Posts in category: Life Style

Romantic red flags and dramatic betrayals get a lot of attention (rightfully so). But it’s often the everyday bad relationship habits that quietly drive couples apart.

Compared to the biggies like cheating, yelling or outright disrespect, more subtle patterns—in the way we communicate (or don’t), the assumptions we make, the emotional needs we ignore—tend to slip under the radar and get dismissed as annoying yet harmless quirks. But really, “what ends up happening is that resentment builds, and it builds and it builds,” says Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist at Road to Wellness in Los Angeles, which is why recognising these small but impactful behaviours (before they grow beyond repair) is so important.

Read below for the most common mistakes even the strongest couples make without realising, according to relationship experts—plus, easy fixes to keep your romance strong.

1. You hide behind humour to avoid deeper discussions

Whenever serious topics come up, you turn into Chandler Bing—cracking jokes or dropping sarcastic one-liners to lighten the mood. Whether it’s a talk about moving in together, money stuff or big feelings, you’d rather dodge it than face it head-on.

“Typically, I’ve seen this happen because one partner feels uncomfortable or incapable of having tough conversations and emotional intimacy, so they’ll use humour to deflect,” Bayramyan explains. The problem, though, is that this defence mechanism can leave your loved one feeling dismissed, as if you’re only interested in the fun, easy parts of a romantic relationship—and not willing to face the deeper, messier moments together.

What to do instead: You don’t have to pretend that opening up isn’t scary. “Be honest and let your partner know there’s a part of you that wants to deflect because you have a hard time with serious conversations,” Bayramyan says. For them, this can be the reassurance they need to know you’re not just brushing them off. And for you, this kind of confession is a necessary baby step toward being more vulnerable with your partner.

2. You swap date nights for takeout and TV in bed

Most long-term relationships aren’t as high-energy as they were in the beginning. As you settle in and get comfortable with each other, it’s normal—even kind of heartwarming—to fall into a softer, more familiar routine that might look something like dinner after work, an episode of your favourite show, some phone scrolling (or fooling around) before bed. Then repeat the next day.

Cosmic tip: We are all mirrors reflecting the same light. So instead of taking things personally, take it as a projection or a lesson and move on.

Spending some time outdoors may bless you with fresh ideas and an energised spirit. Leo, you have been busy building, and your angels ask you to please pause and take a moment to reflect – perhaps even make meditation a part of your everyday life to plug into Source and replenish yourself etherically, either at the beginning or the end of each day. You hold the universe within you, you only need to make the time to remember this beautiful memory. When life gets too much, ask for help, because as much as you’d love to, getting to a destination is seldom a lonely affair.

Cosmic tip: Rise above your challenges by seeking help and support.

Get ready for the apple to fall upon your head around mid-June, Virgo. You will not only get your answers but also find your way through this sticky spot in life. Your only job currently is to stay aligned and honest with yourself. This may not be the time to move forward, but it is the time for you to plan ahead. You can see the loopholes, you can see the blind spots, and soon you will also see workarounds for your situation. Patience is a precious virtue, and at this point in time, you are here to hone it.

Cosmic tip: The Universe is currently asking you – how willing are you to show up as your true self?

This may feel like the moment where everything falls apart, but it is also the moment where your wishes and desires magically align. Libra, what you water today will be blooming in your life in the next year or so, and while that may feel like a long time, your angels assure you that you will see smaller milestones and proof along the way – a build-up to the real thing. Your first step to healing and recovery–even manifestation–is to love the very essence of what you currently are – your body, mind, spirit, everything. For those struggling with a healthy sense of self-worth and body image: gaze into the mirror and look at that part of you that you struggle to accept, and then gently caress it and ask yourself what it does for you and how it has helped you all this while. For example, that stubborn belly fat holds your stomach and keeps you healthy, and for some, it may also have blessed you with beautiful children. Once you have acknowledged what it does for you, simply say, “Thank you, I love you.” Do this consistently as often as possible every d, ay and watch your perspective and acceptance shift. You can also do this for the people in your life.

