The older I get, the more I appreciate simple gatherings at home

This is Nugget, my family friend.

She’s become a close friend of the family ever since I started pet-sitting for her a few years ago. However, since I moved last year, my parents have forbidden me from pet-sitting her. Like many ladies, she sheds fur, which is a bane for my mum.

I’ve been thinking about this fur-iend from time to time. Unlike us, she’s not a slave to digital devices, so I don’t get updates about her life on Instagram.

Recently, I decided to visit Nugget at her home and, of course, catch up with her pawrent J, who’s also been busy with work.

If you’re like J and me, much of our social energy has been drained from the workweek, so on weekends, we just want to be homebodies. Sleep in a little longer, do some house chores, and just relax. I dread the thought of queuing for seats and trying to hear each other in a busy eatery or café, not to mention stressing over dine-in time limits.

Simple gatherings at home are the best

The perk of meeting at J’s house is that we don’t have to worry about any of that, and everyone (including Nugget) can feel at home.

We decided to have one-pot noodles for lunch. As a nice friend, I offered to get groceries, especially when all the fresh ingredients from Sheng Siong were at my fingertips – Deliveroo's S$1.99 all-day delivery fee makes it a no-brainer for me to order through the app than making a trip to the supermarket and lugging heavy groceries to J’s home.

We caught up on life while preparing the ingredients, cooking and eating.

“How’s work?” “How much was your reno ah?” “Did you go overseas recently?” “How’s your wedding prep?” “How’s Nugget?

Conversations flow freely over home-cooked food that is healthier, tastier and pocket-friendly.

Wait what? Can dogs eat the same food?

In case you’re wondering, yes, Nugget ate the same food as us, just without any addition of condiments. However, she usually eats kibbles and only gets to eat something different on special occasions.

I regretted not bringing a gift for Nugget and so half-way through our conversation, I started browsing the Pet Lovers Centre page on the Deliveroo app half-way through our conversation.

I ordered two toys, with only an additional S$1.99 of delivery fee, which arrived in a jiffy.

Playing catch with Nugget naturally became our post-lunch activity.

We easily spent four hours at J’s place, and I couldn't help but reflect on how much our gatherings have changed over time.

How adulthood has changed my lifestyle preferences

Gatherings used to mean singing karaoke, cafe-hopping, and even having barbecues at East Coast Park. Now, I find myself valuing comfort and convenience above all else.

Do I still crave for new experiences? Yes. But on most days, I just want to enjoy some uninterrupted, quality time with my loved ones. And Deliveroo’s S$1.99 all-day delivery fee makes it effortless and stress-free for me to do so. No matter what and when I order, it’s the same price.

Is this a sign of aging? Perhaps. But as I settle more into adulthood, I’ve come to appreciate life’s simplicity, and these gatherings have become the perfect way for me to recharge before another work week.

See you next time, Nugget!

This branded article is brought to you by Deliveroo.

All photos by Zheng Zhangxin