Every Interaction Counts

“People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

We often reserve our best behavior for those we love or those we fear — family, friends, employers, or people who hold power. But what about everyone else? The barista on a rushed morning. The telemarketer on the phone. The delivery driver. The sales clerk. The stranger in line.

These brief interactions may seem insignificant, but they are not. They are the tiny building blocks of society, and they matter deeply. Because how we treat people when we have nothing to gain — or when we’re slightly inconvenienced — reveals our true character.

It’s easy to dismiss someone’s presence when we’re in a hurry or not in the mood. But a harsh word, a dismissive tone, or a look of contempt can linger long after the moment passes. People remember when they are treated as less than human. And they also remember when they are treated with unexpected kindness.

Every interaction is a choice. We can choose to be reactive or intentional. Cold or warm. Closed or curious. We don’t always get it right — but striving to show up with decency, even in small ways, is a radical act of emotional maturity.

You never know what kind of day someone is having. Your brief moment of contact could be the only kindness they experience that day. Or the final cruelty that pushes them closer to despair.

So yes — every interaction counts. Not because we’re trying to be perfect, but because we recognize that our presence has impact. Every day, we write small stories into the lives of others. What kind of story do you want to leave behind?