Meeting is Fate, and Relationships are Effort

As we go through life, we encounter countless people. Some meetings are like passing breezes, while others profoundly change the course of our lives. 

 Interestingly, most of these encounters happen without our planning. 

They are, quite simply, fate. 

However, for those fated meetings to grow into meaningful relationships? That’s a different story. Here, our effort becomes an inevitable factor.

 In short, fate may bring people together, 

but relationships are something we must build ourselves.

First, let’s talk about meetings and fate. There’s something almost magical about how people cross paths. It could be someone you accidentally bump into on the street, a person you meet on a blind date, or even a barista who handed you the wrong coffee order. All these meetings involve forces beyond our control. Who you meet may feel like destiny, but turning that destiny into a greater story is entirely up to you. Relying solely on fate without taking action? That’s like hoping to win the lottery without ever buying a ticket.

And that’s where the word "effort" steps in. In human relationships, effort acts like fuel. Just as even the finest car will stop without gas, relationships will naturally fade without care and attention. Psychologist John Gottman has found that healthy relationships require a much higher ratio of positive to negative interactions. To put it simply, it takes ten compliments to neutralize the damage of one argument. So, saying “You should already know how I feel” is practically a red flag in any relationship.

Effort can start small—a hesitant smile, a simple act of kindness. For example, keeping a friendship alive requires more than just saying, “Let’s grab lunch sometime.” You need to actually set a date, sit down together, and have meaningful conversations. Romantic relationships are no different. Love at first sight may feel magical, but to keep that spark alive, both partners need to grow together. Sure, you might say, “As long as I’m with you, I could live on air,” but let’s be real—that sentiment barely lasts a few days. After that, hunger kicks in, and so do the realities of budgeting.

This concept extends beyond personal relationships. Social and professional connections demand the same level of effort. If you want strong relationships with colleagues, you can’t just assume “doing my job well is enough.” Without communication and trust, even the most skilled professional might find themselves isolated. This is why networking within organizations is so crucial. A relationship without effort is just a hollow shell; it may seem solid, but it can crumble at any moment.

At this point, you might wonder:

 “Do I really need to put in so much effort to maintain relationships?” 

The answer is a resounding “Yes.”

 While effort can be tiring, the joy and comfort relationships bring make it worthwhile. Imagine this: after a tough day, you share a coffee with a friend or have a heartfelt talk with your family. The relief and warmth you feel in those moments are, quite literally, priceless. Without effort, moments like these simply wouldn’t exist.

In the end, "Meeting is fate, and relationships are effort" isn’t just a phrase; it’s a piece of life wisdom. Every day, we encounter new people, but turning those encounters into meaningful relationships is our choice. Fate delivers these connections to us like packages, but whether we open them and cherish what’s inside is entirely up to us. Effort might feel like a hassle, but the happiness and meaning that relationships bring more than make up for it.  

So, why not start putting in a little extra effort today? 

Call a friend, share a kind word with a family member, or offer a colleague a warm cup of coffee. These small acts of kindness accumulate to create meaningful relationships. When the gift of fate is wrapped in the care of our effort, life becomes brighter and richer.