I moved to London in September 2011. I was 21 and clueless. My job writing copy for a start-up paid next to nothing, so my fantasies of urban independence—a working wardrobe in shades of navy, my own little pad— amounted instead to an hour-long commute via the Tube dressed like a sixth-grader on work experience and living as a lodger in the spare bedroom of a flat in Paddington, West London. In the evenings, as the late summer dusk settled hazily over the city, I’d watch the cars reach the crest of the Westway flyover nearby and wonder idly where everyone was going—though, mostly, where on earth I was going and how long it would take me to get there.
The first few weeks I lived in the flat, my landlord Sophie and I crossed paths rarely, which was entirely by my design. I’d wait in my room until Sophie left for work, and go straight back there after dinner—a self-imposed isolation that would have continued had Sophie not taken matters into her own hands. She arrived home early one evening clutching a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and over the contents of it, we told each other about our lives.
Twice my age, Sophie ran a teaching charity. She was single and an only child, warm and witty, with lots of glamorous, interesting friends, collected magpie-like trinkets from former jobs to the half-marathons she ran. While we had different preoccupations (her: Ailing parents and friends’ divorces; me: Whether to dump my nice but dull university boyfriend), she never made me feel small or silly. She became an anchor in my uncertain world.
Believe the headlines today, and friendships like mine and Sophie’s should never have worked then—and definitely wouldn’t work now. A 21-year-old girl and a 42-year-old woman?
Bu hikaye ELLE Singapore dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye ELLE Singapore dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Awakening After Adversity
Author and wellness advocate JILL ALPHONSO says the one thing that breast cancer taught her was to prioritise herself-a lesson every young woman must learn.
Miami Vibes
Urban art, dreamy beaches, Latin flavour...find out why these have made MIAMI a sought-after destination.
The Language Of Flowers
Young designers are falling for the subversive power of a classic motif.
The Joy Luck Club
The duo behind YanYan takes play very seriously. Phyllis Chan and Suzzie Chung share how they are shaking up the world of knitwear while having absolute fun.
Wild West
For its latest collection, WEEKEND MAX MARA teams up with American actress Lucy Hale to embrace the season's rustic charm.
Men Of The Hour
Fresh off the success of their drama, 4MINUTES, Thai actors Bible Wichapas Sumettikul and Jespipat Tilapornputt are on the cusp of international stardom.
Conquer The Day
As a versatile everyday watch with panache, LONGINES' new Conquest collection gets the job done very nicely.
Woman On A Mission
Rebecca Lim may have taken a step back from showbiz to settle into her new role as first-time mum, but the actress wants everyone to know that they haven't seen the last of Becks. She talks to ELLE about reconciling motherhood and career.
The Making Of An Icon
"SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her.
Million Dollar Woman
With her dazzling confidence and supermodel aura, GIGI HADID is the embodiment of Rabanne's new Million Gold For Her fragrance.