Sometimes your knee-jerk reactions become the only way you do life. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you keep coming back to the same stories, the same narratives, Pisces. And that is completely normal. Now, healing is never linear. It always involves that moment of pause where you must look around and acknowledge, if not feel grateful for, all that has shifted for you. Embrace your loved ones who stuck by you, cheer on for those who joined you on this path and then remind yourself about how ready you are to consciously move on from this old, tattered, dried, lifeless leaf that was once all you knew. Lift your gaze from the roots onto the beautiful rose that is blossoming.

Cosmic tip: Trust your vibes.

Also read:

Aries June 6, 2025

Taurus June 6, 2025

Gemini June 6, 2025

Cancer June 6, 2025

Leo June 6, 2025

Virgo June 6, 2025

Libra June 6, 2025

Scorpio June 6, 2025

Sagittarius June 6, 2025

Capricorn June 6, 2025

Aquarius June 6, 2025

A dress is the cornerstone of most summer wardrobes. On days when you want to get ready in a hurry, a summer dress is an ultimate ready-made outfit that requires very little styling – the only thing you really need to consider is what shoes to pair with your chosen sundress.

Midi-dresses and chunky sandals have been a winning combination for several summers, but if you want to experiment with some new silhouettes this year, there are a number of fashion-forward shapes that are just as effortless. It is undoubtedly the summer of the flip-flop – embrace a ’90s mood by pairing a slinky dress with an in-built scarf with a pair of heeled thong sandals.

For those after something a little more statement making, perhaps the Noughties is more your decade. Chloé’s creative director Chemena Kamali is spearheading the return of the cork wedge and clog sandals, bringing some added glamour to printed dresses that are sweeping new-in sections this summer.

When it comes to leading dress silhouettes, this summer it’s all about a white nightie with lace and broderie anglaise detailing, as championed in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2025 collection. While these cotton dresses will pair with almost any summer shoe, we love the bookish charm a pair of well-worn leather loafers brings to this dainty look, as seen at Miu Miu. The sneakerina – a trainer, ballet pump hybrid – is also trending this summer, and while it is often worn with sporty shorts or barre-ready leggings, it pairs beautifully with bubble-hem mini and midis, which are 2025’s answer to the personality dress.

Keep reading for more ideas of new dress and shoe pairings to try this summer.

Nightie-style dress and flat loafers

reformation – Anemone Dress

Miu Miu – Bleached Leather Loafers

mytheresa – Bow-Detail Crêpe De Chine Slip Dress

duke + dexter – Wilde Brown Suede Penny Loafers

dune – Suede Slip On Ruched Toe Loafers

Bubble hem minidress and sneakerinas

COS – Bubble-Hem Minidress

Louis Vuitton – LV Sneakerina

Moda Operandi – Fifi Linen-Blend Bubble Minidress

Puma – Speedcat Ballet Flats

COS – Sleeveless Bubble-Hem Midi-Dress

Vivaia – Round-Toe Satin Sneakerina

Printed dress and clog sandals

Net-A-Porter – Muumuu Floral-Print Silk-Twill Maxi Dress

Maksu – Blue & Burgundy Gathered Detail Tunic

ancient greek sandals – Natali Sabot

Net-A-Porter – Marea Crocheted Cotton Maxi Dress

Free People – Cecily Clogs

Strap dress and embellished sandals

COS – Pleated Linen Maxi Dress

MyTheresa – Embellished Leather Sandals

Arket – Mini Gingham Dress

Net-A-Porter – Gleam Leather Sandals

MyTheresa – Bazaruto Embellished Leather Sandals

Polka dot dress and ballet pumps

Marks & Spencer – Polka Dot Ruched Midaxi Bodycon Dress

Net-a-Porter – Leonie Bow-Embellished Ballet Flats

Net-a-Porter – Maryanna Ruched Polka-Dot Silk-Georgette Midi-Dress

COS – Ruched Leather Ballet Flats

& other stories – Frilled Maxi Dress

Me + Em – Studded Ballet Flat

Scarf dress and thong heeled sandals

Mango – Asymmetrical satin dress

Illi Scarf-Detailed Strapless Stretch-Knit And Silk Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress

