I remember lying in hospital thinking - this is brilliant

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Carly, 42 from London. Married with two children. She works part time as a hairdresser.

How are you?

My standard answer is fine or do you have a few hours? (laughing)

What’s your most memorable experience? 

Getting married. I organised the most important day of my life. It's what I dreamt about. Marriage is wonderful! (she’s only been married a year at this point, give her time!) There is a feeling of security, togetherness, problems are together problems. You can’t just walk out, there is a sense of unity. I quite like being MRS X with a ring on my finger. It’s a big tick in my life box.

How do other people see you?

OMG that’s awful, let me think - good fun, a taskmaster and not too fussy!

What makes you tick?

My desire to keep the boat a float. I get up, tidy the house, keep the peace. My job is to  get everyone to where they have to be, that’s what makes me tick. Then I have a secret - I give myself a lunch hour and sit on the sofa with my feet up and watch day time telly for an hour - Don't tell anyone!

Where does all your energy go?

Keeping my house in one piece. My work, my relationship, the kids. The weight of responsibility is dawning on me that I have to get my two children out into the big wide world. I don’t want them to miss opportunities. 

What brings you down?

Not speaking my mind. Saying yes when I mean no. Bottling things up and going into my shell.

What do you like about yourself?

I like my energy. I give a lot to my family. I’m a good daughter - I’m happy in my skin.

How do you best express yourself?

By shouting! My work is an expression of my creativity. I don’t lock my back door and I keep the windows open - this expresses my free spirited and trusting side. There’s something about doing it that’s a bit rebellious, not conforming to what you're supposed do and I like it. 

Who or what inspires you?

Successful people. Driven people who have achieved a good status. Those who have learned good skills in their job and manage to get a good days work done. People who are grounded but successful.

What do you think about life?

Everyone dies in the end.

What would you like to leave for the next generation?

A bigger sense of community. Be nice to people, look out for each other and be kind!

Are you free?

No, I’m married and I wouldn't particularly want to be free either. There was this one time when I broke my shoulder and I remember lying in hospital thinking this is brilliant, I don’t have to do anything or be anywhere - that was very freeing.