Latest Stories from Flo
Japan’s White Day reflects complicated global perceptions of love
The history behind Japan’s post-Valentine’s holiday is one of miscommunication, hierarchy, and obligation. Worldwide, Valentine’s day takes on the familiar form of commercialised love. Red roses and heart shaped chocolates abound. But in Japan, the holiday follows rituals of its own – each with their own labyrinthine of social obligations. On the 14th of February, Japanese women are traditionally the gift-givers, still opting for the humble chocolate to display their affections. Only...
The true cost of being single
Free and thriving – or just paying more rent? Let’s break down the economics of singledom. Breathe a sigh of relief, for February is almost over. It’s that special time of year when couples throw cash at overpriced dinners, smugly split the Uber home, and post a well-lit shot of each other on social media. As for the single population? We’re left to pay the infamous ‘single tax’. But is being...
Are Gen Z phasing out the one night stand?
Is the decline in casual sex among Gen Z a sign of conservatism, or are young people simply seeking deeper connections? In the latest attempt to paint young people as far more wholesome (and dare I say boring) than their predecessors, a new report by The Times claims Gen Z are swiping left on one-night stands. That’s right. Today’s young adults are engaging in less casual sex than ever before....
Job loss anxiety is holding Britain back
Despite promotions and pay rises, the UK’s young professionals are more anxious than ever about losing their jobs. The result is a growing reluctance to spend. It’s no secret that the UK job market is… rough, right now. Landing a new role is highly competitive, and despite many boasting impressive CVs, the rejection emails are flying in thick and fast for many of us. But the fear of finding a job...
Walking really can change your life
If you’ve been feeling stuck lately, the answer might be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. I’m embarrassed to admit that the best thing I’ve done for my mental health recently has been the same thing most toddlers master by their second birthday. But here I am, aged 27, and walking has completely changed my life. Like a lot of people my age, I’ve felt like...
We need to talk about ‘Almond Mums’
How the fascination with our mothers’ diets has permeated social media and changed the way we think about food. There are few social trends as pervasive as the ‘almond mum’. She’s slim, she’s usually wearing yoga leggings, she shops at Whole Foods. And according to the thousands of videos featuring self-proclaimed ‘almond mums’ on TikTok, we can’t get enough of her. The term ‘almond mum’ traces back to a viral moment...
Why has UK shoplifting reached a record high?
At a time when many Brits can’t afford to support themselves or their families, is it any surprise that in-store theft is on the rise? The news cycle seems to be preoccupied with updates regarding grocery prices and cost of living surges. Only yesterday I looked at my phone to find a notification that my water bill was increasing from April. Sigh. For the average Brit, shopping has become a daunting...
The artist vs person debate at the heart of the Emilia Perez scandal
Backlash against lead Karla Sofia Gascón points to the morality minefield of consuming an artist's actions alongside their work. Karla Sofia Gascón is the first trans woman to be nominated for Best Lead Actress at the Oscars for her role in Netflix underdog Emilia Perez. I use the term underdog because the film itself, which focuses on the story of a cartel kingpin transitioning to live as a woman, features an...
Gen Z has a love affair with digital nomadism
Welcome to the latest edition of The Gen Zer. This week’s newsletter delves into Gen Z's relatively newfound obsession with digital nomadism and quitting traditional corporate pathways. I’d be lying if I said I don’t fantasise about quitting my corporate job at least once a day. It’s February. It’s cold. It’s wet. It’s dark. None of these details amount to a pleasant morning commute. And as my face presses into the...
Opinion – ‘What I Eat in a Day’ videos are entirely unappetizing
The trend of sharing our daily meals invites harmful diet tropes, unhealthy comparisons, and a general disillusionment with food. So why can’t we escape ‘What I Eat in a Day’ videos? There’s a peculiar flavour to modern voyeurism, and it comes in the form of meal vlogging. Otherwise known as ‘What I Eat in a Day’ videos, food content has emerged as social media’s answer to an appointment with the nutritionist,...