Shanti 70 Embellished Leather Sandals

Also Read:

The jelly shoe edit: 14 monsoon-ready picks to add to cart

How to style a kurta in 5 ways to beat the humidity

Inspired by Pedro Pascal? These are the 9 slogan T-shirts that are doing more than just talking

I struggled to find my personal style until I started dressing like a five-year-old

Whether you’re planning a proposal or recently said ‘yes,’ you might be brainstorming engagement party ideas to kick off your fiancée era. This is your moment to celebrate with your nearest and dearest, unburdened by the pressures that accompany the upcoming nuptials. Unlike the intricate process of wedding planning, an engagement party should be a notably less stressful experience. You should see an engagement party as a fun way to start your celebrations on a high note and bring together friends and family who might join you along your wedding journey.

Ahead, we round up unique engagement party ideas to help you get inspired for your own pre-nuptial fête. From cocktail parties to fun activities, see a few ways to make the most of your engagement season.

A surprise post-engagement celebration

No need to wait a few weeks or months to celebrate your engagement. If you’re planning a proposal (and are 100% sure your partner will accept), consider following up getting down on one knee with a surprise party full of your closest circle. This event can be big or small, but it’s a great way to ride the proposal high and bring together your favourite people. If your family or a best friend lives far away, you might have them fly in for an extra-special surprise.

Dinner party

Rather than fully adhering to the dinner party wedding trend, consider treating your loved ones to an elegant sit-down soirée. Another option would be to invite your close friends to a private dining experience at a restaurant of your choosing. Take it to the next level and collaborate with the staff to curate a personalised set menu—or simply open a tab if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe.

Pool party

Who doesn’t love a good poolside bash? Guests can take a dip, soak up the sun and lounge by the water. A theme is always fun: opt for a tropical aesthetic, complete with crowd-pleasing margaritas and piña coladas. Keep things refreshing with boozy popsicles as a sweet treat, and don’t forget to have some baskets around stocked with sun essentials—think sunscreen, pool towels and sunglasses.

“I do” BBQ

The “I do” BBQ is a classic engagement party idea, and one that requires minimal party planning for the couple who prefers a laid-back yet tasteful affair. Ideal for the spring and summer seasons, it’s also easy to tailor to your surroundings, be it an indoor grill, communal rooftop or a full backyard setup. For cocktails, keep it simple with spiked lemonade pitchers and a well-stocked beer tub. Don’t forget the ice and the vegetarian options to balance out the burgers and hot dogs. Add a personal touch with a signature BBQ sauce, French fry bar or a make-your-own ice cream station. You can check out Pinterest for further inspiration.

Costume party

Halloween isn’t the only time of year you can dress up—and a costume party can also serve as the perfect front for a surprise engagement announcement if you’ve kept it under wraps. If going for full-on costumes isn’t your style, a subtle engagement party theme can be just as lively. Perhaps, a throwback to a Roaring Twenties speakeasy, complete with Champagne towers, a live jazz band and a list of Prohibition-inspired signature cocktails. If you feel like donning ’70s threads, a roller disco might be just the groovy ticket; or, for an air of mystery and opulence, a murder mystery masquerade.

Movie night

If you’re a pair of film buffs, host a movie night for your entourage. Transform your abode into a home cinema by renting a projector and popcorn machine. You could also make it a pyjama-themed party and encourage your guests to come in comfy PJs.

Whether you opt for an indoor theatre or a snug, outdoor setup, the ambience is key. Enhance the cosy feel with plush blankets, a wide selection of beverages and, of course, movie theatre candy. Choose an all-time classic or romcom for the main feature, or showcase your own collection of cherished home videos and photos for that extra personal touch. It’s the perfect excuse to be cheesy, after all.

