George Saunders, Belgravia, ditching small talk, marriage, and more

Seven links to worthwhile thin(g/k)s

Hello dear reader,

First, an apology for having taking an impromptu weeks-long hiatus. I am happy to report that since I last sent out my newsletter, some exciting personal news rose to the forefront: I turned my summer engagement (reader, I said yes!) into an autumnal marriage in New York. Celebrations to follow next year, but for now I am reveling in the joy of the spontaneity of it all.

I want to thank you for your patience during my absence, and for the gentle nudges and inquiries about the newsletter. Your sweet attention does not go unnoticed, and it’s so nice to be back!

With that said, here are seven links to bits of the world I have been exploring this week, shared with the hope that you will find them to be an inspiring springboard for deeper thinking.

1. Does a stranger want to have small talk or deep conversation with you? Woohoo! Turns out, according to this research study, strangers enjoy deep conversation. The takeaway I got from this: Jump into the real talk, be courageous! Don’t be reluctant to connect deeply with someone from the get-go. Ditch the small talk.

2. George Saunders has started a newsletter! Swoon! This here was so pleasant to read through.

3. Watching: I just wrapped up watching British TV miniseries Belgravia, because Julian Fellowes from Downton Abbey was involved and because I adore period drama. This review summed up my thoughts: “Will all this be disappointing for those looking for ‘Downton Abbey’ 2.0? A bit. One of the chief selling points of ‘Downton’s early seasons was how it tread the fine line between soap opera and prestige drama. ‘Belgravia’ errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like ‘Downton.’ For some, the finery will win out over refinement.” I must say, the finery did win me over. But I don’t regret it :-) Nor was I disappointed. Curious to know what you might think! Do let me know.

4. Understanding the power of important relationships.

5. Some advice, and a thought on the concept of intro/extro-version.

6. Marriage, name changes, and identity by way of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

7. Ode to Fyodor Dostoevsky

Until next week!

Warmly,

Ani

---

Thank you so much for reading and supporting! While this newsletter is free, here is how you can help keep it moving forward: relay it to someone who’d enjoy it, subscribe to my YouTube channel, send a nod of support on my Patreon page, buy me a cup of coffee, shop hand-crafted jewelry, or interact with me by way of Instagram!