Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Things I learned this summer

by PRIYA MULJI

THIS summer was pretty much dominated by the reality dating show Love Island.


The show isn’t going to be the complete focus of my column, but it has brought to light many issues that are faced by singletons worldwide. As someone that writes about dating, it has been very thought-provoking for me.

Heartbreak is very real and can happen no matter how long you have known someone. When Amy got dumped in the show by Curtis, she was left heartbroken and decided to leave it. The very mature and elegant way she dealt with how she felt at that moment is something we can all learn from when faced with a break-up or getting ghosted by someone.

What I learnt was that walking away with your head held high and letting the other person get on with their lives is the most dignified way to deal with something as unexpected as a relationship ending. Eventually you will move on and find someone even more wonderful.

Believe this, because I have. I can also make a huge revelation that I’m not single at the moment. Yes! Shocker! Priya has a boyfriend. It’s all very new and exciting and starting to get serious. (Yes he’s approved of me writing all of this). So fingers crossed for me, perhaps going forward, in true Asian Carrie Bradshaw-style, we could call him Mr Big?

Another thing I learnt was that it doesn’t matter how old you are, what race or gender, where you are based geographically, you can fall in love with anyone at any given time and make it work. If you really love someone, you will want to make time and make the relationship work, regardless of where they live or what religion they are.

Remember to take things one step at a time and be considerate of your partner’s faith and beliefs. Rather than tackling any issues all at once, start by talking about the important things, and if there are difficulties work through them one at a time. Trust me, you’ll thank me.

Something new I learnt was the phrase ‘gas lighting’. It basically is a form of manipulation that makes someone question their own sanity and perception. This really happens in life and I have experienced it with friends of mine recently. This is never okay.

Always be totally supportive of the people around you and never belittle someone whether that’s in the workplace, in a friendship or elsewhere. If someone supports and shows up for you, never take it for granted. I have been there for a lot of people, but it hasn’t been appreciated and it’s time to keep my distance.

Ultimately what I realised was that no one can be you. There will never be someone destined to walk the path you did, apart from the wonderful person reading this line. So, believe in yourself. You can get hurt, face depression and have heartbreak, but only you have the power to make things better. Just believe in yourself.

I will leave you with a quote from Germany Kent: “Think about every good thing in your life right now. Free yourself of worrying. Let go of the anxiety, breathe. Stay positive, all is well.”

More For You

Kew Gardens begins ambitious revamp of Palm House

The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed

Getty Images

Kew Gardens begins ambitious revamp of Palm House to cut carbon emissions

Highlights

  • Kew Gardens will shut its iconic Palm House for up to four years
  • Grade I-listed building to undergo major restoration as part of net-zero strategy
  • Gas boilers to be replaced with modern heat pumps
  • Rare plant collection, including 45 endangered species, to be relocated during works
  • Palm House and Waterlily House will become the first net-zero glasshouses globally

Historic Palm House to undergo major upgrade

Kew Gardens will temporarily close one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Grade I-listed Palm House, for up to four years as part of an ambitious net-zero redevelopment plan. Opened in 1848, the glasshouse is home to a globally significant collection of tropical plants and houses the world’s oldest potted plant—an Encephalartos altensteinii dating back to 1775.

The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed into the world’s first net-zero glasshouses through a large-scale renovation focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anne-Marie motherhood

Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2

Getty Images

‘Everything has changed’: Anne-Marie on motherhood, anxiety and returning to music

Highlights

  • Anne-Marie discussed the challenges of motherhood and returning to work in music
  • Revealed struggles with postnatal anxiety and depression after birth of daughter Seven
  • Praised therapy as a crucial support tool and advised others to seek help
  • Shared insights into life with two young children and how routines have changed her
  • Confirmed she will perform at the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony on 22 August

Anne-Marie opens up about motherhood and mental health

Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2 this morning (16 July), speaking to Scott Mills about the mental and physical challenges she has faced after becoming a mother of two. The artist, known for hits including 2002 and Friends, reflected on the impact of motherhood on her mental health and creative life.

Returning to music while raising a family

Anne-Marie revealed that adjusting to life with two children while returning to the music industry has been “really difficult”. She is mother to daughter Seven, aged one, and a baby son who is just two months old.

Keep ReadingShow less
Great British Sewing Bee

The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2025, welcoming 12 new home sewers to the sewing room

BBC

The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins with 12 new contestants and fresh challenges

Highlights

  • The Great British Sewing Bee returns for a new series on BBC One
  • Hosted by Sara Pascoe with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young
  • 12 contestants will compete across 10 themed sewing challenges
  • Each episode features a Pattern, Transformation, and Made to Measure challenge
  • Opening week focuses on shaping garments including pleats and circle skirts

Sewing Bee returns with a fresh cast of home sewing talent

The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2025, welcoming 12 new home sewers to the sewing room. Host Sara Pascoe returns to guide the competition, alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, who will evaluate each contestant’s technical ability and creative flair.

Spanning 10 weeks, the series will feature themed challenges ranging from artistic and historical references to cultural inspirations like the 1920s and Korean fashion. Contestants will face the usual trio of tasks each week: a Pattern Challenge, a creative Transformation Challenge, and a Made to Measure Challenge where garments are tailored to real models.

Keep ReadingShow less
South Asian fertility

The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

iStock

South Asian Heritage Month 2025: Breaking silence on fertility in the community

Highlights:

  • Event part of South Asian Heritage Month, taking place in London
  • Focus on fertility challenges faced by the South Asian community in the UK
  • Speakers include individuals with lived experience and reproductive health experts
  • HFEA data reveals ethnic disparities in IVF outcomes and patient satisfaction
  • Aims to break taboos, encourage open dialogue, and advocate for tailored care

Fertility event aims to spotlight inequalities and cultural stigma

A landmark event during South Asian Heritage Month will explore the unique fertility challenges faced by South Asian communities in the UK. Titled Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community, the event will take place in London on Tuesday 5 August from 5:30pm to 8:15pm.

The panel gathering will feature individuals with lived experience of infertility, baby loss and involuntary childlessness, alongside clinicians and mental health professionals specialising in reproductive care. The goal is to open up often-silenced conversations and address disparities in access to fertility treatment and patient outcomes among South Asian groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She revealed that she decided to post the BBC cancellation news on social media herself

Getty Images

Nadiya Hussain says she no longer fits the BBC’s ‘neat little box’ after show dropped

Highlights:

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms her BBC cookery show will not be returning
  • The Bake Off winner said she was told the BBC no longer wanted to commission the series
  • On a podcast, she described feeling ‘muzzled’ and like a ‘tick box’ for diversity
  • Hussain is now managing her own career independently and vows to speak her truth

Nadiya confirms BBC show cancellation

Nadiya Hussain, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, has revealed that her cookery show has been cancelled by the BBC. In a post shared on Instagram last month, the television presenter confirmed that there would be “no more cookery show” after the broadcaster “decided that they didn't want to commission the show”.

The 40-year-old previously fronted several successful BBC series, including Nadiya’s Asian Odyssey, Nadiya’s Time to Eat, and Nadiya’s Cook Once Eat Twice.

Keep ReadingShow less