Champagne brunch

A late-morning affair is a particularly chic idea for your engagement party, à la Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Serve bottomless Champagne and mimosas, with an indulgent spread of yoghurt parfaits, French toast and Eggs Benedict. Tailor the brunch to your personality and guest list—do you prefer an intimate sit-down brunch or a breakfast buffet? How about an afternoon tea-style brunch instead? In that case, ditch the booze and treat your guests to an assortment of teas, alongside finger sandwiches, scones and pastries.

Potluck picnic

Whether in your own backyard or a local park, a picnic is a wholesome get-together for the low-maintenance couple. Craft a delectable cheese board, adorned with a selection of charcuterie, sandwiches and lemonade for beverages. Skip the live band; grab your speaker and set the mood with your specially curated Spotify playlist.

A lightbulb moment can often echo throughout one’s life, with every subsequent experience mirroring that realisation. A corollary of the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, perhaps. I rewatched Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani when it was re-released in theatres earlier this year, and a scene from the 2013 romcom struck a chord with me. When Bunny, played by Ranbir Kapoor, urges Naina, played by Deepika Padukone, to hurry so they don’t miss a light-and-sound show, she responds that if they leave, they’ll miss the sunset. She emphasises that you’ll always miss something, so it’s important to savour the moment you’re in.

I’ve planned several trips to Udaipur over the last few years. None of which materialised. They either withered away in group chats or lost out to more trendy destinations. Eventually, my first actual trip to this bucket-list destination was the result of an invite from Jaypore—the artisan-forward brand bringing the country’s handlooms to the forefront—to explore the art of dabu printing, a 500-year-old resist-printing technique practised in Rajasthan.

My first few days there, I explored the city on my own. My days were spent wandering through the Udaipur City Palace; browsing the handcrafted bags and embroidered jackets at Ganesh Emporium, curated by Vipul Shah; or watching the sun set into the water at Gangaur Ghat. I even bought a classic miniature painting with intricate detailing and signature vibrant colours, shopped at Hathi Pol bazaar and dined at rooftop restaurants. These were the days when I saw the Udaipur I’d always imagined, full of rich history, grand palaces and shimmering lakes. But it’s when I learned about the craft of dabu printing that I truly felt connected to the soul of the city and everything it offers.

My discovery began at Aavaran, a textile printing hub led by Alka Sharma that has worked in collaboration with Jaypore since 2020. The atelier focuses on reviving and sustaining the centuries-old dabu printing technique. Despite being someone who has studied fashion and reads about textiles every other day, this was my first time experiencing the block-printing technique up close. I was locked in.

Best for: City dwellers seeking glow, defence and zero greasiness.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen (Unscented) SPF 50+ PA++++

Built around fermented black rice (a rich antioxidant) and niacinamide, this unscented sunscreen offers quiet, calming care in a silky, cloud-light base. It’s alcohol-free, fragrance-free and made for skin that flinches at the wrong product. The finish is undetectable.

Best for: Reactive, dry or dull skin that needs hydration without perfume or filler.

Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50

Powered by the brand’s cult TFC8® complex, amino acids, peptides and a PhD-level understanding of skin healing, this luxe SPF helps repair damage while it protects. The texture is satin-smooth, the formula is fragrance-free, and the long-term payoff is visibly stronger, more resilient skin.

Best for: Mature, post-treatment or barrier-compromised skin looking for sunscreen with real skin science behind it.

Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

This zinc-based mineral sunscreen is the opposite of chalky or cloying. With calming mugwort, niacinamide and squalane, it targets sensitivity and oil imbalance while sitting weightlessly on the skin.

Best for: Acne-prone, sensitive or combination skin that reacts to everything else.

