Posts in category: Life Style

In a season of weddings and festivities, often characterised by who can outdo whom, Kriti Sanon instead let craftsmanship take centre stage. For the latest promotions of her upcoming movie Tere Ishq Mein (2025), the actor opted for a silk kurta set from Sobariko.

Styled by Sukriti Grover, the black kurta featured woven silver brocade along the neckline, sleeves and hem, with a broad silver jaal pattern running across the fabric. Matching wide-legged pants carrying the same jaal and brocade-trimmed hems introduced a ’70s-inspired silhouette. A black potli bag embellished with identical patterns created a cohesive visual.

Her jewellery brought a sculptural element to the look, with Sanon wearing statement silver ear cuffs from Apala by Sumit, crafted with mother-of-pearl, quartz and vintage discs. Complementing these were black bangles, a thick silver kada on each hand and dual finger rings from Motifs, all contributing to a layered mix of silver tones. A pair of bright silver heels with embroidered floral motifs by Aprajita Toor served as the final addition.

The actor’s makeup and hair remained refined: a sleek half-up, half-down hairstyle with a centre part, paired with bold black smudged liner, a soft smoky eye and pink lips that balanced the metallic notes of the outfit.

From Vogue‘s Fashion Desk:

“Open up the hair to a soft wavy half-part, and tease the top of it to give it that Brigitte Bardot effect. this will amplify the 70s silhouette inspired feel of the sahara. lose the earcuffs for a pair of chandbaalis instead, and the juttis for a pair of strappy kolhapuris,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Kriti Sanon embraces tonal dressing with a pearl-trimmed Rohit Bal anarkali and embroidered jacket

Bhumi Pednekkar’s Ritu Kumar look blends brocade and metallic threadwork

Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s Anamika Khanna sari layers ivory threadwork with statement jewellery

Every groom has a story that is woven into the cloth of his life, a tale that is made up of his dreams, traditions, feelings, and the moments that outline who he is. At the same time, regardless of the reality that weddings are usually focused on the style journey of the bride, the apparel that the men’s wears incorporates its own tremendous narrative. To add truth to damage, there’s nothing that is more successful in expressing that personality than a sherwani. This is personal, big, and unapologetically worn by the individual in question. There is more to sherwanis than simply an article of apparel; they may be an illustration of a person`s heritage, culture, and individuality. On the occasion that it is made with meticulous deliberation, it transforms into a piece of artwork that serves as a memorial to the groom’s journey from the beyond to the existing and into a brand new future.

There has been a significant shift in the style of weddings. When it comes to his wedding day, the modern groom needs more than only a traditional suit; he needs something that not only reflects his heritage but also offers him an experience of self-assurance and regal status. Because it enhances the splendor of the bride while letting the husband shine in his very own specific way, a sherwani has a more emotional significance when it is designed with meticulous deliberation. This is as it permits the groom to polish simply as much as the bride does. Individual importance, historic relevance, and modern craftsmanship are all correctly blended on this garment; that’s not like every other garment.

1. The Colors That Convey His Identity

The groom`s story begins with color. Royal ivory, passionate crimson, moderate pastels, and wonderful gold represent him. Ivory and beige are stylish and confident, maroon and burgundy are effective and classic, pastels are modern and expressive, and golden, vibrant, and regal. Color conveys dramatic testimonies each time.

2. Embroidery Inspired by Culture & Heritage 

Heritage meets embroidered art. Paisley, florals, mandalas, and elaborate Mughal motifs decorate the sherwani. Zari, zardozi, resham, sequins, and delicate threadwork make it a marvel. They join the groom to his heritage and showcase generations of craftsmanship.

3. Fabric That Reflects His Taste

Fabric preference impacts the groom`s tale equally. Raw silk is modern and textural, at the same time as silk is fashionable. Vintage brocade, velvet, and jacquard are wealthy and fashionable with complicated woven designs. Each fabric offers the sherwani character, reflecting the groom.

