Value every encounter.
We constantly meet people from diverse backgrounds. Each encounter offers a learning opportunity, opens doors to the unknown, and presents new possibilities. These opportunities can manifest in various forms: a recommendation for a new book, a newly opened museum, or even a humorous anecdote that leaves you in awe.
Maintaining curiosity and open-mindedness fosters humility and continuous growth.
Social psychology and neuroscience demonstrate that meaningful social interactions, however brief, boost happiness, reduce stress, and promote well-being. When we cherish each encounter, we are more likely to be present and receptive, strengthening relationships and improving emotional health. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, and dopamine, associated with pleasure and reward, are released during positive social interactions.
Choose your environment wisely.
Being around a positive person makes it difficult to remain sad or negative; their energy inspires self-improvement. This highlights the importance of those we surround ourselves with. Choose people who don't drain your energy.
American entrepreneur and speaker Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." Even in a century where we might encounter 100 people daily, we still absorb the attitudes, habits, language, and energy of those we interact with regularly. Your environment actively shapes and molds you. Surrounding yourself with positive people and enriching spaces profoundly impacts your well-being and development.
Offer sincere apologies and gratitude.
Explaining or justifying your actions after apologizing renders the apology meaningless. This is worse than not apologizing at all, making you appear both harmful and insincere. A genuine apology is always necessary.
Psychological and neuroscientific research shows that sincere apologies and expressions of gratitude can mend relationships, reduce aggression, foster forgiveness, and even improve your mental health. A 2016 study by American psychologist Lewicki and colleagues found that the most effective apologies involve acknowledging responsibility, expressing regret, explaining what went wrong, and committing to change.
Trust that time provides the best answers.
Trusting in time means believing that even when things are unclear or unresolved, time will eventually bring clarity, healing, or the right outcome. This reflects the idea that answers, maturity, and understanding don't always come instantly. With patience, reflection, and life's natural course, things usually fall into place. This concept doesn't advocate inaction but rather creating space for things to unfold, trusting that your efforts, choices, and even uncertainties will eventually become clear.
Letting go is not a sin.
The concept of letting go is supported by psychological and mental health research as a sign of emotional intelligence (EQ) and well-being. Research by American psychologist Brown in 2010 showed that people who set clear emotional and relational boundaries experience less stress, less burnout, and have better self-esteem. Detachment doesn't mean abandoning others or becoming cold; it means protecting your mental space, especially when situations become toxic, draining, or beyond your control.
Thuy Linh (Timeofindia)