Lancôme UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++

A triple-threat in a featherlight gel, this sunscreen moonlights as a hydrating primer and pollution shield. Glycerin and Edelweiss smooth skin, while the refreshing texture disappears on contact. Bonus: it subtly blurs the skin, so you get the UV armour, plus a soft-focus finish.

Best for: Skin that wears SPF under makeup, and demands more than just sun protection.

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50 PA++++

This gel-cream is a fortifying forcefield. With antioxidants like green tea, ferulic acid, vitamin C and E, it’s built to protect from more than just the sun but also smog, blue light and daily wear-and-tear. It hydrates for up to 8 hours and sinks in like skincare, not SPF.

Best for: Normal to dry skin showing early signs of stress or fatigue, or anyone serious about preventive ageing.

Dr Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++

Created with Indian skin tones and tropical climates in mind, this creamy SPF blends a stable vitamin C derivative with ceramides to brighten, soothe and strengthen in equal measure. It layers easily under makeup and doesn’t sting on sensitised skin

Best for: Dull, uneven, city-stressed skin that needs both luminosity and repair.

Pyunkang Yul Moisture Soothing Sun Cream

This hybrid sunscreen combines physical and chemical filters to deliver effective UV protection. Enriched with centella asiatica extract, ceramides, and green tea, it calms irritation and reinforces the skin barrier. The lightweight, lotion-like texture absorbs smoothly without leaving a white cast, making it suitable for daily use.

Best for: Sensitive or dry skin types seeking gentle sun protection with added moisturising benefits.

Also read:

11 summer perfumes for hot days and cool nights

11 cleansers for oily skin that will beat the grease

How to tell if your sunscreen has gone bad, according to the experts

From the outside looking in, yoga might seem like a gentle, relaxing discipline, more calming breathwork than a core workout. But the right yoga pose can work the body with more precision and intensity than the most punishing gym class. One posture, in particular, has earned high marks from both research and experienced instructors: navasana, or boat pose.

A study from Auburn University in Montgomery placed navasana among the most effective core exercises across yoga and Pilates alike. In fact, renowned yoga teacher Sharath Jois once claimed that holding the pose for 25 breaths—broken into five-breath rounds with rests in between—can rival the effects of doing 100 traditional sit-ups.

Beyond aesthetics, navasana builds deep, functional strength. “This classic stabilisation posture tones the abdominal muscles, hip flexors, glutes, pelvic muscles and back,” explains yoga instructor José Martín Fernández. “By engaging the core, it also stimulates the abdominal organs, aiding digestion and supporting metabolic health.” Yoga teacher Xua Lang also notes that, in addition to strengthening the core, back and arms, this yoga pose can help burn abdominal fat.

La postura del barco de yoga es muy efectiva para fortalecer el abdomen y favorecer la concentración.Illustration by África Pitarch

A cortisol-lowering core move? Yes, please

As with many yoga postures, the benefits go beyond the body. “Balancing and holding the body steady in boat pose can help build willpower and self-confidence,” Fernández says. It’s also a subtle stress-reliever: a 2023 study published in Biomedicine found that regular yoga and meditation significantly lowered cortisol levels in medical students over six weeks. Stabilisation postures like navasana demand focus, breath control and internal awareness—all of which help calm the nervous system and regulate stress responses.

Boat pose trains your brain, too

Since navasana is an isometric hold that requires balance and coordination, it also supports cognitive function. “Balance work is incredibly beneficial for the brain,” says Diana Gil of Solid Studio. “It sharpens concentration and strengthens the neuromuscular connection between breath, core and pelvic floor. Plus, it’s challenging and fun.”

How to practise navasana properly

Start seated with your legs extended. Bend your knees and lift your feet off the floor, eventually straightening the legs into a V shape if possible. Keep your spine long, chest open and arms reaching forward. Gaze slightly upwards and engage the core to stabilise. For a gentler variation, keep the knees bent. Hold for 5 to 10 deep breaths, then cross the legs, rest the feet, and repeat up to five rounds.

