It turns out that I am definitely NOT a fan of Italo Disco.

I found this title, and realised I forgot to write the post. I’m not going to now, save to say that I am increasingly unlikely to say I like things, or to do things just to fit in, to conform.

I’m noticing that while I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary, I’m increasingly diverging from certain social norms like, for instance, the use of soap and shampoo for washing, or deodorant. I haven’t used any of these for about a year now. I’m mostly just using a flannel and water for washing, though initially I used oil to cleanse, which is very effective on days where water isn’t enough to feel and smell properly clean. For my hair, I’m still working out the kinks, but washing with conditioner once every two weeks is keeping it under control.

What started off as an experiment, has left me with healthier skin, resolved my psoriasis, and most importantly, I smell less. In fact, I rarely smell at all, because I’m no longer stripping the healthy bacteria from my skin, and it’s led me to question further a lot of what we are sold regarding hygiene with regard to our health. I use soap to wash my hands, my clothes, and my house, but that’s pretty much it.

None of which feels particularly radical, except that it actually possibly is?

It is time.

My hermitude has gone on too long. So I’m dipping my toe. I bought a ticket for Sounds From The Other City, AND I’ve committed to a work social event. Of course, now I’ve teetering on the brink of cancelling all of it, but it’s been too long. I have spent enough time with myself and my own thoughts.

Sounds is in many respects the perfect toe dip. Friends will be there, but I needn’t spend all day with them, there is a built in expectation that we will have different musical priorities, and spend time together and apart in different venues. The main priority is to ensure we end up in the same venue at the end, but not that we are glued together all day, though that too can be good, if priorities align, and you are not one so out of kilter with spending time with other humans as I.