Posts in category: Life Style

It takes courage to set up boundaries—just as it takes courage to chase your dreams. Scorpio, sometimes you think you need more structure to get to where you need to, but in truth it is not that—it is boundaries you need to put in place to make the most in life. When you know how much you have to give, you also understand that the next step lies in optimising how and what you wish to contribute to or create space for. Taking on more than you can handle, constantly giving people chances that you know are going on in loops, may be derailing you from your path. You know what you need, Scorps—to ask yourself what is your purpose, what drives you each morning and then rise up to honour that feeling without guilt and by disallowing others to guilt you into a life that you know you don’t deserve.

Cosmic tip: Expand your awareness and look beyond immediate gratification. It is time for some tough love.

Your heart has softened and so have your ideas on life. Sag, how are you going to show up in life if you have the choice to decide your next steps? Are you going to choose flow, compassion, ease and leadership, or are you going to choose force, headiness and resolve; or better still are you going to fuse the two? Sag, it is time for you to feel grateful for all that you have going for you, heal in layers, view life in layers and even emit your own compassionate yet firm frequency with such surety that it reverberates through the cosmos.

Cosmic tip: Time to tap into that calm instead of walloping in the noise.

Relax, Cap, relax. Cleanse your energies, rewire your soul, allow yourself to be fuelled by the ease that life really thrives on. Your wired, nervous, survival-driven days are behind you—now you must learn to value yourself in a different light. Love all the crevices in your body, mind and soul—because that fills everything with more light. Put on filters where others are concerned, to allow only what lifts you up to enter your field. You are part of Mother Nature—learn a thing or two from her about following your rhythms and naturally deserving respect. No one really rules her—and she knows she’s the master of her own energy, even while she gives all she has in the measure she can.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) — 5–15% aromatic oils: lighter, ideal for switching scents between functions or wearing something fresh for a daytime mehendi.

Eau de Parfum (EDP) — 15–20%: versatile, long-lasting enough to take you through most events in a day.

Extrait de Parfum — 20–40%: the richest, most concentrated option for when you want your fragrance to linger from pheras to the afterparty.

If you want your fragrance to last for the whole day, opt for EDPs or Extraits, and if you’re planning on switching scents between events, EDT is your best bet. Climate matters here, too. A warm, heavy oudh might feel opulent in a winter ballroom but overpowering in a tropical setting.

3. Start skin prep early and only for what you need

The bridal skincare edit by Dr Harshna Bijlani

According to celebrity skin expert Dr Harshna Bijlani, the best bridal skincare plans start 6–12 months before the wedding. That doesn’t mean overloading your calendar with every trending treatment. Her mantra: focus on your personal goals, not what a clinic package dictates.

Glossy “bridal packages” with their bundled lasers, fillers and facials can be tempting, but she cautions against signing up without knowing what you actually need. If pigmentation doesn’t bother you, skip the laser sessions. If your lips are already full, fillers might be unnecessary. For clients who are on the fence about fillers, she offers a unique preview: injecting PRP (platelet-rich plasma, as used in vampire facials) into the targeted area to mimic the volume temporarily.

Her closing line struck a chord with the audience: “Don’t let someone else’s insecurities become yours.” In other words, your wedding prep should enhance what you love about yourself, not rewrite your face.

4. Perfect your base (and brushes) before the first swipe of colour

Nykaa Luxe presents ‘The Ultimate Pillow Talk Bride’, powered by Charlotte Tilbury

Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni used her session to spotlight the step we tend to overlook: skin prep. For her, understanding your skin type is essential because what works for oily skin will often fail for someone with dry skin.

Her approach to setting powder is targeted: under the eyes first, then the T-zone, sides of the nose, upper lip and eyelids. This method locks the base in place without dulling the skin’s radiance. “Even if you cry, the rest of the makeup stays intact,” she told the audience with a smile.

She also addressed a less glamorous but crucial detail: brush hygiene. Her rule is to wash brushes with baby shampoo or antiseptic soap under running water, rather than relying on alcohol sprays that can be too harsh for delicate bristles, especially eye brushes. In her view, clean tools are as essential to a flawless bridal look as the products themselves.

