Polly Adlers Chaos de luxe: More real life is easy

Polly Adler's column „Chaos de luxe“ has once again stirred up a mix of confusion and reflection with its latest piece titled „Mehr Echtleben einfach“. The narrative centers around a personal anecdote involving a visit from one of the author’s Gay Best Friends Forever (GBFFs), who found themselves in an unexpected situation. The GBFF, known for their principled stance against streaming services and delivery platforms associated with controversial political rhetoric, was taken aback by the presence of a pasta package in the narrator’s pantry. The GBFF expressed shock, stating, “Wie kannst du nur?” while staring at the blue-tinted noodles, seemingly unaware of the implications of the product’s origin. The narrator explains that they had not anticipated the GBFF’s reaction, particularly given the GBFF’s commitment to ethical consumption and environmental awareness. This moment of tension highlights the growing divide between individual values and everyday choices, especially in a world increasingly shaped by convenience and digital dependency. The GBFF, described as a “moral fortress,” has distanced itself from platforms perceived as promoting harmful ideologies, while the narrator admits to a more relaxed approach, often relying on online deliveries for items such as Rococo wigs and other whimsical purchases for their festival preparations. Despite feeling guilty over the incident, the narrator resolves to continue eating the pasta, albeit without joy. They reflect on the advice of their grandmother, who emphasized the importance of not wasting food, even when it means enduring less-than-ideal circumstances. The grandmother’s resilience during wartime, where she would make soup from potato skins, serves as a poignant reminder of the value of simplicity and resourcefulness. The narrator vows to improve their own ethical compass, promising to seek out small bookstores and attend cinemas rather than rely solely on streaming services. This introspection marks a broader shift in the author’s lifestyle, aiming to reconnect with analog experiences and reduce reliance on digital conveniences. The piece concludes with a call to embrace a simpler, more authentic life, what the author refers to as „mehr Echtleben einfach“, or “more real living simply.” Polly Adler, whose pseudonymous columns have become a staple of Austrian satire and commentary, continues to explore the absurdities of modern life through a lens of both humor and critique. Under the name Polly Adler, the Viennese journalist Angelika Hager has built a career that spans books, television, and live performances. Her upcoming show at the Vienna Rabenhof Theater is set for autumn 2026, marking another milestone in her creative journey. Recently, Hager released her first crime novel, „Pardon, aber da schwimmt eine Leiche in der Schokolade“, published by Ueberreuter, further expanding her influence in the literary world.