Five summer things that make me happy

Masterfile

In honour of tomorrow being the first day of summer, I have compiled a list of things that I love but usually only have access to during the summer months — just in case we're not all excited enough about the impending heat.

1. Sweating for no reason
I know that people like to go on and on about how they love a "dry heat." Me, I'll take a wet heat any day. I far prefer steam over sauna, and I love summer days that are so hot and humid that you sweat even when you're just lying in the park trying to eat an ice cream sandwich.

2. Dates in the park
I often struggle with the formality of early dates, especially the kind that take place in a bar or restaurant with a table wedged between the two of you and nothing to engage with but each other. But summer dates in the park are the best. All you need is some wine or a flask of bourbon, some snacks and a big blanket spread out on some soft grass — preferably in time to catch the sunset.

3. Tops of the tube variety
I like shoulders. Specifically, I like exposing my own shoulders to the world. I'm not sure why, I just do. It's liberating or something.

4. Summer menus
Certain foods — some of my favourite foods — only make an appearance during summertime. I can't wait for burgers in backyards, ice cold gin and tonics, smoked ribs and s'mores. I will also likely end up carrying several giant watermelons over the course of the summer, which will make my arms ache but will be so so worth it.

5. Hot nights
So my top, top, top favourite thing about the summer is super hot nights. Like, when you get home with your bike around 2am and you've had a couple too many mojitos and you're full of tacos and it's still super warm and you just can't bring yourself to go inside yet — so you put your bike down and you just sit on your front stoop for a while, amazed by how quiet and still it is. These are some of the best moments ever. (Enhanced if you have a shoulder belonging to someone great to rest your tipsy head on.)

So how about you? What are your favourite summer happy-makers?