"عندما يلتقي شخصان، يتغير كل منهما بالآخر، لذا لديك شخصان جديدان."

When people get together, they leave a bit of themselves with each other. Think about the last time you had a deep conversation with a friend or even a stranger on a train. You walked away with a new perspective, right? That's the core idea here: interactions transform us, even if just a little.

Historically speaking, this idea has roots in various philosophical traditions. From ancient thinkers like Heraclitus, who believed in the constant flux of life, to modern psychology, the concept that every interaction shapes us isn't new. But it’s still pretty mind-blowing when you truly grasp it. Just think about how different you are now compared to five years ago and how many people have contributed to that change.

Let’s bring it to life with a real-world example. Picture a mentor and a mentee. Imagine a young intern starting their first job, wide-eyed and eager to learn. Their mentor, seasoned and wise, shows them the ropes. Over time, the intern absorbs knowledge, gains confidence, and maybe even picks up some of the mentor's traits. But it’s not a one-way street. The mentor, too, is impacted by the intern's fresh perspective and enthusiasm. They might learn new tech skills or get reminded of the passion they had when they first started. By the end of the mentorship, both individuals have evolved. They’re different than they were at the beginning—new versions of themselves.

So how can you apply this wisdom? First, be mindful of your interactions. Approach conversations with openness and curiosity. Instead of just waiting for your turn to talk, really listen to the other person. Ask questions, show interest, and be willing to be changed by what you hear. It’s about being present and engaged. Also, reflect on your interactions. After meeting someone, take a moment to think about what you learned and how it might have shifted your viewpoint or feelings.

Now, let me tell you a story. Imagine Sarah and Tom. Sarah's a graphic designer who loves nature, and Tom's an engineer with a passion for puzzles. They meet at a mutual friend’s party and start chatting. At first, it’s just small talk, but soon, they dive into deeper topics—Tom explains a complex engineering problem and how he’s trying to solve it. Sarah listens, intrigued, and shares how she finds inspiration for her designs in nature’s patterns. They both leave the party with new insights. Tom starts noticing the beauty in everyday natural patterns, which he previously overlooked. Sarah gains an appreciation for the meticulous problem-solving process that goes into engineering. The next time they meet, they’re not the same Sarah and Tom. They’ve both grown, even from that one interaction.

In the end, every encounter is a chance to evolve. It’s like adding new brushstrokes to the canvas of who you are. So, cherish your interactions—they’re shaping you, and you’re shaping others. Life’s a collaborative art piece, and every person you meet adds color to your story.