4. Personalization: Where the Story Truly Comes Alive

Personalization makes sherwanis special. Personal elements like initials embroidered onto the collar, wedding ceremony dates buried within the pattern, family design elements, and emotional colors make the outfit unique. Even custom buttons, collars, and drapes add touch. After the wedding, these elements make the sherwani special.

The groom`s wedding sherwani shines when it matches the bride’s. By using complementary needlework techniques, complementing tones, or related subjects, the duo can visually speak togetherness. This innovative harmony not only serves as an illustration of the experience that they have completed together, but it also makes a contribution to the overall style in their wedding ceremony images. It brings together modern-day romantic and traditional ceremonies in the most polished way; that is feasible.

The modern groom is familiar with the importance of dress as a way of expressing oneself. He isn’t scared to experiment with new colors, textures, and layout elements, in addition to being self-assured and adventurous. He is likewise no longer worried about creating new things. It is feasible for him to gain stability among his individual style and his cultural background by wearing a sherwani that honors his story. This is because the modern way of wondering is well related with something like that. Eventually, it transforms into something that is more than just a group; it becomes a statement of one`s identity.

Read more – Your Guide to Perfect Kurta Pyjama Looks – Casual to Formal

It`s more than only a dress; it is a memory you may wear, a family heirloom within the making, and a celebration of who you are. Skill, emotion, history, and individuality can all be proven in a sherwani that suggests your trip. On your big day, you need to look more than simply beautiful.

You need to wear a sherwani that tells your story.

Picking the right nail colours for your winter mani is a tall order. With Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe of 2026 to nail in the same season, it can be hard to know which shade will work best as you transition from party season to me time.

Luckily, with a few small tweaks to your usual manicure, you’ll be ready to serve appropriate winter nails by the time the season is here. Whether you’re an all-out festive season lover or looking for a more minimal mani to welcome in the new year, there’s something for everyone this season.

Intrigued? Keep reading to find out the nail polish colours that are in and out for winter and pick your fave before your next nail appointment.

In: Tinsel nails

Out: Tortoiseshell nails

Hear me out on this one, while tortoiseshell nails with their mesmerising mix of brown and black tones can be hard to top, they can be a little bit too muted for party season. For a little extravagance and sparkle, try tinsel nails instead. Inspired by the classic Christmas decoration, this sparkly manicure is a great way of zhuzhing up any outfit this winter, even if you’re an all-black loving fashionista. With so many types of glitter nails to choose from, finer textures will leave you with a more luxurious feel and finish. And don’t worry if glitter isn’t your vibe, you can cheat a little with a super shimmery nail polish instead.

In: Velvet nails

Out: Matte nails

While moody jewel tones like navy or forest green are perfectly complemented by matte textures, as party season approaches, sparkly, shimmery finishes are a no-brainer for your winter nails. Velvet nails, AKA cat-eye nails, have reigned all year long and they’re not going anywhere this season. They catch the light with every flourish of your hand; an easy way to incorporate bling. Update your winter nails by opting for festive shades like pine green or winter-appropriate shades like icy blue.

What if you are living in a parallel reality that may seem like a faint time from your past, but may bear a completely different outcome, for the better? Aries, it has taken you a long time to regain your strength and power. Life may not have been easy, but it really has brought out a lot of good in you and the way you approach things—you’ve become more steadfast, more grounded, more sure of what you want and more emotionally stable. Each time you surrender to the divine and cosmic currents, you find yourself pleasantly surprised by the most magnificent opportunities and breakthroughs in life. Scorpio, your wisdom speaks through your gut—your immediate yes/ no, excited or drained response stems from the deepest core of your body. Pay attention to it. As the year wanes off and as the energy of the past decade or so is clearing off, you are also getting renewed and cleaned up from within. It is almost as though your laundry basket clears up and so does your inner grime, mental chaos and emotional turbulence. Try some spring cleaning today. Gemini, you might not only end up feeling lighter, but you may also rediscover things and gems that you have long forgotten.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

What if you are living in a parallel reality that may seem like a faint time from your past, but may bear a completely different outcome for the better? Aries, it has taken you a long time to regain your strength and power. Life may have not been easy, but it really has brought out a lot of good in you and the way you approach things. You’ve become more steadfast, more grounded, more sure of what you want and more emotionally stable. Yes, for some of you it is age, but for a lot of you it is wisdom gained through experience. You are no longer fuming at missed opportunities; you are treading carefully so as to not step on hot coal again. You can smell a shift in the air, and you are simply gearing up for it.

