Jia Ling's "Apple Principle" Promotes Self-Love and Assertiveness in Relationships
In a recent interview with host Xie Tian, Chinese actress Jia Ling opened up about her "Apple Principle," a philosophy rooted in self-love and prioritizing one's own needs before considering the desires of others.
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12 February 2024
During the discussion, Xie presented Jia with a hypothetical choice between two apples, a large one and a small one, asking her whom she would give the smaller apple to. Jia paused for a moment, then responded with the following statement: "Right now, if you want it, I'll tell you that I really like eating apples. But since you're my dear friend, and you ask for it, I can give you the smaller one. However, in a relationship, one should always prioritize themselves first, learn to say 'no,' and not succumb to pleasing others. Love others after loving yourself."
This "Apple Principle" resonates with many netizens, who have taken to Weibo to share their own experiences and support for Jia. The discussion has also been compared to a recent film, "Hot Blooded Youth," in which the character Le Yan undergoes a transformation that aligns with Jia's philosophy.
One Weibo user, "@Ili30X," expressed gratitude for Jia's message, saying, "Jia Ling is too admirable. You can tell from her words that she's very kind, even though she's no longer a 'pleasing personality.' She's still looking out for her friends from a friend's perspective."
Others shared personal stories about the toxic mindset they were raised with, believing that giving the best to others and neglecting their own needs is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. However, Jia's "Apple Principle" encourages individuals to prioritize their own well-being and learn to express their needs assertively.
"When I was a kid, my mom would wash two apples, and I would just grab one and eat it," wrote Weibo user "@Eldarion2." "She would ask me to take a bite of the other one as well, and then let me eat the sweet one. Later, I learned the lesson behind her choice. Sometimes, I would even lie purposefully to make her eat the sweet one. After meeting my girlfriend, who bought a lot of apples for me because she knew I liked them and was willing to share evenly, I realized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a relationship."
The film "Hot Blooded Youth" is credited with inspiring many to reevaluate their values and embrace Jia's "Apple Principle." The movie's protagonist, Xiao Xi, undergoes a transformation similar to Jia's and learns to prioritize her own happiness and desires. As a result, she develops the courage to express her needs and stands up for herself in the face of adversity.
Fans and viewers of the film have expressed their admiration for the empowering message, with one user, "@YIANXUZHUI," writing, "I cried while watching this movie. It's not because Jia Ling lost 100 pounds, but because she dared to film it. This movie symbolizes the rise of every insecure, overweight girl. I remember being bullied in middle school because of my weight, and my classmate called me 'The Diary of Pig Production.' I'll remember those words for my entire life. Because of my chubby appearance, I was often ridiculed, and my boyfriend even told me that I looked like his older sister's potential bride when visiting ..."
Another user, "@Eternal_dream30," shared their own experience, stating, "I just watched the movie and cried the whole time, even after it ended. It wasn't because Jia Ling lost 100 pounds, but because she dared to make the movie, and for the rise of every chubby girl who felt inferior. I remember in elementary school, I was always a 'pleaser,' and I'm still like that today. When there's a conflict, I apologize no matter who's wrong, and I always give the best to others, never refusing any request, and not understanding the complexities of human relationships. I always feel mistreated and angry over small things, which eventually leads to tears. Just thinking about being able to exchange my 'pleaser'-type friends for more mature ones ..."
As the discussion around Jia Ling's "Apple Principle" continues to gain momentum on social media, it is clear that her message of self-love and assertiveness resonates with many. In a society that often places immense pressure on individuals to prioritize the needs of others, her philosophy serves as a refreshing reminder to love and care for oneself first.
In summary, Jia Ling's "Apple Principle," as shared during her recent interview, encourages self-love and prioritizing one's own needs before considering the desires of others. Her message has struck a chord with many netizens, inspiring them to reassess their values and embrace the importance of self-care. As the conversation around self-love and assertiveness grows, it is evident that Jia Ling's philosophy is making a positive impact on those who hear her message.