There are a few days every June when the weather is so fine that one can forgive the UK for whatever the climate brings the rest of the year. With bright blue skies and the sun’s intensity at “bask” rather than “scorch”, there is no finer place in the world to be than a well-manicured garden in England. Having impeccable timing, my sister-in-law chose just such a perfect day to hold one of her “get togethers”. Abby is an...

“You’re having me on… this has to be a parody account. How many fucking Christmas trees does a person need?” Dave asked with an air of disbelief as he handed me back my mobile phone. “Honestly, I couldn’t make this up. She really does put a tree in every room, including the cinema room in the basement,” I replied. “Facebook is made for someone like her.” “Of course, you can’t forget the fucking cinema room. You Americans...

As the years passed by, I saw less and less of Rachel and Georgie. I lost contact with Harpreet altogether after she moved away following her divorce. I barely even bumped into my former friends once my wife and I relocated to Putney. Although Charlotte hadn't yet been made a Partner, successive promotions and accompanying pay rises meant we could afford a larger house. The move corresponded with the arrival of our second...