Lady in Red

…While much of the world seemed to slip into hibernation mode, lazy comfort became king as tracksuits took over wardrobes. Men abandoned shaving routines, and women neglected their usual grooming practices. It felt as if the world had decided to let itself go. But we chose another way. We maintained our routines and personal standards, ensuring that our lives retained a sense of dignity and normalcy despite the chaos.

I applied makeup daily, styled my hair, and carefully selected nail polish. I did not own a tracksuit and wasn’t about to get one now. My partner and I dressed as though we were going out, even on the days we spent apart. For us, dressing well reflects self-respect—a ritual that uplifts our spirits. On some days, we even coordinated our outfits with the colour scheme of our table settings, adding an element of fun and creativity to our routine…