Cosmic tip: Make gaining peace your default at all costs.

Taurus, you can see with your eyes closed, and this is you tuning into your intuition. Just as it takes a brief moment for your eyes to acclimate to the dark as soon as you turn the lights off, tuning into the stillness of your mind takes a moment. Be it meditation, listening to your gut, mastering your intuition, a skill, or a new way of being—give it the time it needs and swim through with the amusement of amazing things found along the way.

A few years ago, while waiting for my taxi in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Muscat—and finally tired of mindlessly scrolling through my phone—I struck up a conversation with a bellhop just to kill time. The bellhop turned out to be among the hotel’s longest-serving employees and a living archive of Oman’s buried stories. He regaled me with fascinating tales of the country’s culture and history that few travellers hear: stories of how, in pre-’70s Oman, people were forbidden to wear footwear in the presence of the Sultan; of how some believe that the Al-Hajar Mountains were formed even before the extinction of the dinosaurs; of how high up in the mountains, abandoned homes and villages of ancient tribes can still be visited.

Another time, while staying at Hotel Auersperg in Salzburg, I decided to take a day trip to Hallstatt like most tourists. When I mentioned it in passing to one of the wait staff, she gently advised me to stay overnight. While the village receives thousands of day-trippers daily, ironically, it’s at its most stunning in the quiet hours. “Unfortunately, many visitors wander into private homes, take selfies, speak loudly, disrupt the peace, and leave. But Hallstatt is not a movie set. It’s home to people who deserve respect.” She encouraged me to visit in the off-season, dine at smaller eateries, skip commercial hotels for family-owned inns, buy homemade goods and support local businesses. Thanks to her, I ended up experiencing one of Austria’s most touristy hotspots in a deeper, more meaningful way.

It was in these moments that a realisation dawned on me. As a hotel writer and someone who prided herself on being a “traveller, not a tourist”—someone who sought authentic experiences—I had been ignoring the locals I saw most frequently: the hotel staff. And I don’t mean the head chefs and senior managers, but a hotel’s most overlooked resource: the staff we walk past in the lobby.

Think about it—a night guard or doorman who observes a city as it sleeps and watches what few guests ever see. Imagine the treasure trove of secrets they must hold about a place? Or, housekeeping, who witness guests’ habits up close, may be the best people to teach us about how to be responsible tourists.

Before apps and hashtags, it was the hotel staff and concierges who were the ultimate insiders. They pointed guests to the best-kept secrets of a destination, hidden restaurants and held the keys to untold stories that made trips memorable.

Interestingly, even now—when the hotel industry is rapidly investing in AI concierges and robot staff and almost 40% of travellers globally are using AI-based tools to plan their travel itinerary—Albert John, head concierge at The Oberoi in New Delhi, believes that the golden era of human staff is now. “Genuine connection has become the new luxury, because while technology can recommend a city’s finest restaurant, knowing which table will suit your mood, or which local artisan will capture your imagination, comes only from human instinct.”

On a recent trip to Jaipur for a family wedding, my skin was crying for mercy. Decadent Rajasthani feasts, makeup going on and coming off every few hours, three nights of four-hour sleep and a sudden climate switch turned my face into a cautionary tale. That’s when it struck me that the pursuit of the wedding glow isn’t just the bride’s anymore.

Because the modern wedding calendar looks more like a travel itinerary. From Jaisalmer to Jaipur and Phuket to Portofino, your skin is expected to keep up as you hop from one flight to another for more than one happy couple this season. The beauty brief now includes the jet-setting guest, sprinting through ceremonies, red-eye flights and humidity swings, fuelled by equal parts SPF and sheer willpower.

As India’s destination weddings evolve into multi-day marathons across climates and time zones, your skincare routine needs to be as versatile and resilient as your wardrobe.

