Becoming Settling with Irene – Claudia I met Irene in Croydon, back in 1998, when we were both studying for the CIPD qualification. I remember seeing her and thinking, “Yes! Another Black woman on the course.” That alone felt like a quiet win. We got chatting and soon realised we were both Ghanaians—and from there, it just flowed. The connection was instant, familiar, and easy. The rest, as they say, is history. I’d describe my relationship with Irene as settling. Over time, it has found a kind of rhythm — less about big shifts and more about steady presence. We’ve grown into a space where things feel familiar, supportive, and easy. It’s not dramatic, but there’s comfort in knowing we’re there for each other in a quiet, consistent way. 10 The Birthday Journal
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