Hello beautiful,

Two things I want to talk about tonight: dating and piano.

I’ve gone back into the red sea of dating. There’s a question I used to ask myself whenever I exited a relationship: “How do you know when you’re ready to date again?” It’s an interesting one because the answer is different for everyone. You kinda feel it in your bones. Back then, I used to think I was ready when I felt excited to meet new people again. And maybe that was true at the time. But I’ve realised now that after a breakup, we often gravitate towards others—sometimes new, sometimes old—just for company, to feel desired, to feel special again.

I think that’s what drew Phil and Suf to me. Having someone close, someone to reflect their worth back to them. And over time, as they begin to rebuild their confidence and self-worth, the relationship shifts. I become a good friend. A supportive character in their next chapter.

But these days? If you asked me that same question—how do I know I’m ready to date again—I think I’d say this: I’m ready when I’m willing to risk being hurt again by love.

That’s not something I could’ve said a few months ago. Back then, I was still healing. Still licking wounds that were too raw to reopen. But I’ve been hurt so many times since the breakup in January, and still—I keep standing. I keep choosing love. And I want you to remember that, buddy. Love is worth it. Always.

Now, onto piano.

I’ve been thinking about changing my piano teacher. I’m not sure he’s the best at explaining things. Sometimes when I ask him questions, you can see this internal tug-of-war—he wants to answer, but he holds back, afraid it’ll lead us off track. Other times, I can tell he knows the answer, but just struggles to articulate it clearly. That’s why I’m not sure he’s the right teacher for me.

But… I also like how strict he is, especially with timing and using the metronome. He keeps me in check. I’ve noticed I get a little cocky sometimes—skipping ahead to harder chapters instead of mastering the basics. He’s the one who reels me back in, like a grown-up catching a cheeky kid sneaking cookies before dinner. For that one hour, he manages to rein me in, and oddly enough, I don’t mind. It’s a kind of unprofessional, slightly dysfunctional relationship—but weirdly, I enjoy it. It makes the lessons feel human.

For example, he wants me to learn the next three songs in Book 1—which I find super easy—so instead, I went rogue and bought Book 2. I started learning pieces from there and, surprise surprise, I’m struggling. I can already picture him pulling out the classic “I told you so,” and weirdly, I’m kind of looking forward to it—with a mischievous little grin on my face.

I could find a more professional teacher, sure. But I have a feeling the lessons would be less fun. So… there’s the dilemma. I think I’ll sleep on it for a couple more nights. My next lesson’s coming up soon anyway.

In the meantime, stay awesome, buddy.

Chat soon xx