Setting a pre-wedding beauty regime

Athletes train their bodies to run long distances, lift weights to sustain muscle recovery, hydrate well before the big day and get ample rest. Multi-day wedding functions require resilience too. Dr Kiran Sethi, New York–trained aesthetic expert, recommends taking B-complex supplements to support skin repair, curb stress breakouts and boost energy before travelling. The once solitary exercise of skincare and wellness is becoming more of a collective ritual in 2025. Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Medical Council of India-certified dermatologist, notes the rise of group appointments: mother–daughter facials, bridal-party treatments and matcha-fuelled pamper sessions featuring facials, mani-pedis and vitamin infusions.

Jet-lag proof your skin

Jet lag shows up on my face. By the time you get off a flight, whatever radiance you have built during the pre-wedding routine has evaporated somewhere over the Arabian Sea. Cabin air steals moisture, circulation slows and that lit-from-within glow fades fast. Add hard hotel water to the mix and the skin barrier starts signalling distress with puffiness, tightness and a dull film.

The antidote is a post-flight reset built on deep hydration, soft cleansing and barrier-loving formulas that coax the complexion back to life just in time for the celebrations.

Dr Agarwal’s go-to ritual: hydrate well, avoid alcohol in flight, cleanse with a rich balm, exfoliate gently with lactic acid and seal skin with a ceramide-peptide moisturiser that nourishes without heaviness. “A cold spoon under the eyes depuffs instantly,” she says. Masks are also an easy replenisher. Dr Sethi recommends vitamin C to revive dullness and hydrating or hyaluronic acid sleeping masks to undo flight-induced dehydration.

Destination-driven skincare

Different climates rewrite the skin’s entire rulebook. If desert-like heat thins skin barrier, then a shift to a humid weather like Udaipur or Mumbai unfolds the opposite chaos–sweat, sebum and microbes creating a lush playground for congestion and fungal flare-ups. Going up North to places like Delhi and Chandigarh pollution rises, PM levels spike and the skin’s defences work overtime, leaving it inflamed, sensitised and prone to pigmentation. In short, your wedding itinerary is a climate rollercoaster and your skincare needs to travel just as intelligently.

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, colour, culture, and unforgettable celebrations that often span several hours or even several days. With endless rituals, emotional moments, dancing, photography sessions, and family interactions, a groom’s wedding outfit needs to do much more than just look stunning. It must keep him comfortable while maintaining a regal presence from the start of the ceremony to the very end. This is where the lightweight sherwani for men steals the spotlight.

The modern groom is evolving. He wants tradition, but he also wants ease. He wants opulence, but without the weight of heavily layered fabrics or excessive embroidery. Thankfully, designers and ethnic-fashion brands today have perfected the balance between luxurious craftsmanship and wearable comfort. Lightweight sherwanis crafted from breathable fabrics like silk blends, jacquard, and fine brocade allow the groom to look royal without feeling overheated or restricted during long wedding hours.

Whether you are preparing for a summer wedding under the warm sun, a destination ceremony, or a full-day indoor celebration, choosing a lightweight cloth ensures you stay comfortable, confident, and picture-perfect. In this blog, we explore what makes lightweight sherwanis a must-have for modern ceremonies and how you can choose the ideal one for your big day.

Why Lightweight Sherwanis Are Essential for Indian Weddings

Indian weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition and vibrance, but they can be physically demanding. Many ceremonies require the groom to stand, walk, perform rituals, and participate in photography sessions for prolonged hours. A heavy sherwani may look majestic, but it can cause discomfort, especially in warm climates or during crowded events.

Lightweight sherwanis offer the perfect solution by providing:

• Breathability: Fabrics allow air circulation, keeping you cool.
• Comfortable Fit: Easy movement without stiffness or weight.
• Long-wear Durability: Suitable for rituals lasting several hours.
• Modern Appeal: Designs that feel contemporary yet traditional.

