Everyone has stories, but I think what truly sets each individual apart are their little quirks, specific preferences and unique habits. It is fascinating to see people do things that are distinctly them. Whether that is someone who has strong opinions about cheese or someone who somehow always has the perfect book recommendation. These are not achievements or personality traits you could put down on some resume, rather these are things that make someone so wonderfully and unmistakably human. For some reason I find that extremely chic. So here is a list of 5 things that people do that makes me think ‘Wow, you’re so cool’. Some of these things on the list might be obvious, some are niche, and some might be things only I find chic. Perhaps that is the point, the smallest details about someone makes them memorable sometimes.
- Knowing how to host: There is something so elegant about people who understand the art of hosting. That includes knowing what to serve, the music, and most importantly, the people. They introduce strangers, keep conversations flowing, notice who feels left out, and make everyone feel considered. They know that a good evening is about much more than putting out food and sending everyone the address. There is thought behind everything. They don’t wait for the night to unfold itself, there is always something planned that seems effortless.
- Having good restaurant etiquette: An italian tarratoria, a sushi bar and a south indian restaurant are all different. How you conduct yourself in these places differs. Every restaurant has its own language. It is knowing when to dress up, how to order, whether to ask the chef for recommendations, when to use your hands, and how to pace the meal. You do not order a dozen dishes at a tiny sushi counter or ask for ketchup at an Italian restaurant. You read the room, respect the setting, and adapt without making a performance of it. That quiet awareness is very chic.
- Knowing your way around a record store: Firstly, people who own a record player (and not just a showpiece) are instantly so chic in my eyes. Additionally people who have a niche taste in music, know their artists and albums and probably have their vinyl collection in an alphabetised order (not in a performative way) are extremely cool to me. These are the kind of people who genuinely enjoy the entire routine of picking up a vinyl depending on their mood and playing it on the record player instead of just going to their spotify playlist.
- Someone who gives olive oil: Let’s suppose someone is invited to a dinner party, and instead of bringing a bottle of wine as a gift, they bring a bottle of really good olive oil. It might seem extremely unconventional but it shows the person knows their host well and brings them something they can actually use. It becomes even more chic if they have a story about why they picked that particular bottle.
- People who still carry a notebook around: There is something so refreshing about people who do not use AI to articulate every thought into sentences and paragraphs. They carry around a diary and a good pen with them everywhere. They take note of little things on it instead of pulling out their phones to set reminders. These are the kind of people who write handwritten letters for people on their birthdays.
The list is neverending. After a lot of people-watching, I have realised, while a lot of people are similar in a lot of regards, they still have some quirk or habit that sets them apart and makes them so interesting. Whether that is someone who takes their cheese very seriously or someone who is freakishly good at movie trivia. It is fascinating to watch how people conduct themselves and what makes them so human. None of these things are extraordinary talents but rather how people move through the world, how they talk, eat, host or listen. It is the small details that makes them stand out.