August 2022 www.womanthismonth.com 72 LIFESTYLE | opinion Why is it that by our mid30s or after having children, women have to shout louder to be heard or for people to take an interest in our individual achievements? Following a night out with new acquaintances, Founder and Managing Director of Atteline, Sophie Simpson, explores an issue that we all might be dealing with subconsciously. It is the end of a demanding work week and, to my delight, I have been invited to dinner with new friends. I am now six weeks into opening Atteline’s second office outside of Dubai and it is fraught with all the classic challenges one might imagine. I re-confirm tomorrow’s Zoom meetings, check in with team directors, and ensure all pressing matters have been addressed with our office managers. I send off my last emails and tidy up my to-do list. Much to my delight and boundless gratitude, as I step out of the office, I see that our wonderful nanny, without whom I couldn’t possibly manage the delicate balance of work and home life, has the children fed, bathed and ready for evening story times and bedtime cuddles. I relish our daily routines together, surrendering to every moment of quality time that we get to enjoy as a family. Once the children have drifted off to sleep and my husband has retreated to the peace of the lounge, I run a comb through my hair, pat on some blush and make a dash for the taxi. As we pass through the unfamiliar kaleidoscope of urban lights, my mind flicks between client strategy, the children’s vaccinations and how delighted I am to be joining my newest female acquaintances for dinner and a debrief on expat life. The four of us exchanged pleasantries and settle into a drink, before the conversation drifts from one person to the next, meandering between where to find the best healthy food grocers and effective teething hacks, to which schools host the most accomplished teachers and what our better halves do. I enjoy the conversational journey, not merely for its useful insights, but for the way it helps to slowly reveal the unique personalities and idiosyncrasies of my chatty dinner companions or, dare I say it, new friends. Once the evening becomes an unspoken wrap, we take care of the bill, throw our enthusiasm behind Please Take Me Seriously
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