Best Fabrics for Lightweight Sherwanis

The choice of fabric plays a significant role in the comfort level of your sherwanis. Here are the top lightweight options:

Silk Blends

Silk blends offer a luxurious finish without the heaviness of pure silk. They drape beautifully and are ideal for grooms who want an elegant yet breathable outfit.

Jacquard

Jacquard sherwanis are known for their intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric. Lightweight variations allow a royal look without extra bulk.

Raw Silk

Raw silk provides a textured, rich appearance while remaining easy to wear. It’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

Brocade (Lightweight Versions)

Brocade is typically heavy, but modern designers have introduced lighter versions that maintain the ornate look while offering comfort.

Comfort Meets Royalty: Design Details that Elevate Lightweight Sherwanis

Just because a sherwani is lightweight doesn’t mean it compromises on style. Designers now incorporate:

• Minimalistic yet elegant embroidery using resham or zari.
• Innovative cuts like asymmetrical hems, side-slit designs, and modern collars.
• Pastel palettes that are trending among contemporary grooms.
• Subtle embellishments which add richness without weight.

These elements come together to create sherwanis that feel luxurious yet wearable for extended periods.

Styling Tips for Lightweight Sherwani for Men

Choose the Right Footwear

Opt for mojris or juttis that match the sherwani’s colour palette. Lightweight shoes ensure you stay comfortable while walking or performing rituals.

Avoid Over-Layering

Since the focus is on comfort, keep accessories minimal. A stylish stole or dupatta is enough to complete the look.

Focus on Fit

Even lightweight sherwanis need precise tailoring. A well-fitted outfit enhances your posture and keeps you comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Coordinate with Your Partner

Matching your outfit with your bride’s outfit creates a harmonious look for photographs and adds charm to the overall wedding aesthetic.

Pairing Sherwani with a Nehru Jacket for a Contemporary Look

While sherwanis traditionally stand strong on their own, modern grooms are increasingly experimenting with layered ethnic wear to create a more distinctive and polished look. One of the most stylish and practical ways to elevate your wedding attire is by pairing your outfit with a Nehru Jacket. This combination not only adds depth and character to your outfit but also enhances comfort, especially when using lightweight fabrics.

It works beautifully with a lightweight sherwani for several reasons. Firstly, it introduces a structured and tailored element that sharpens your overall silhouette. Secondly, it allows you to play with contrasting or complementary colours, ideal for adding personality to your look without overwhelming it. Opt for pastel-toned Nehru jackets for daytime ceremonies or choose jewel-toned fabrics for evening functions.

For long wedding ceremonies, choose a jacket made from breathable materials like raw silk, cotton-silk blends, or lightweight jacquard. This ensures your layers remain comfortable while still elevating your ensemble. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist approach or a more striking statement, the sherwani-and-Nehru-jacket combination offers versatility, elegance, and effortless modern charm.

Why Grooms Are Choosing Lightweight Sherwanis in 2025

With weddings evolving, from minimalist décor trends to destination themes, grooms are opting for outfits that support convenience and elegance. Lightweight sherwanis are trending because they:

• Suit all climates, especially Indian summers.
• Complement modern wedding themes such as pastel, floral, or contemporary fusion.
• Allow easy movement for dancing, rituals, and social interactions.
• Offer a polished and sophisticated appearance.

The shift towards comfortable luxury reflects the modern groom’s desire to enjoy his wedding day without any discomfort.

Explore Exclusive Outfit Collection for the Modern Groom with Nihal Fashions

Make a statement on your big day with our luxurious yet lightweight groom outfit collection. At Nihal Fashions, we understand that today’s groom wants the perfect blend of style, comfort, and tradition. That’s why our sherwanis are thoughtfully curated with breathable fabrics, elegant designs, and impeccable craftsmanship to ensure you feel as good as you look.

Whether you prefer subtle pastels, rich traditional hues, modern patterns, or royal embellishments, our collection offers something for every groom’s taste and wedding theme. Explore an array of premium sherwanis that are not only visually stunning but also designed for long-hour wear, ideal for Indian wedding ceremonies that demand both grace and comfort.

