2019, like a lot of other years, has been quite revolutionary. It’s made me realise a lot of things about myself that I never knew before. Like my crippling inability to read a map on my own and my increasing endurance in walking several kilometres in the wrong direction. On a more serious note, there are a lot of things I learned in 2019 which have made my life a lot easier. Like…

1. Bollywood films from 2019 make for great drunk entertainment

If you’re drinking at home with your closest friends, there is nothing better than watching Hrithik Roshan drill a hole in an airplane in the sky while no one realises that there is literally a hole in their airplane. Don’t believe me? This is an actual scene in War. If this doesn’t catch your fancy, how about some good old mediocre rona dhona and stereotyping? That’s Kalank for you, a movie that took its name way too seriously. If Bollywood doesn’t do it for you, some news channels serve the purpose of drunk entertainment too.

2. No one cares about unpainted nails

This was a tough lesson to learn. You know how we’re constantly worried about un-manicured hands and feet? Whether it’s weddings or parties, nails have to be perfect – on hands and feet. But think about it. Have you ever concentrated on someone’s nails when you meet them at a social occasion? I haven’t. Most people don’t give a damn about your nails because they’re busy admiring how perfect they’re looking.

things I learned in 2019

3. Eating out every day is boring

Seriously. I never thought I’d get bored of eating out, especially in a city like Delhi which offers nearly every popular cuisine in the world. But it gets boring, and home food feels like a luxury now. When I started scrolling endlessly through Zomato, like Instagram, and nothing would appeal to me, I realised that ghar ka dal chawal had become way more appealing than pizzas or butter chicken.

4. Sugar is dispensable

For a person who thought kaju katli is life, this was a quite a jolt. A few health problems dictated that I change my eating patterns. The first casualty of this realisation was sugar. I stopped adding sugar to my tea, coffee and any other beverage and cut down on desserts. Soon enough, I didn’t feel the need to buy sugar. And then the day arrived when a guest wanted sugar and all I had to offer was honey. The feeling of pride in my willpower trumped the looks of disappointment from the whole room.

5. Skincare is an expensive addiction

There is nothing lacking in skincare products now, and no matter what your skin issues are, there is a product out there to help. Soon enough, you’re using three serums, two face oils, three different kinds of scrubs, and two night creams. Until you start hearing the painful cries of your bank account, this routine feels great. Problem is, even when you do start feeling the pinch, it’s hard to let go of all the products which give you that “dewy glow”.

things I learned in 2019

6. How to time my nods just right when I’m zoned out

This is an important, highly underrated skill. After countless boring conversations, I have perfected the art of the well-timed nod. I can now zone out of a conversation completely and look invested in it at the same time. While someone is talking about their exciting new project at work, I can make an elaborate grocery list and meal plan for the week in my head. I’m putting this in my CV now.

7. Curly hair needs a day to settle down before straightening

All these years, I suffered through hair which would look great at the beginning of a party and slowly frizz up through the evening. After many such shocks, I started watching my hair more closely and realised that curly hair needs a day between washing and styling. So if you’re planning to straighten your hair this New Year’s Eve, please wash it a day before and let it settle.

8. Real jewellery is overrated

Costume jewellery looks as good, if not better, and costs a fraction of the money. After fretting over the safety of my jewellery at one destination wedding, I realised that I’m never taking it out of the city again. That’s when I realised that there are so many other jewellery options out there which looked stunning. And losing a pair of earrings that cost 600 bucks doesn’t hurt at all.

9. Random playlists online can introduce you to some real gems

I was never the kind of person to listen to random stuff on my music apps, but now, it’s Spotify playlists for the win! I’ve found some of my favourite tracks for 2019 in random playlists that have played one after the other. So much better than constantly Shazam-ing songs at parties and restaurants.

10. Travelling alone will show you a whole new side of yourself

Before 2019, I had never travelled alone. I don’t mean taking flights, buses or trains alone. I mean exploring a new place all by yourself. It was such an intimidating thought that I never even entertained it. But this year, I did it. I explored parts of Istanbul alone and found that it’s the most calming experience. Doing this alone also gave me the time to explore the local cuisine at my own pace and discover how good (or bad) I am at navigating unknown streets. I’m bad at it but at least now I know this is something I need to improve about myself.

For a throwback to the funniest moments of 2019, click here.

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