“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

In our daily lives, we interact with a multitude of people – family, friends, coworkers, and strangers. We engage in conversations, make decisions, and take actions that impact those around us. And while we may think that the words we say or the actions we take are what people remember most about us, the truth is that it’s often how we make someone feel that sticks with them long after the interaction has ended.

Think about a time when you were talking to someone and felt like they were really listening to you – that they were engaged and interested in what you had to say. How did that make you feel? Likely, it made you feel valued and heard. On the other hand, consider a time when someone ignored you or talked over you. How did that make you feel? Probably, it made you feel small and insignificant.

The way we make people feel can have a powerful impact on their lives. When we make someone feel included and valued, we can help them build confidence and feel supported. When we make someone feel ignored or left out, we can contribute to feelings of isolation and insecurity.

It’s important to remember that our interactions with others are not just about us. We have the power to influence the emotions and experiences of those around us, and we should strive to do so in a positive way. This doesn’t mean that we need to be perfect or always say the right thing – after all, we’re only human. But it does mean that we should be mindful of how our words and actions impact those around us.

So, what matters most in our daily interactions? It’s not necessarily the specific actions we take or the words we say, but rather how we make someone feel. Did we make them feel listened to or ignored? Included or left out? Amused or exhausted? Big instead of small? These are the things that people will remember most about us, and they can have a lasting impact on our relationships and interactions with others. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, we can create more positive and meaningful connections with those around us.