As you go through life, you discover pieces of wisdom that you never suspected you needed to know. The latest piece of wisdom that I’ve discovered is this:

Never go to a party full of people you haven’t seen in five years.

Let me explain. Allie and Simon, friends of mine, have got engaged. After much hassling from Karl & I, they eventually caved in and held a celebratory drinks in a pub in the City. Lorna and I dutifully trooped along last Thursday. Given that I’ve known Allie for 10 years, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that there were mutual friends there that I haven’t seen in half a decade.

Why is this a problem? Well, because a few of them commented that I’d put on weight. Now, from my perspective I’ve lost a lot of weight. When I was in an unhappy relationship a few years back I ballooned. In the three years since I’ve been steadily shedding that weight. Still, from their perspective, I probably am bigger.

Ah well, I’m fitter and stronger than I was back them. If a little bulk comes with it - who cares?