The weekend proved that the most memorable bridal looks come from understanding the small decisions that add up to confidence–in front of the camera, at the mandap and long after the last guest leaves. From tailoring your makeup to the weather to curating a fragrance for the day, the Vogue Wedding Atelier left its brides with something far more lasting than a photograph: the clarity to make every choice their own.

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Generational jewels and old-world watches: A peek into what Kolkata’s most stylish wore with pride

Zambian emeralds and hand-painted pendants: Inside the heirlooms worn by Jaipur’s best-dressed crowd

From ancestral jewels to vintage silks, all that went inside New Delhi’s celebration of heirloom and heritage

There was a time when a 10 step skincare routine felt like self-care. Serums layered like armour, essences patted in with devotion, exfoliants used with the zeal of someone who believed they could polish away every bad decision. Back then, my bathroom mirror felt like a stage for the best multitasking skincare products, except none of them were really multitasking; they were just part of a longer performance.

Then came the inevitable crash: barrier damage, persistent redness, the creeping realisation that my skin–allegedly at its most “cared for”–was angrier and less resilient than before. So I swung the other way. Out went the serums, in came the gospel of barrier repair. But even that became its own brand of excess: soothing mists in triplicate, recovery creams stacked like mille-feuille, separate balms for every square inch of skin.

It’s a cycle that extends beyond skincare. Wellness has a knack for transforming the cure into the job. Minimalism morphs into a new form of maximalism.

Now, in my 30s, I’m opting out of the swing entirely. No more toggling between excess and austerity. Instead, I’m making peace with a form of skincare minimalism built on efficiency; the kind anchored in the best multitasking skincare products. Formulas that pull double or triple duty, so my routine works harder while taking up less space in my day than a 10 step skincare routine.

Clarins Double Serum

A skincare veteran that keeps reinventing itself. The latest Clarins Double Serum uses 22 plant extracts, including turmeric, plus a new wave of active molecules to target hydration, regeneration and protection. It works on lifestyle-induced ageing while strengthening skin’s resilience so you’re not juggling five separate serums.

Augustinus Bader The Light Cream

A featherweight hydrator with heavyweight benefits. Powered by the brand’s TFC8 complex, this cream balances oil control with deep hydration, calms irritation with aloe and green tea and improves skin tone over time. Ideal if you want the barrier support of a moisturiser, the brightening effect of a serum and the light feel of a gel-cream in a single step.

First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion with 10% AHA

This is body care that multitasks harder than most face products. Lactic acid smooths rough, bumpy skin, while urea, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal hydrate and calm. It’s equal parts exfoliant and moisturiser, cutting through keratosis pilaris texture without the need for a separate scrub and lotion.

Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum

Not quite a toner, not quite a serum–this hybrid refines pores, balances oil, brightens skin and softens texture in one go. Niacinamide, Barbados cherry, and antioxidant botanicals tackle uneven tone and shine without stripping moisture. The texture is satisfyingly thick, so you can pat it in and skip cotton pads.

Farmacy Beauty Lip Smoothie

A lip balm that refuses to just be a lip balm. Peptides and vitamin C smooth fine lines over time, upcycled apple extract and mango seed butter hydrate, and the high-gloss finish makes it feel like a sheer lip colour. It’s skincare, treatment and a finishing touch in one swipe.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream

Part overnight peel, part dark spot corrector, part hydrating cream. Glycolic acid and papaya enzyme gently resurface, while Caudalie’s patented Viniferine works on pigmentation. You wake up to brighter, smoother skin without layering three different products before bed.

Dior Hydra Life Deep Hydration Sorbet Water Essence

Three steps in one: the hydration of a serum, the gentle exfoliation of a peel and the toning effect of an essence. Mallow and Haberlea leaf boost skin’s water circulation and resilience while fruit acids keep texture refined.

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules

The word “conflict” usually brings to mind raised voices or awkward tension—outcomes most people—especially conflict-avoidant people—would rather avoid. But learning how to handle conflict (thoughtfully, that is) might be one of the most powerful skills you can build—not just for your relationships but for your own sense of peace too.

That said, there are plenty of valid reasons we’ve culturally learned not to voice our issues. For one, there’s the fear that speaking up means you’re dramatic, difficult or “aggressive.” If you’ve had romantic relationships or grew up in a household where minor clashes routinely escalated into shouting (or crying) matches, it makes sense that you may have internalised the idea that any form of tension is something to run away from.

