The Red String Theory

The Beauty of Meeting People and the Way We Are Interconnected

We hear it often, that everything happens for a reason, that the people we meet are meant to cross our paths. And while that might sound like a romanticized idea, I genuinely believe that, to some extent, it’s true. We meet certain people for a reason. Not all of them will be good for us, and not all of them will be lessons worth learning. Some experiences leave a scar that doesn’t fade with time, and honestly, not every hardship is necessary. Sometimes, a bad person is just a bad person—lost, careless, or cruel, causing pain not because it leads to growth, but because they can. And while others may say, "If you can overcome that, you can overcome anything," I’ve often thought: But I didn’t need to go through that to learn that. There were other ways.

Still, I do believe in the importance of meeting people—at your own pace, and on your own terms.

I say this as someone who genuinely doesn’t enjoy going out. I’ve never been drawn to nightlife. Clubbing, drinking, crowded rooms full of strangers—it was never for me. Maybe it’s because I didn’t grow up in a city. I wasn’t surrounded by the glamorization of nightlife. In fact, it was the opposite. It felt dangerous. As a former athlete, the culture I grew up in discouraged drugs and drinking. It wasn’t about fear—it was about discipline, purpose, and protecting our bodies.

My parents never forbade me from socializing. In fact, they encouraged it. They valued connection. But I never enjoyed alcohol, and I’ve never understood the appeal of losing control, even temporarily. Yes, I’ve been tipsy before. But even then, I remained aware of my actions. I couldn’t find joy in watching people around me become shells of themselves, escaping something I didn’t understand. I don’t mean to offend, but to me, it came across as messy and lacking intention. And to be honest, everyone was desperately trying to forget something. I know not everyone is like that, some people are just out to have fun—but for me, the environment never felt clean or comforting. I wanted good music, meaningful conversations, and a place where I didn’t feel like I had to protect myself constantly, and that was home, or a friends home.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: you don’t have to go to a party to meet people. You don’t have to drink to connect. As my work evolved and my platform grew, I found myself at more social gatherings—events, shoots, fundraisers—and that’s where I started to meet people who left a mark on me.

At photoshoots, I’d talk to photographers, stylists, makeup artists, the building managers, even the security guards. I met designers who spent decades perfecting their craft. I met sponsors who started with nothing and built something beautiful. I met engineers, scientists, doctors, students, and artists. I met people from all walks of life, each with their own journey and story. And for a brief moment, all of our paths aligned.

Like the red string theory—maybe we’re all connected in invisible ways. And in that one frame of time, our strings met, touched, tangled.

How beautiful is that?

We don’t always get to know the full impact someone will have on us right away. Some people might become lifelong friends, mentors, or partners. Others might become heartbreaks or disappointments. And while it’s not fair, and it’s not always okay, I still think it’s worth it. It’s worth meeting people. It’s worth saying hello.

So I encourage you: go to that café, strike up a conversation with the barista. Attend that dinner event. Say hi to the stranger next to you. Ask your taxi driver how their day was. You don’t need to be loud or extroverted—just open. Say hi. Because “hi” is simply a door that leads you to a whole new world.

You might be declined, and that’s okay. That’s one of those so-called “lessons.” You might make a new friend, or meet someone who will change your life forever. You might get hurt, and that’s not okay—but it’s part of the risk. And when it comes to love, be more careful. Not everyone has a heart like yours. Not everyone has good intentions. But please, still meet people. Let yourself be seen.

So yes—go out there, but on your own terms. Protect your peace, but don’t close the door completely. The beauty of life isn’t just in the milestones, it’s in the moments: the unexpected conversations, the kind stranger, the person who shifts your perspective even just a little. Some people will stay, some won’t. Some will bring you joy, and others may bring you pain. But each connection—fleeting or lasting—adds color to your story.

Even the quietest “hi” can ripple into something bigger.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all just threads in a vast, invisible web—pulling, tangling, loosening, and intertwining—searching for warmth, meaning, and the comfort of being understood. So don’t be afraid to speak, to listen, to reach. You never know whose life you're stepping into—or whose heart you might quietly change.

And maybe, just maybe, someone is waiting to meet you too.

Always with love,

Kaya