You Meet People for a Reason—Either They Change Your Life, or You Change Theirs

I have a theory: I believe you meet people for a reason—either they change your life, or you change theirs. Before you start thinking I am going self-help guru on you, I am not necessarily talking about some omen sent from the stars, not even destiny or fate. That doesn’t quite fit what I am trying to suggest.

I don’t love how those seem to take our own actions and responsibility out of the equation entirely. Instead, I see it more as an opportunity. Each encounter is an opportunity where we have the open door to find the reason, to make something great come of the exchange—no matter what—and in whatever way(s) we can. Maybe you will be the one who walks away benefitting the most. Perhaps the other person will be the one most fortunate. Maybe (and I think, ideally) both of you will feel equally blessed and bettered.

I can think of many instances where this—let’s loosely call it a “law of nature”—rings true. The grandparents who teach their grandchildren all about unconditional love and acceptance and the merits of getting spoiled once in a while. Romantic interests who challenge their partners, leaving them a far better, more mature person than when they first met. Friends with that perfectly placed joke when they know it is so desperately needed. There are far too many more to list them all here. But you get the gist. Those exchanges—in my book—change people.

But the thing is, I bet the others would say the same. The grandparents are learning selflessness and receiving equally unconditional love from their adoring grandchild. The people who felt loved and adored by a partner grateful for their affection and attention. Wild, right?

My point is this: Regardless of why someone’s path crosses ours, I believe there is (at least one) remarkable thing to take away from the exchange. And if we play our cards right, those reasons will be the very things we can take through life as we move forward—being the proudest of as we look back.

And while we are on the subject, this law of nature is in no way limited to “personal” relationships or exchanges. It equally applies to our professional lives, which, let’s face it, are personal too, as they involve human interaction.

Thinking of life this way makes me acutely aware of every meeting and path crossed. In fact, since adopting this outlook, I find myself excited and wondering about what may come—the possibilities—for good. I want anyone I cross paths with to come away thinking fondly of their “reason for meeting me,” as I certainly hope I will also do of them. It is up to us, and I believe we can find excellent reasons why every day.