Final Thoughts

A wedding day is one of the most memorable days in a man’s life, and the outfit should elevate the experience, not hinder it. Lightweight sherwani for men is the perfect choice for those seeking opulence without sacrifice. With the right fabric, fit, and design, you can look regal from morning rituals to evening celebrations while staying cool and comfortable.

Whether you are a groom, groomsman, or wedding guest, choosing a lightweight groom’s outfit ensures you enjoy every moment of the celebration. And with collections like those at Nihal Fashions, finding perfect sherwanis has never been easier or more exciting.

Ananya Panday’s Ekaya Banaras sari celebrated Banarasi heritage, but with a clear Far East influence. The sky-blue drape was handwoven using Banarasi Tanchoi, a traditional technique that weaves intricate patterns straight into the silk.

The pallu fell around her elbows, letting the blouse, which carried the same floral motifs as the sari’s border, take centre stage. It featured a standing collar, reminiscent of a Chinese Qipao, and a peek-a-boo neckline that finished with a small bow in the front.

For accessories, the actor opted for a touch of traditional glamour: oversized chaandbalis from Jagdish Jewellers in gold, with green stones that contrasted against the cool-toned ensemble.

Her hair was pulled back into a neat braid, slicked at the front, and adorned with two bright red roses for a bold pop of colour. The makeup stayed soft: defined eyes and pink lips on a blushing base. A small black bindi tied the look together together.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Add another layer of drape with a shawl or a cape over one shoulder in a deep and contrasting hue, something in tangerine or wine. Define the lips with a dark liner to add that ombre effect, remove the roses and tie the braid into a low bun to let the chaandbalis breathe,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Ananya Panday’s vintage Jacques Fath corset meets Manish Malhotra lace in a bridge between eras

Ananya Panday: “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do it, but I like the idea of playing yesteryear actors from the ’50s and ’60s”

Ananya Panday’s light and breezy Miami wardrobe featured mini skirts and ballet flats

Art and design fairs are one of the best ways to spend your evenings—it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to browse through curated collections, meet new people and experience those moments of magic when a piece just speaks to you. But with so much to see and do, sometimes you just need a moment to pause—take a little break, maybe even sit down, which is a rare luxury at these bustling events. Soho House Mumbai returns to Design Mumbai for a second time, extending its cultural imprint with a lounge designed exactly for that. It’s a space to linger and indulge in rest, art, craft and food, a quiet counterpoint to the energy of the fair. The Soho House Lounge pairs a tranquil rest area with a curated counter, offering signature dishes and cocktails from the House menu in a relaxed, design-led setting.

Since opening in Mumbai in 2018, Soho House has built something rare in a city that is so fast-moving and creatively dense: a cultural and creative home where artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians and writers can meet one another not in passing, but with purpose. Its presence at both Design Mumbai and Art Mumbai this year has become an extension of that philosophy, reflecting a commitment and a genuine contribution towards how the city experiences art and design.

During this edition of Design Mumbai (November 26-November 29), the Soho House Lounge will feature three distinct artistic practices: works by Vinita Mungi, the Journey of Objects collective and Sejal Parek. Mungi, a Mumbai-based ceramic artist, presents Breast Stories—a series of sculptural works rooted in feminist thought, ecology and the sensorial intimacy of clay. Drawing inspiration from the symbolism present in Bengali writer and activist Mahasweta Devi’s eponymous book, Breast Stories addresses sexual assault and violence, borrowing from the experiences of the artist herself as well as those close to her. In her work, Mungi uses seashells to emphasise the breast as more than a symbol of beauty, eroticism or motherhood but as a harsh indictment of an exploitative social system and a weapon of resistance.

Someone once told me that you can tell a person is in a good relationship because they rarely mention it. I mean, to be fair, people do say some shit to me. There’s a guy I get the train with in the morning who is constantly warning us the world will end tomorrow and yet, there he is, bright and early the next day, world intact enough to allow at least one more train ride where commuters politely try not to catch his eye.