Yet, as Aparna Sagaram, LMFT, owner of Space to Reflect Therapy in Philadelphia, says, a lot of people don’t realise that all conflict is just some sort of disagreement—which is bound to happen even with loved ones. You might be hurt when your best friend bails at the last minute (again), for instance, or frustrated that your partner never helps clean up after dinner. These are valid feelings that deserve to be addressed (otherwise, they’ll build into simmering resentment).

So when you reframe occasional clashes as a means to get closer (not to drift further apart), it becomes less about “fighting” and more about working together. The trick, of course, is figuring out how to start those tough conversations in a way that won’t stir drama or leave anyone feeling attacked. Here’s how any conflict-avoidant person can make these talks less intimidating, according to experts.

1. Draft the “no-send” version of what you want to say

One of the hardest parts of knowing how to handle conflict is figuring out exactly what you want to communicate—and how to do it kindly.

That’s why Cherlette McCullough, LMFT, owner of Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy in Florida, recommends starting what she calls a “no-send” version of your message in a journal or your notes app. “Get everything out,” he says. “Write about how they hurt you, how they made you feel, how their behaviours affected you.”

The goal isn’t to send this letter exactly as written, but rather to release those bottled-up emotions for much-needed clarity. Once you’ve word-vomited, McCullough says it should be easier to review which points are genuinely worth raising—say, a pattern of dismissiveness or a lack of communication—and which ones may be better left out (such as name-calling). That way, you’re leading with purpose, not rage.

2. Practice confronting people you trust first

It can feel wildly intimidating to call out a fresh fling you just started dating or a coworker you don’t know all that well. Instead, try voicing your frustrations with people you feel close to, Sagaram recommends.

At Gaurav Gupta’s first-ever bridal couture showcase in Mumbai, Khushi Kapoor was in attendance to support her sister Janhvi Kapoor, who closed the show as the showstopper. The event marked the launch of Gupta’s 2025 Indian couture collection, Quantum Entanglement, unveiled on August 8 at the Jio World Convention Centre.

For the evening, Khushi chose a sleeveless formfitting gown by the designer from his 2024 couture collection, Jyotirgamaya. The pearl gown featured a high, fitted neck that gave structure to the otherwise fluid silhouette. It was hand embroidered all over with vertical stripes of transparent and metallic silver bugle beads, each strip following the garment’s seams to elongate the frame and catch light with minimal movement. The embroidery varied in density across the bodice and hips, visually enhancing the contours of the dress. Toward the hem, the gown subtly flared out into a light mermaid shape, giving the look some swish.

The show itself marked a milestone for the designer since it was his first bridal couture collection conceptualised as a theatrical journey through a modern Indian wedding. Titled Quantum Entanglement, the show unfolded across three immersive spaces, guiding over 500 guests from cocktail hour to vows to reception. Drawing from the physics theory from which it takes its name, the collection explored its theme through dual-toned pairings, mirrored silhouettes and intricately engineered embroidery. Think sculpted sari gowns, lehengas embedded with 3D florals, Banarasi brocades woven over 200 days and layered with antique-inspired crystal work. Bridalwear was reimagined with latticework veils, mother-of-pearl inlays and architectural corsetry, bridging tradition with precision-led innovation.

Some mornings, coffee isn’t the best ally. When the jitters, restless nights or mid-morning slumps start to outweigh the buzz, coffee alternatives step in with a steadier kind of energy. From teas to tonics to adaptogenic blends, these drinks keep you alert without pushing your system into overdrive.

What are the effects of coffee on the body?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the brain and the nervous system to increase alertness and delay fatigue. For these reasons, it’s obviously super helpful when you want to feel more awake. And of course, coffee does have certain health benefits. But it can also be tricky: about 15 to 30 minutes after coffee intake, many people experience the dreaded caffeine crash–a decrease in the initial energising effects that results in tiredness. This can create an unhelpful cycle: drinking more caffeine to counteract the effects of the dip in energy levels it has already caused.

