Years ago, my mentor told me something I’ve never forgotten:

“Don’t ignore the person to your left or right at a dinner party.”

At the time, it seemed like basic social advice.

But the older I get, the more I realise—it’s so much deeper than that.

A few weeks ago, I was at a dinner party.

To my right sat a guy full of energy—laughing, chatting, holding court like he was born for this kind of night.

To my left, his girlfriend. Quiet. On her phone. Disengaged.

Looking almost like she’d rather be anywhere else.

Naturally, my attention went right. That was the fun side. The easier side.

But then, something tugged at me.

That line: “Don’t ignore the person to your left or right.”

So I turned.

And I asked her how she was doing.

At first, she shrugged. Looked back down.

But I stayed. Gentle curiosity. No pressure. No performance.

We talked—slowly.

And then something happened.

She opened up.

And eventually… she cried.

Sometimes, being the person who notices isn’t glamorous.

It’s not loud or obvious.

But it matters—more than we think.

Everyone’s Fighting a Battle

Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Everyone struggles. Take solace in that.

We all carry things that don’t show.

We all have days when we wish someone would simply ask.

We all long, on some level, to be seen.

So don’t ignore the person on your left. Or right.

Or behind you. Or in front.

They may not need advice.

Or entertainment.

Or fixing.

But they might need presence.

A moment of humanity.

Someone to say, without saying:
“You matter.”

Have a great week ahead.
Kia kaha & Love
Chris