Last year we aspired to have the hottest girl or boy summer of all time as we started cautiously heading out the other side of this global pandemic. The moment gave us a new chance to really feel young, wild and free — after a year of feeling distinctly old, trapped and bored.

And when it came to dating, last summer was a time to celebrate being single and the thrill of going on casual dates. Lined up four first dates in a week? Great, this is what summer is all about, summer is here for it and hopefully, your liver was ready for it too.

However, this year, I am calling for a healing summer. I don’t know about you, but I am knackered. In this post-lockdown world, I have struggled to maintain the back-to-back social plans I used to fill my diary with. I don’t quite have the same stamina or quite frankly any interest in selling my time short and would much prefer to preserve my energy for the crème de la crème of social events. That affects how I approach dating too — I don’t want to waste your time or mine so for the present, I am being more particular about who I spend my time with.

What’s more, just as some people were enjoying the ultimate hot girl summer trend there were many people going through break-ups of long-term relationships or suffering the disappointment that a newfound spring romance hasn’t taken off, instead fizzling out in the heat of the summer. Perhaps, taking a break from the dating scene is just what you need this season.

Who wants to go on a date in 30 degrees of heat in London anyway?

So, how does one take the reins and have a healing summer to remember? Loving yourself is the key to infinite happiness and this summer, learning to love yourself is where it’s at. I’m talking about reading books, making wholesome meals, road tripping, going to the seaside and on country walks, board games on your balcony, hanging out with your furry friends, taking long baths and making barbeques on Sundays.

Romanticising the ordinary is a mighty trick. Finding joy in the everyday is all part of loving the life that you lead and without realising it, it makes you all the more attractive to potential courtiers.

You may fancy a hybrid summer where you mix the hot and the healing. If you want to drink an entire bottle of red wine on Bermondsey Street on a Thursday night, then do it. Just as long as you’re up early on Friday morning for your yoga class.

Doing what makes you tick, what serves you and ultimately what makes you happy is what rings true for me. It may sound cringe, but the curse of comparison is so prevalent today and there is no-one like you so whether you go for a hot or healing summer this year as long as you’re loving it then that is all that matters.