This evening I went to do some market research. I haven't done one for a long time as the subjects are often not relevant, the timings don't work, or it is too far away.
This afternoon though I slipped away, leaving eldest son in charge of catering for the masses when they all came in from work.
The research was about charities and there were a total of 7 women in the room.
What I found fascinating was the small window into the lives of each of the ladies.
All of us were of a similar age, being slightly over 21, and we came from Twickenham, Cheam and Watford to name a few of the locations. Blonde hair, long hair, smartly dressed, more casual, wearing glasses, working full time, or owning a business, everyone was very different.
Each of us had older children, although I had bragging rights as the only one with twins!
All the ladies were involved with charities, donating, fund raising and supporting others. Cancer related causes led the way, with people having lost family members, and one strong woman who was in remission. One lady supported a local diabetes charity as her daughter has type 1 diabetes and another lady gave to a heart charity as she had lost her father to a heart attack.
It was interesting to see how their perspective was focused around their experiences. Whilst I know this is true for everyone, it is easier to see it in others rather than yourself.
The discussion ran it's allotted time and we all left heading off towards the same station. In small groups, chatting about our journeys home, A level results, and a holiday someone had just returned from.
As I went to go on the underground, we separated, everyone on their bit of track heading back to their reality. We never knew each other very long so there is no great friendship lost, but forward we went, like flowers that have been strewn in the wind, travelling in various directions too our homes and lives, never to meet again.
