People

What are they? A fleeting presence. A constant shift. They enter, they leave. Some stay, most don’t.

As a child, I moved from school to school, city to city. At first, it was unsettling. Then, it became a gift. Every place was a fresh start, a clean slate. No past mistakes followed me. No history to weigh me down. Just new faces, new stories, new beginnings.

People fascinate me. Their reactions, their barriers, the way they let you in—or don’t. Women keep their guard up. A quiet defense. Men, though? They’re caught off guard. A direct approach is unexpected. It flips the script. And for a moment, they don’t know whether to step back or lean in.

But connection? It’s temporary. Relationships settle, familiarity takes over, and suddenly, the painting is done. The colors have dried. The excitement fades. Am I unfair for wanting a blank canvas again?

We are shaped by those around us. Every interaction leaves a mark, whether we notice it or not. Yet, we act like we are entirely our own creations. Can we ever really go against the tide? Some do. Some don’t. And some never even realize they’re being carried.

The firsts always struggle. The ones who break the mold, carve new paths, challenge the rules. They get questioned, doubted, ridiculed. But the ones who come after? They have it easier. They don’t have to tear down walls—just step through open doors.

People are the greatest paradox. Predictable and unpredictable. Comforting and exhausting. Necessary and overwhelming.

But maybe that’s the beauty of it.