As summer fades and autumn settles in for the next few months, my favourite time of year arrives in all its cosy glory. Maybe it’s because my birthday kicks off the season, but there’s something about autumn that feels special—almost like it was made for me.

More than anything, I feel excited as the heat of summer melts away. Despite the occasional lingering September heatwave (seriously, why? Give me my cosy jumpers and Docs, immediately), I find myself longing for the cool, crisp days that define autumn (picture the moors that the lovely Mr. Darcy wanders through, most ardently). The rain, especially, is what I crave. There’s something soothing about the sound of it knocking on your windows, the way the streets glisten under the soft orange glow of streetlights. Autumn rain is its own romance story.

What better way to spend those rainy days than lighting a candle, curling up with a good book, or watching Gilmore Girls? Or even better, treating yourself to a warm coffee and a gooey brownie from your favourite local coffee shop (which is exactly what I did today). When autumn sweeps in, I always find myself meticulously curating an endless list of cosy activities—ways to romanticise the season and turn everyday life into something as magical as the stories I long to exist in.

But every year, I catch myself struggling to check off every item on my list. I used to think these experiences—like wandering through pumpkin patches or jumping out of my skin at a scaremaze—were best shared with someone else. For some reason, I had this idea that life could only be truly enjoyed if I had another person by my side, a thought nailed in by that old “comparison thief”. You know, the one that whispers life is only worth living if you have someone to share it with? Nonsense.

Over the years, I’ve come to realise that life’s golden moments don’t depend on having another person there. It’s true, I have a wonderful partner now, someone I am looking forward to sharing these autumnal moments with. But this year, I’m reminding myself that autumn—and life in general—is just as fulfilling when experienced alone. There’s something about stepping out of your comfort zone and realising that your own company is enough.

This time of year, as we let “hot girl summer” disappear in the summer breeze, it’s easy to feel a little lonely. I remember that feeling all too well. For a long time, autumn was a season where I felt isolated, watching the world pair off for seasonal activities while I was on my own. After a particularly bad breakup (with the smallest man who ever lived), I made a vow to live my life for myself.

Now that I’m back in my “lover girl” era, I sometimes catch myself wiping away the cobwebs off the promise I made to myself. I’m a hopeless romantic through and through, and there’s nothing I love more than sharing life with my special human. But I’m also learning that it’s just as important to create moments that are entirely my own, to embrace autumn’s golden moments for myself, whether I’m alone or with someone.

So here’s my gentle reminder to you (and to myself): Whether you’re spending this autumn with someone special or enjoying your own company, make it your season. Light that candle, curl up with that book, take yourself out for that coffee. Romanticise your life, whether you’re walking solo or hand-in-hand with someone.

Autumn is the season for romanticising life, so make it your season.