I don’t believe in “perfect evenings,” but I believe in tea.
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It saves from unnecessary conversations, from the cold, from loneliness. And if there is someone special nearby, tea becomes a background for intimacy. For silence, in which it is cozy. For a pause that does not require justification.
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I tried dozens of varieties before I realized: tea also has a character. There is tea that says: “Stay a little longer.” There is one that seems to hug you by the shoulders. And there is one that is almost like a kiss.
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When I want to arrange a small ritual at home, I brew oolong with orange blossoms. It is gentle and slowly opens up, almost like trust.
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For evening conversations - pu-erh. Deep, restrained, a little tart. It doesn't require anything sweet, because it's mature in itself.
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If I'm expecting guests, I take out Thai with coconut and lemongrass. It smells like a journey. It's like a conversation that can't be finished on time.
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And if I put it simply - thyme. Real, not from a bag. It doesn't need candles or playlists. It creates the atmosphere itself.
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And, honestly, it seems to me that all romantic evenings could begin with the phrase: "Shall we make some tea?"
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Because at that moment you understand - everything will be leisurely. Without fuss. Just you and a couple of cups.
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The most beautiful date in my life began exactly like that. We sat on the floor, drank jasmine tea and just looked at each other. It was evening and he asked, “Do you always drink tea before bed?” I said, “Only if there’s someone nearby who’s nice to not sleep with.”