An overdose of caffeine, meanwhile, can result in several unpleasant outcomes. Among the most common? The jitters, heartburn and poor sleep quality. This is especially true if you consume coffee on an empty stomach, which many of us are guilty of while rushing about in the morning, because caffeine stimulates the stomach cells to release digestion-aiding hydrochloric acid, which can be harmful without the presence of food. Consuming too much caffeine can also reduce the body’s ability to stabilise cortisol and melatonin levels, which in turn can create chronic stress and prevent us from getting those all-important Zs.

Coffee alternatives for steady energy and better sleep

Giving up coffee doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your morning ritual altogether–sometimes, a sip of something that’s still warming yet less aggressive can offer a similar pick-me-up. Below, a round-up of coffee alternatives that are either healthier, lower in caffeine or entirely caffeine-free.

Black tea

Okay, so black tea is obviously not a caffeine-free drink, but a cup of brewed black tea typically contains about half as much caffeine as the same amount of coffee. Black tea derives its caffeine from tannins–a type of antioxidant-rich polyphenol also found in spices, chocolate, wine and, yes, coffee. But the alkaloids in tea allow the body to absorb the caffeine much more slowly, lessening the chance of experiencing that annoying post-coffee crash. Best of all, tea contains a specific type of tannin polyphenol called ellagitannin, which has been shown to benefit the growth of healthy gut bacteria. It may even have anti-cancer properties.

Green tea

Multiple long-term studies have found green tea to be among the healthiest beverages on the planet. Among the well-documented evidence-backed benefits: a high amount of a cancer-fighting and antioxidant-rich polyphenol called catechin, and a high amount of the brain-boosting and stress-reducing compound L-theanine. Drinking green tea has also been linked to lower levels of obesity and heart disease, and more balanced blood-sugar levels–and it seems to contribute to increased longevity. It may even help reduce damage to the skin from the sun.

Matcha

Think of matcha as super-powered green tea: it’s produced from the leaves of the same plant, simply grown and consumed in a slightly different way. Matcha is traditionally grown in the shade, which allows the plant to develop more antioxidant-rich and amino-rich compounds–and then pulverised and mixed with water instead of steeped. Because you’re consuming the plant’s whole leaf, you’re reaping more of the aforementioned benefits of green tea. But that means you’re also getting more caffeine than what’s in regular green tea: one cup of matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine, versus green tea’s typical 35mg. Still, that’s a lot less than one cup of coffee–and remember, you’re also getting the benefits of L-theanine.

Yerba maté

This traditional South American drink makes a great coffee alternative, but a word of caution: it contains only slightly less caffeine than coffee. That said, maté’s other benefits are too great to ignore. Obtained from the dried and ground leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant known for its diuretic and purifying properties, as well as its high levels of polyphenols and natural antioxidants, it has excellent stimulating properties and has been found to improve memory and attention span. Some studies have found its antioxidative benefits to be very similar to green tea, and it also contains trace amounts of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and iron. It’s also been found to potentially improve athletic performance and may even help the body burn fat.

Guarana

You may recognise guarana as the active plant extract found in many modern energy drinks, but it has been consumed in Brazil for centuries. And though it does contain high levels of caffeine, it also has beneficial health properties thanks to naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Guarana contains theophylline (also found in black tea) and theobromine (also found in chocolate), which create a synergistic, cognitive-performance-boosting effect. Plus, the compounds in guarana have been shown to possibly slow the growth of cancer cells, help manage cholesterol levels, provide pain relief and contribute to anti-ageing effects. Just proceed carefully: guarana has a lot of caffeine, so a little bit goes a long way.

Mushroom coffee

The flavour of coffee with the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms? Yes, please. Mushroom coffee usually contains ground coffee enhanced with medicinal mushrooms, like chaga and cordyceps, for an added adaptogenic boost. Best of all, most mushroom coffees contain half as much caffeine as traditional bean brews. It also tastes so delicious you probably won’t even notice the mushrooms at all. While the science is still not 100 per cent there, the possible benefits of the adaptogens in mushrooms include increased resistance to stress, better immune function, and improved cognitive states. Additionally, mushrooms contain minerals such as potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and antioxidants.

