fortnight

Taylor Swift’s double album defied expectations, surprising fans who anticipated a deep dive into her six-year-long relationship. Instead, Taylor chose to explore a whirlwind romance that lasted merely a fortnight. While some fail to understand, I see a profound truth in her focus. Fleeting relationships, though brief, often leave a lasting impact precisely because they lack closure. There’s a particular intensity in the abrupt end of something that feels like it’s just beginning - it retains a sense of perpetual newness, never fully realised, and leaves behind a haunting sense of unfinished business.

In contrast, long-term commitments, which have weathered birthdays, holidays, and countless shared milestones, allow for a gradual detachment. These partnerships often end with a slow fade rather than a sudden stop, giving both parties time to adjust and process the separation. But the short-lived romance? It cuts off before it even seems real, leaving a trail of what-ifs and might-have-beens. 

This stark juxtaposition in Taylor’s latest tracks speaks volumes about the complexity of human emotions and connections, emphasising how deeply we can feel for someone who has barely grazed the surface of our lives compared to another who has been firmly entrenched in it.

the game

Playing the Hermès game is like searching for a unicorn in a blizzard of dollar bills - exciting, expensive, and perhaps mythical! The key to maintaining my sanity in this luxe labyrinth hinges on the trusting relationship I've built with my Sales Associate. Dealing with my SA can sometimes feel like I'm on a seesaw, constantly balancing between not seeming too desperate and the overwhelming desire to plead for my wish list items. I invest both heart and wallet, all the while wondering if she actually likes me or if I'm just another commission to her.

I'm curious about where I stand on her list of clients but try to keep my composure. Yet, this interaction isn't a straightforward exchange. No specific amount of spending guarantees that coveted offer; it’s not a conditional transaction where more money equals more certainty. I’ve learned that my purchasing decisions must come from a place of genuine love for the items, not as tactical moves to secure a quota bag.

The essence of this pursuit centers on enjoying the journey itself, without fixating on the potential rewards. Adopting this mindset has not only made my experience more authentic but has also helped me manage expectations and lessen the sting of any disappointments.

I remember the thrill of acquiring my first bag, akin to the gleeful euphoria when my high school crush finally reciprocated my feelings. Each visit to the boutique and every conversation with my SA brought me closer to that point. The sensation of walking into the store, knowing I was about to receive what I had been waiting for, was truly special.

After receiving the Mini Kelly in October, I casually (but strategically) dropped hints a few months later about desiring another quota bag. My SA made no promises, but on my birthday, she surprised me with a stunning Birkin. Perhaps I am her favourite after all! The situation was both serious and silly. It felt strange that something as materialistic and superficial as this could bring me so much joy. The excitement was so intense, it chased away my hunger and sleep, similar to the jittery anticipation before a first date. It was a moment filled with anticipation, where every flutter of butterflies in my stomach matched the rustle of tissue paper unveiling the pinnacle of artistry.

miss you forever

The ache of missing someone can last forever, regardless of whether you ever see them again. As time relentlessly forges ahead, our cherished memories remain vivid, a mix of laughter and tears that paint the inner walls of my heart.

Your laughter still finds a way to echo in the stillness, your quirky insights resonate in moments of indecision, and your absence is deeply felt at every personal achievement you’re not here to celebrate. Seeing something that I know would have made you laugh, or recalling our inside jokes, still brings a smile to my face amidst the sadness. Yet, our friendship wasn’t without its blemishes - misunderstandings and disagreements occasionally clouded our sunny days, leaving some words unsaid, some apologies never exchanged.

Despite the gratitude for the bond we shared, there lies a longing for one more chance to make things right, for one more shared joke to dissolve the lingering tensions, for one more heart-to-heart to bridge the gaps. As the world keeps spinning, the essence of our imperfect friendship continues as a treasured keepsake, its beauty untarnished by time.