The Unexpected Lesson I Learned While Buying Jewellery at the Beach
A jewellery seller, a negotiation, and a moralising comment expose the real difference between pity and respect—and why dignity requires parity.
What is the Role of a Parent?
What is a parent’s role?
Every culture has its iteration of what it means to be a parent. What is the parent’s job? In Italy many children stay home until they’re married. So, the role of a parent extends far beyond say, in Australia…
The Magic of Christmas and the Aunt Who Means Well (But Might Ruin It Anyway)
There is a particular kind of chaos that settles into a home in December, and it always amazes me that people still talk about Christmas as though it simply appears. As though the cinnamon scented…
What We Lose When We Buy Back Our Time
The hidden cost of convenience and the myth of optimization. Italians in general know how to live. There are reasons why phrases like “la dolce vita” are not even translated and adopted directly from Italian…
Covert Competition: The Game You Didn’t Agree to Play
Friendly competition is energising.
It makes you run faster, think smarter, and push harder because you know the other person is doing the same. Everyone knows the race is on, and the wins push both sides higher.
Covert competition is different. There’s no handshake at the starting line. No mutual respect. Just someone quietly keeping score while trying to tilt the field so you never notice you’re playing.
Marrying an Italian Man: The Hypochondria Honeymoon Never Ends
They say marrying an Italian man means romance, pasta, sunsets… but what they don’t tell you is that you’re also signing up for 24/7 membership in the Italian National Society for the Prevention of Minor Male Discomfort. You’ll have a husband, yes. But you’ll also have a patient. Permanently.
Why even write anymore?
With the advent of AI, with all it’s information, it’s writing skills and it’s gathered experiences from humans in the world, what is the point of writing anymore? What is the point of doing or…
Is Sgrassatore Toxic? The Italian Cleaning Obsession You Need to Know About
Hey there, fellow moms and occasional cleaners! This morning I ever so gently asked our cleaning lady to stop using sgrassatore on cookware… for the second time. I can still smell it, I think if…
How to Be the Best Aunt Ever to a Toddler
Being an aunt to a toddler is a unique and rewarding experience. As the proud aunt, you have the opportunity to play a significant role in the child’s life, fostering a special bond filled with…