Cosmic tip: You have healed from your past enough. Now step into your new timeline.

You may be feeling nudges to do more, to go in a certain direction and to perhaps even make changes to your wardrobe, your furniture, your location, your home, your mindset, even your relationships. And this is your sign that the cosmos is aligning you with quantum shifts that you have been waiting for, but are now ready to slip into. The situation you are asking about may have more facets than you can imagine, and hello, you don’t need to have it all figured out. In fact, off it may not even be your business. So get back on track, focus on what you have on your plate and know that your dessert will be served soon.

Cosmic tip: What you are waiting for will happen soon.

What if the Universe were not testing you? What if it was indeed teaching you a little bit about patience, love and holding your ground amidst chaos? Much like a child throwing a tantrum for candy may not always know what is best for them, the cosmos perhaps wants you to remember that not all you think you want may be what you want. And here comes the main part – perhaps you are gifted, perhaps you are meant to do what you really want to do, but also, perhaps you need to find the courage within your heart to leap and lead. Your enthusiasm about a task actually defines the energy that is poured into it, not your preparation. This is a time to lead with purpose.

Cosmic tip: Conquer your fears by focusing on your gifts.

When you enter the cosmic cave akin to a mother’s womb, you realise that all the universe wants for you is what a mother wants for her child – the best. Aquarius, today, take a moment to count the number of ways in which your guardians, caretakers and parents have been there for you, even if they have not in many other ways. This will unlock your switch to your answered prayers and abundant destiny. It may not always be that we have the best we feel we need, but surely, everything cannot be lost, no?

Cosmic tip: Accept that most often others do as best they can. Then, simply, move on.

Simplicity is gold, Pisces. Put your energy into the basics and allow yourself to soar high with what truly matters. If you’ve been looking at your life glass half empty, perhaps it may be time to pause and look at it as half full? It is only when we decide to acknowledge what we have that we begin bringing in more of what we want. Sometimes things go exactly our way, and some other items go another way, and what’s important to remember is that it is okay for it to be just the way it is, at least most often. The more you allow Source to intervene with divine timing, the more you will begin flowing with life.

Cosmic tip: When you let go of the excess, you recognise the value of your existing rock-solid foundation.

Simply put, you don’t have to be a part of the herd to be considered cool online. You can be the black sheep rolling down the hill while the shepherd rounds up the others. Below, 10 examples of propaganda I’m not falling for—and you shouldn’t either.

Bad texters

In my book, “Sorry, I’m just bad at texting” translates to “Sorry, you’re not a priority to me”. What irks me is not the fact that I’m not high up on someone’s list of priorities, but the lazy excuse of being bad at texting. Texting in itself is pretty straightforward—unless you’re a boomer or beyond, and even that isn’t an excuse, if the enthusiasm with which my mother responds is anything to go by. Typing out a typical text message takes less than 30 seconds (yes, I timed it), plus we don’t have to deal with issuing stamps, hunting for a postbox or whatever the letter-writing generation used to do. So I’d rather not hear it.

Abs in two weeks

Sure, it’s tempting to buy into this deception when you’re just a couple of weeks away from that beach vacation or your bestie’s wedding. Let me tell you that the only inspiring thing about ‘abs in two weeks’ tutorials is the instructor’s consummate confidence as they lie through their teeth for two weeks’ worth of views. While consistency will no doubt expedite your fitness journey, expecting abs to show up in two weeks is like hoping a cat won’t tip over that glass of water if you glare at them: futile. Muscle definition depends on various factors—weight, genetics, food intake and metabolism—for which a universal time limit cannot and should not be placed.

Split-toe and FiveFinger shoes

This monstrosity hopefully speaks for itself. I saw somebody wearing FiveFinger shoes at the gym the other day, and I physically recoiled. Every time I come across these jump scares, one simple question comes to my mind: why? They might be useful in aiding mobility and balance, but even then, they only provide a jarring reminder of the fact that we evolved from apes. Quite frankly, they just freak me out.

