Archive - The Shoulds by Francesca Specter

Issue #57: The great flaking debate

For some, cancelling on plans is a friendship love language. For others, it's a deal-breaker.

Dec 7, 2023 • Francesca Specter

Issue #87: IKEA, and the myth of compartmentalisation

Not everything fits into neat little boxes.

Sep 26, 2024 • Francesca Specter

Issue #60: The simple life lesson I learnt on my yoga retreat (that has nothing to do with yoga)

The power of accepting things as they are, not as you wish they were – inspired by Deepak Chopra and/or a dude in the group. Plus, a walnut bolognese…

Jan 11, 2024 • Francesca Specter

Issue #68: How to romanticise your life

'I will never have this version of me again, let me slow down and be with her,' writes Rupi Kaur. A practical guide to falling in love with your…

Mar 7, 2024 • Francesca Specter

Issue #50: Reflecting on my early thirties, so far

32 lessons I've learnt, on friendship, love, socks, and that nebulous thing we call success.

Oct 19, 2023 • Francesca Specter

Issue #101: Solo(ish) travel in Mexico City

Embracing the middle way. Plus, the best solo travel advice I've ever received.

Jan 30, 2025 • Francesca Specter

Issue #105: The art of writing about your personal life

...without losing friends and alienating people. Eight lessons on writing from life, plus useful techniques and boundary-setting advice from authors.

Feb 27, 2025 • Francesca Specter

Issue #17: How to walk yourself happier (in 7 steps)

Pretend commutes, morning strolls & AirPodestrians. Plus, is 10,000 actually a magic number?

Feb 23, 2023 • Francesca Specter

Issue #18: How to support parent friends (if you don’t have kids)

Practical tips for showing up & maintaining your bond.

Mar 2, 2023 • Francesca Specter

Issue #20: The radical act of admitting you care

From casual situationships to quiet-quitting your job, when did it become cool not to try?

Mar 16, 2023 • Francesca Specter

Issue #66: How much alone time is too much?

A new study has calculated the ideal social-solitude balance. Plus, would you trust a wearable 'social tracker' to prevent loneliness?

Feb 22, 2024 • Francesca Specter

Issue #98: Writing prompts to help you plan 2025

I plot my whole year in the five days between Christmas and New Year. Here's how.

Dec 19, 2024 • Francesca Specter

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