In partnership with

What’s your mood in the rain like? I don’t know; I have mixed feelings about it. During my teens playing professional cricket, I hated it when it rained before an important match. But as I grew older, I started to like rain more - especially when it helped me escape Hyderabad’s heat. It gets gloomy sometimes and makes me want to stick to my couch all day (not the version of myself I enjoy the most), but it is what it is I guess.

Anyway - it is raining as I write this issue, so I wanted to ask about your relationship with rain. Write to me; I’d love to read.

Before I drop a few micro-essays, please say Hi to our sponsors (click = wave of hand hehe)

Elevate Your Summer Style with Kenny Flowers

Whether you're teeing off on the golf course or lounging poolside, Kenny Flowers offers the quintessential tropical attire to make a statement this summer. Slip into their iconic, 19th-hole approved polos, and experience a slice of paradise wherever you go.

But their commitment to excellence doesn't stop at style – they’re all about quality too. Each garment is ethically made with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring unmatched comfort and durability that lasts from one vacation to the next.

This summer, indulge yourself and your loved ones with their latest vacation pieces, including their popular matching sets. Bonus: As a subscriber, enjoy an exclusive 10% off with code FLOWERS10.

Shop their newest releases and elevate your summer wardrobe today.

Sports killed ageism for good

While growing up and stepping out of my sports circle, I noticed people take offence if a young person gives you advice or points out your mistakes.

It didn’t feel like a big deal then, but now, looking around, I think more people should play sports from a young age.

I am 25. I play with 30-35-year-olds and also with 16-20-year-olds. The only difference between the two is the older folks have more experience, balance, and discipline, while the younger ones have mad energy.

What’s the scene like in sports?

I yell at my teammates 8-12 years older than me when they mess up and get the same from teens when I don’t do what I am supposed to do. The beautiful part is no one takes offence - (well yes they do, but) they understand the situation of the game and they’ve goofed up.

However, this seems lacking in most folks who have played little to no sports. It’s healthy for your juniors to point at your mistakes and say you should have done better. Conversely, if you’re a senior, it’s on you to create an environment where your team speaks up.

Like all places, even sports teams have bullies, seniors looking to stamp authority, etc. I am not saying it’s ideal. I get shit scared to speak to my seniors, especially off the ground. I still express if it’s needed. But when a game is on, I love how athletes care about what you do over who you are.

Know your Fight

There is this beautiful scene in the animated series Unlimited Spiderman.

Captain America and Spidey are on a mission against Dr. Doom to recover a stolen object, which is obviously dangerous in Doom’s possession.

When both our superheroes reached Doom’s castle, hundreds of Robots attacked them. Spidey, being a teenager, started attacking them all—and took down 70% of the enemies all by himself.

On the other hand, Cap took down only three robots and passed through the castle’s security.

When Spidey boasted about how easy talking down most robots was, Cap said, “You have wasted time. From now on, we’ll only duck out of attacks.”

Spidey:

Cap: “Dr. Doom wants to escape with the object he stole. These robots are a distraction to buy himself some time. Our mission is to recover the object. Stay on mission. Know your fight, kid.”

I leave the old-school ‘moral of the story’ part to you.

“omg we have so much in common.”

People often celebrate how much couples are alike in terms of interests, love languages, ideologies, perspectives, beliefs, etc. This is of course crucial, but my opinion stands at: Common traits between two individuals in love make them overlook the complementary traits they have/don’t have.

For example, good financial decisions are important to run a household. If you hate finance or money management, your partner’s ability to manage finances is a blessing. Or if you are a homebound person who hates socializing, having a partner who hosts all your important events is all you could pray for.

Not saying your partner should pick up your load. But life is easier when your partner fills in the missing puzzles.

“Omg we complement each other so well” is as important as “Omg we have so much in common.”

That’s pretty much all the tiny thoughts I had this week. Not many, I know but didn’t want to skip publishing.

If you like reading the issue, please share it with your friends and ask them to subscribe. It’d mean the world to me. In return, here is a song recommendation for you. I miss Bollywood making good films. Karthik calling Karthik (read: Deepika) was so good.

I’ll see you soon! Take care.

Love,
Vikra.