What's your idea of romance?
Come on slags, don't be shy!
The group chat
Conversations
Who’s your most embarrassing unexpected crush?
Someone you have to explain before you can admit it. A fictional character, a television voice, the person in an advert. Who is it, and what exactly are you seeing…
What is a good hobby for meeting people when you hate sport?
Every suggestion for making new friends seems to involve running up something. What are the good alternatives for those of us whose preferred pace is browsing? Tell us about a…
Friday confessions: what are you pretending to enjoy?
A colleague recommended a podcast. I said I loved it. I’ve listened to the opening music four times while looking for a reason to leave. What are you politely pretending…
What purchase was supposed to change your life?
The exercise bike was going to introduce me to a new version of myself. It has introduced three bras to a radiator alternative. What did you buy with enormous plans,…
What’s the cheapest thing you’re a snob about?
I will happily eat dinner off a chipped plate, but I have opinions about teabags that could end a friendship. What everyday thing are you absurdly particular about?
How do you split Christmas between two families?
The Christmas negotiations are approaching. Do you alternate years, split the day, host everyone or stay home and let the group chats work through their feelings? If you have found…
Sunday night dread: what would you like to postpone?
If you could move one thing out of tomorrow’s diary, what would it be? Mine is a meeting described as a “quick catch-up”, which has never been quick in its…
Petty victory of the week: what did you finally finish?
I used up a pen before losing it. There’s probably a certificate. Tell us about something you finished, fixed or finally crossed off the list.
What does your partner do that should require planning permission?
Mine settles onto the sofa as if he’s adding a two-storey extension. By the time the cushions are arranged, I’m in the conservatory. What household habit needs an application, a…
What are the rules for voice notes in a group chat?
At what length does a voice note become a podcast nobody subscribed to? A quick update is one thing, but a seven-minute ramble beginning with 'nothing much to report' feels…
Friday confessions: what have you been putting off?
There’s a bag for the charity shop in my hallway that has become a piece of furniture. What have you been meaning to do for so long that it’s practically…
What ridiculous lie are you still maintaining?
I said I couldn’t make a Saturday lunch because I had a pottery class. Six months later they’re asking to see my work. Have you ever invented something small and…
What’s the worst date you stayed until the end of?
A man once spent the entire meal explaining his parking appeal. I stayed for pudding because I wanted to know whether he’d won. What kept you sitting there when you…
Is it rude to ask guests to take their shoes off?
Where do we stand on a shoes-off house? Is a polite request at the door enough, or should visitors get advance warning in case their socks have given up? How…
Sunday night dread: what’s your Monday survival plan?
I’ve laid out my clothes, which is apparently my entire contribution to having my life together. What are you dreading, and have you lined up anything nice to balance it…