India, Feb. 21 -- Have you noticed it too? All around us, the world's getting subtly softer at the edges. Harsh shop lights are now a milky off-white. Bouncy Korean buns, four-cheese pasta, ramen bowls and pies are having a moment. Everyone's moved from their pandemic jammies - to equally chill flannel co-ords, fleece hoodies, sneakers and stretchy trousers. Bookstores globally are bouncing back.

Celebrities are filmed clutching plushies as they head to the airport. We're championing the granny life: Breadmaking, crochet, journalling, staying in on Saturday night. There are succulents in the garden, lo-fi on the playlist, and emotional-support Stanley flasks on the wishlist. We're googling "slow travel" for summer. Makeup looks are soft ...