Golden milk

A caffeine-free classic from childhood, old-school haldi-doodh is blended with warming spices like ginger, black pepper and cinnamon. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system. The combination of protein from the milk and blood-sugar-balancing spices can also help sustain steady morning energy. The ritual of sipping it warm also makes it a grounding start to the day, particularly in cooler months or for those avoiding caffeine altogether.

This article first appeared on Vogue.it

Also read:

I went 30 days without coffee—here’s what I learned

Experts say you should never have a coffee when you wake up

I began my day by consuming fat first for a month—here are all the benefits

Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world”, and it is very true. Shoes hold great aesthetic power, after all, a great responsibility rests on them. Wear the wrong ones and the outfit is ruined, or they can take it to the next level. Concept to which it is even more important to pay attention when it comes to a look with bootcut jeans to wear during working hours.

To fully master the art of combining trendy shoes with such jeans, the best route is experimentation, but if in doubt, you can take inspiration from street style. This way, you can better visualise which models suit your personal style, and then apply what you have learned. Here is a list of Vogue’s best shoes to wear with bootcut jeans to the office.

Bootcut jeans with pumps

The most elegant way to wear bootcut jeans is with pumps.

Getty Images.

Christian Louboutin – Kate Patent shoes

There is a reason why classic models like pumps never die: they are irreplaceable. Even though they have evolved over the decades -in the 50s the heel was lower and in 2015, it was hard to see them without a platform-, they always come back to this elegant and very timeless design. The trendy bootcut jeans are a great ally bootcut jeans are a great ally of pumps, since due to their slightly flared hem, they give a more elongated legs effect. Satin blouse and cardigan will finish the sophisticated look.

Boot cut jeans with cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are perfect to combine with boho garments.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Ralph Lauren Plainview cowboy boots.

Ralph Lauren – Plainview cowboy boots

Of course, cowboy boots can’t be missing when talking about bootcut jeans, after all, this cut of jeans was designed especially to be worn hand in hand with this footwear. This way, you can go for a western interpretation look with a vest and a white shirt, or if you want something more bohemian, just combine both elements and a blouse with bangs. As for accessories, we recommend the use of a belt with a large oval buckle, or be a little more creative and use a long scarf.

Bootcut jeans with espadrilles

Don’t miss the opportunity to wear espadrilles the following weeks.

Getty Images.

Castañer espadrilles.

Castañer – Jute espadrilles

With each passing week, the countdown to the change of season is stronger, August being the final stretch, and as such, represents one of the last opportunities to wear espadrilles. Seen as a synonym of sun and beach, they have made their way to urban outfits, with the help of not so severely flared jeans, white cropped blouses and short brown blazers.

Boot cut jeans with ballerinas

Ballerinas never fail to exude elegance.

Valentina Valdinoci / Launchmetrics / Spotlight.

Marc Jacobs ballerinas.

Marc Jacobs – Ballerinas

Ballerinas offer great comfort, and if the last seasons with mesh models, with glitter and with heels have proved anything, it is that this model completely dominates the discourse of comfortable and sophisticated shoes. Undoubtedly, they are ideal to wear to the office with midi dresses and even bootcut jeans. But if you do not want to choose, you can always wear this duo together, and thus give a retro-inspired image, very 2000s.

Bootcut jeans with Mary Jane shoes

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Tod’s Mary Jane shoes.

Tod’s – Mary Jane Shoes

If you are looking for a heel that gives you a lot of confidence when walking, you should definitely give Mary Jane shoes a try. With a low, square heel, they offer great stability with every step while being elegant at the same time. However, the above doesn’t mean that they can’t be used in a total denim look with bootcut jeans, for a perfect casual Friday look.

Bootcut jeans with loafers

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Aeyde loafers.

Aeyde – Jasper bow-detail suede loafers

While track-soled and heeled loafers are still seen a lot, vintage designs have gained a lot of attention. Among Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid’s outfits, this kind of footwear has become a must-have, and a week ago, the also known as “grandpa shoes”, came back under the spotlight thanks to one of Anne Hathaway’s looks in The Devil Wears Fashion 2. Which means that flat loafers will continue to be an important piece, so it’s a good time to pair them with bootcut jeans, striped shirt and blazer to show how much you know about fashion.

