What relationships have a positive impact on you?

At first, I was skeptical about giving credit to a single relationship for having a positive impact on my life. Over the course of our lives, we meet countless people, some closely related to us, others complete strangers yet many of them leave behind small but meaningful traces of positivity. Sometimes, even fleeting moments or simple interactions carry unexpected warmth.

Sometimes, in the rush of a stressful corporate life, we fail to notice the people who work around us every day office staff, facility teams, security guards until one day they smile warmly as you pass by, reminding you of simple human connection.

There are days when you walk into a shop just to buy something ordinary, and the shopkeeper greets you with a smile and says, “After so many days, madam.” That one sentence makes you feel seen.

In my society, there is an elderly grandpa who calls out to me every time I return from work, just to shake hands. Every single day, he asks whether I’ve had dinner and gently advises me to cook for myself instead of eating outside food. Many times, when I’m exhausted and ready to order a meal, his words change my mind and I end up cooking instead. Such small gestures quietly shape our habits and well-being.

And then there is family our constant support system. Whether we acknowledge it daily or not, we are who we are today because of them. Their presence, sacrifices, and belief form the foundation of our lives.

The daily prompt, however, asked specifically about one relationship, and I couldn’t resist naming one clearly.

The relationship that has brought the most positive impact in my life is friends , without a doubt.

I have many friends. Some are my closest college friends,my constant encouragement and most comfortable space. Some are colleagues who slowly turned into family. Some are older than me and have always taken care of me like a child, offering guidance whenever I needed it. Some I met during my stay in the USA who took care of me like a family. Some are culturally and geographically distant friends ,I’ve never met in person, yet who are incredibly close to my heart,constantly encouraging me to achieve more, often seeing my potential and dreaming of higher possibilities for me even before I do.And then there are my younger siblings and cousins, separated from me by years, yet helping me bridge generational gaps and see life from a fresh perspective.

Each of them has played the role of a support system at different phases of my life. They’ve been there when I needed to vent my anger and disappointment. They’ve celebrated my smallest achievements and held me during my lowest moments. They’ve celebrated my birthdays with me, traveled to beautiful places with me, and helped me complete my bucket list.

They patiently listen to my geopolitical opinions, my endless book reviews, and how deeply certain books affect me. They sit through hours of my complaints about life. Most importantly, they listen to my deepest thoughts ,the ones I often feel the world cannot fully understand or resonate with. And I am sure I am not alone in feeling this way.

With friends, I am seen without explanation and accepted without conditions.These relationships both fleeting and enduring ,collectively shape who I am. They remind me that positivity doesn’t always arrive loudly; sometimes, it simply shows up, listens, and stays.