The effect you have

Quantum mechanics is the theory in physics that deals with really, really small particles (smaller than the atoms you learned about in high school or Welcome Back, Kotter).

And in quantum mechanics, if you have a system, then you separate two parts of the system, any interaction you have with one part, instantly changes the other system. Even just observing one part changes the other.

It’s like each particle is communicating telepathically. It’s like when you know instantly that something’s wrong with a loved one before they tell you or even see you.

As much as we might not want the responsibility, every interaction you have affects something else. Every observation and thought affect something else. It might be very small, or you could affect someone for their life.

For instance, say you were in a bad mood as a teenager. Your friend asked you to come over, and you rejected her in a very, short way. Nothing to do with her, but it caused her to feel unlikeable (probably reinforced it).

Then your friend decided that people don’t like her for who she is. She thought it was better going through life putting on a persona of being someone she thinks people would like.

As an adult, she is tired. She’s always acting, and she doesn’t trust anyone with her authentic self.

You don’t know how people will react to your actions, but you know what usually begets loving and positive reactions and what does not.

It’s not a free pass to be a jerk when you’re in a bad mood or when something terrible happens to you. You have a grand effect. Be conscious of what you want that to be.