This article first appeared on Vogue.mx

Also Read:

Vogue-approved shoes that are perfect for the office

How to wear tailored pants and a vest to the office (and look effortlessly chic)

How to nail styling capri pants with these summer 2025 shoe trends

Chris Hemsworth returns for a bold new season of the Limitless docuseries with Live Better Now. In this three-part journey, Hemsworth pushes himself beyond comfort through three daring challenges: he learns drums and performs live with Ed Sheeran in front of 70,000 fans, scales a 600ft icy dam in the Swiss Alps to explore the benefits of risk, and endures Special Forces-style pain trials, including icy lake swims, electrocution and pepper spray in South Korea to reframe his relationship with chronic pain. Each experience is grounded in cutting-edge science and guided by experts like Dr. BJ Miller to offer viewers practical, evidence-based tools to live healthier, happier lives.

Streaming on JioHotstar

Night Always Comes (August 15)

Cosmic tip: Choose to focus your attention on things that truly matter to you.

On the flipside of success lies work—a willingness to do what feels uncomfortable at first, while also keeping your eyes on the prize. Taurus, you may feel a little lost on where you are headed, what you need to expect and do, perhaps even how you need to move. However, you only need to find a way to figure out synergy and harmony, at your workplace and your personal life, whatever the case for you. Stretch, move, and view things from a vantage point in your life to set the tone of what’s to come.

Cosmic tip: If you’ve been considering a shift in your home or life for the better, expect it to arrive as a result of the fruits of your labour.

Draw on your inner resilience, Gem. Yes, it may be the beginning of a new week, and yes, you may also feel like you are being pushed into the deep end without your consent. But it is not your knowledge of your skills that will help you get to the shore. It is how you hold your inner peace, how you keep swimming with focus and how you find alternative solutions to persistent challenges that will get you by. You know it is not that you will not see the sun again, it is simply that for now, you just need to get to a point where the fog lifts. And your emotional strength and maturity will get you there.

Cosmic tip: To move ahead, you need to lighten your load.

You may find yourself reminiscing about your past, and the happier times it entailed, and you may somehow find yourself craving those times once again. But here’s the thing, Cancer, even though the time ahead may seem unclear, at least for now, you will need to tide things over with diligence and a certain balance that keeps your inner passion alive while also helping you master that intricate balance in life. You are not trapped, Cancer, you are only going through an awakening that leads you to find love back in your life, within your relationships and yourself.

Years later, G got married and settled down in Mumbai. In Gurgaon, B kept switching jobs until she found one she loved. Higher studies took me to Pune. The turning point in my relationship with G came when when I found out she was pregnant. I was no longer the baby of the family; I could now be someone’s role model. Work started bringing me to Mumbai and closer to G. Eventually, she became the first person I confided in about my relationship and also the one who held me when it ended. With B, I could never quite establish that kind of bond. Until one day, I found myself added to a WhatsApp group called ‘The Three Musketeers,’ thanks to G’s sudden hankering for a girls’ trip to Baku.

B was flying from Delhi, and G and I from Mumbai. But just as G and I got to the airport, we were told that Iran and Israel had closed their airspace due to bombings. Our flight was cancelled. B, meanwhile, had already landed in Baku, stranded and anxious. What was meant to be an exciting trip turned into a flurry of constant news updates and our parents spiralling into panic.

And then, in a move that only my sisters could pull off, we decided, within hours, to reroute everything. Malaysia had a visa-on-arrival policy and it was a way for us to still be together. B packed her bags in Baku, booked the next available flight, and before I could process any of it, we were on our way to Kuala Lumpur. Through all the chaos, I felt something shifting. We weren’t just travelling together, we were looking out for each other, making sure we all got to the same place. All this, just to see each other.

That first night in Kuala Lumpur, jet-lagged, we found ourselves in our hotel room, sprawled across the beds, scrolling through restaurant options. “What do you want to eat?” G asked me. Usually, they would just decide and I was meant to obey. But now, they were asking me. My opinion finally mattered.

Travelling to Malaysia ended up being wonderful. Every night, B would make us do an elaborate skincare routine. “You’ll thank me when you’re 30,” she’d say, smearing something on my face while I rolled my eyes. But I secretly loved it. We laughed, we argued over whether double cleansing was a scam, and somewhere in between, we started talking. Really talking. About relationships and insecurities that they had shared with each other in the past, but never with me.