I didn’t intend to read/listen to this book, but I had seen it mentioned in a couple places lately and took a chance on it while browsing available audiobooks at my library.

It attempts to describe the Danish concept of Hygge (HUGH-guh) — which the author goes to great lengths to explain cannot be literally translated — but basically it is about cozy togetherness and everyday pleasures….the times when you are comfortable enough to be yourself, enjoy people’s company and feel good. Candles, soft blankets, fireplaces, warm drinks, good conversation. Makes me want to snuggle underneath a fluffy comforter even though it’s sweltering out right now.

One aspect that is really emphasized is spending intimate time with close friends. It’s been bothering me lately that I feel so much closer to my coworkers than any of my “real” friends. Realizing that it’s because we share a bunch of inside jokes, eat together all the time and are actually in one another’s presence…things that I almost never have with my non-work friends anymore. (Doesn’t help that I’m boycotting Facebook these days either.)

I’ve been thinking about trying to start an informal supper club or drinking night to create a standing excuse reason to regularly meet up with friends. I think we’re all busy living our lives and it’s not that we don’t want to spend time with each other…but it’s hard to make time for it if there isn’t a reason, like a major holiday or a kid’s birthday party. Does anyone just hang out anymore when you have a family in your 40’s or am I just missing out?

Side note: If you’re interested in this I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook over reading it yourself. Totally worth it to hear a native speaker pronounce everything properly! The author (CEO of the Danish Happiness Research Institute no less) is very charming. Favorite quote, from the home decor chapter: “Basically you want to ask yourself, how would a Viking squirrel furnish a living room?”