Nuts in food

Nuts are great, but only on their own. They simply do not belong in cooked meals. I’d rather stay hungry than eat butter chicken garnished with cashews. Even in chocolates and desserts, they add nothing but an unpleasant crunch at best and pose as a lousy lure to make people consume these sweets under the pretence of providing some nutritional value. There’s a time and place for everything, and for nuts, it’s at the start of the day, in their own separate container.

Standing floor tickets at concerts

Call me uncool for wanting to sit during a three-hour concert and see the performer from further away instead of paying more to wait in a long queue all day, just to be pushing my way through a suffocating crowd as I try to sneak a peek at the stage. Holding floor tickets might be great if you’re tall enough to find an opening of clean air to breathe in and can see past the barricades. But if you’re a meagre 5’2” like me and stuck behind someone who looms over you like a pine tree, craning your neck to see the artist will most certainly lead you to a stranger’s smelly armpit. I may love the artist on stage, but I also deeply cherish my personal well-being.

Poetry books as a recreational read

To clarify, I find poetry to be elegant and admire poets for their intelligence in giving shape to their thoughts through this medium. Still, I struggle to be convinced when people claim to read poetry for leisure. This dissatisfaction might stem from the hours I spent unpacking every word of a page-long poem in high school and college. The only thing I was certain about in those classes was that the poet definitely did not think of all the interpretations that my classmates came up with through that seemingly never-ending hour. Naturally, I fail to understand why anyone would prefer to read these abstract blocks of text rather than getting engrossed in a crime or romance novel.

Feeling ashamed for being recognised as a ‘tourist’

Whenever my friends and I are wandering around a new city taking pictures, at least one of them will look around embarrassedly and say, “We look like such tourists!” Well, yes, we do… because we are. Of course, it’s great to get a feel of the local life when visiting a place, but I don’t consider myself cool enough to visit Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, even if it is a tourist trap. I’m sure there are several other special spots, but I don’t understand the insistence on pretending like I know a new city like the back of my hand. When I spot visitors at the Gateway of India or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, I refuse to judge them because it’s so wholesome to see them marvelling at landmarks I casually pass on my way to work.

Big friend groups

It’s great to have a ton of friends. But when everybody starts hanging out together and each person tries to build a personal rapport with every other person, things get fuzzy. You know that big, slightly unbearable group of friends you come across at your workspace or in your social spheres? The one that pretends to be family and meets up weekly, but even as an outsider, you can see the abundance of gossip, competition and drama spilling through? Those are the friend groups I’m wary of. I may sound unreasonably cynical, but you couldn’t make me believe that every person in this group of 15+ friends gets along perfectly with everyone. The math just doesn’t math. It would just be so much better—both for members of the group and those forcefully subjected to their false camaraderie—if they dropped this façade and spent their weekends with people they actually like.

Hating on pop music

Have we ever considered that things sometimes become mainstream because they are good and appeal to a large majority of people? Watching those around me bash songs for no other reason than the fact that they were ‘generic’ used to send me down long lists of niche playlists to source music by some diamond-in-the-rough artist. While I did find a few tracks I enjoyed, many of the songs I downloaded were simply to feel less embarrassed when I handed over my phone to the friend who was controlling the AUX. Over time and after a desperate attempt to see the value in this hate, I succumbed to the popular phrase: “If you can’t beat them, join them.” So what if something is widely liked? I’m happy to be part of a statistic instead of faking a mysterious personality.

Being fashionably late

When I get invited to dinner at 8pm, I don’t want to have to overthink whether that genuinely means 8pm or later. And if later, how much later? Are we talking about a casual 8:15pm or straight-up past 9 pm? And in that case, should I free up the other later plans I was intending to see through? I appreciate straightforwardness, and this trend of being ‘fashionably late’ unnecessarily complicates a simple invite. People not running on time don’t appear cool or busy. They just seem disrespectful of those hungry at the table, itching to order.