isn’t their life–it’s yours. Choosing yourself means living life exactly in the way you want despite what your family might think. And the best families want that for you, too.

When you choose yourself, you let your passion guide you.

Pia gives an amazing speech in this movie that I really don’t want to spoil for you. Just know that, when you choose yourself, you’re not afraid to talk about the things you love and why you love them. You’ll exude confidence knowing that whatever you care about, it’s okay to care. Choosing yourself means being clear about the things you love.

When you choose yourself, you know when someone isn’t right for you.

In Picture This, Pia’s family sets her up on dates after a Pandit (a Hindu scholar) predicts that she’ll meet her soulmate during her next five dates. Even with this news, Pia isn’t afraid to end these dates when she knows they aren’t right. In rom coms of the past–and in real life, if we’re being honest–she would have given these incompatible men way too many chances. Choosing yourself means getting out of there when you know it isn’t right.

When you choose yourself, you can trust your opinion on love.

In the end, you need no one else’s approval but your own. Because when you spend months or years choosing yourself, you can trust that you’ve finally found someone good. After all, you wouldn’t let someone into your life if they didn’t appreciate everything that’s amazing about you. Choosing yourself means having high standards and knowing when they’ve been met.

Picture This is now streaming on Prime Video.