I think there’s probably something in that though, in the idea that a healthy relationship attracts less introspection, and certainly less texting of the group chat—or indeed, emails to agony aunts. But increasingly, I have come to believe that questions around a relationship are as integral to it as sex or laughter. As long as people have been falling in love, they’ve been questioning that fall (how do you know it’s love, is this guy right for me, how many cattle must my father offer for their hand, etc), but some questions arise more often than others.

With a little help from Google Trends, we compiled five of the relationship questions being asked most frequently right now, both as a way of pinpointing the precise love anxieties of our day, but also, to see if we could, sort of, help?

What is a monogamous relationship?

Sorry, but this is the kind of question my kids ask to avoid going to sleep. How do you make BUTTER? What colour is SATURDAY? Can you count to INFINITY? A monogamous relationship is when people promise emotional and sexual exclusivity to each other. The history of the thing is interesting but vague—a general shift towards monogamy started about three and a half million years ago, but most human societies (around 85 per cent of them) have permitted polygamy too. And even taking in evolutionary advantages, researchers can’t quite quantify why we, as a species, have come to largely favour monogamy over the centuries. Still, many continue to choose it, despite increasing headlines saying it’s “doomed” or “unrealistic” or “dead”. What is a monogamous relationship? It’s less “natural” than you were brought up to believe, it requires compromise and, just like its alternatives, it involves jealousy, love, desire and trust. (You make butter by whipping cream, Saturday is yellow, no and good night.)

How long does the honeymoon phase last in a relationship?

God, I met a couple recently who were in their eighties who still seemed to be in the honeymoon phase, touching each other’s arms, giggling—they’d been together for over 50 years. So I guess there’s no correct answer to this one (18 months, four days, three hours?), that the length of a honeymoon phase (meaning the period of time in which you feel entirely infatuated with your new partner, almost delirious with lust and vaguely euphoric) varies entirely depending on the people, and the relationship. But one thing I would say, is that it’s easy to reach the end of this phase, and see the dull and sometimes sticky reality of a relationship beyond its initial fireworks, and not recognise it as love. To be so caught up in the romance and excitement that the next phase, of compromise, routine and diminishing drama, looks like the end, when in fact it could very easily be the beginning. Something to think about!

What is an open relationship?

I was listening to Lily Allen’s album recently, as, I believe, was every woman between the ages of 30 and 50, and thinking about biscuits. You may have read, as I did, that recent legislation means that certain chocolate bars have so little cocoa in they can no longer be labelled as such and must now be called “chocolate flavoured biscuits“. And, listening to Lily sing about an open marriage (or, as its most commonly called today, “ethical non-monogamy”, meaning a couple consent to their partner having sex with other people), but one where the husband broke all the rules they had carefully put in place, it occurred to me that, in the same way a Club bar can not be called chocolate, just by labelling something ethical does not make it so. And that, as an increasing number of people enter into open relationships without, perhaps, the trust or honesty or open communication required, it is perhaps necessary for us to call it ethical-flavoured non-monogamy?

What qualifies as cheating in a relationship?

Ok, I love this question. This is something I could chat about for hours, because, rather than the relatively cut and dried “bonking my best friend” sort of situation, cheating can exist on a vast, shimmering spectrum. And people often don’t know where they stand on it until the cheating occurs! Your partner says they had a sex dream about a celebrity? Is that cheating? Maybe for someone! Your partner ended a text to a coworker with kisses? Is that cheating? They got off with a stranger when horribly drunk? They slept with an ex when you were away? They have a whole other family living in Plymouth? The sex writer Dan Savage is very good on this topic. His advice is that couples should define sex as broadly as possible (so their sex life becomes richer and more interesting as more things than simple penetration count as sex), and that they should define cheating as narrowly as possible. The fewer things a couple counts as cheating “the less likely they are to cheat on each other and, consequently, the less likely they are to break up over an infidelity”. Define sex broadly, he summarises, you get “more and better sex. Define cheating narrowly: more resilient relationships.”

Am I in a toxic relationship?

Oh love, if you have to ask….

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk

Also read:

300+ relationship questions that will strengthen your bond

200 questions to ask your girlfriend: the cute, the serious and the romantic

101 deep questions to ask anyone, from friends to partners