My self-defence mentor had always told me that I was a great counter puncher.

If someone hit me hard, I’d hit back harder.

Over time, I realized this wasn’t just a fighting skill — it was how I could operate in life, too.

Take texting, for example.

My entire texting style depends on the other person.

If they text well — engaging, thoughtful, and present — I naturally respond the same way. If they’re dry, uninterested, or passive, they get the same energy in return.

In every interaction, I reflect what I receive.

As simple as it may sound, it is true.

If someone ever thought I was good at something in an interaction with them, it wasn’t just me — it was them, too. I merely amplified what they brought to the table.

But there’s a flip side.

I know you probably have a question and are judging me already.

What happens when I meet someone who struggles to express themselves?

Do they get the worst version of me?

Well, that’s the question I have asked myself a couple of times.

So, I give them ample amount of time to settle in. And maybe, at times, it’s worth breaking the pattern — choosing to bring energy instead of just mirroring it.

For most of it, though, I remain a counterpuncher in every sense.

And if you’ve ever felt I was great at something, remember — it was your energy, reflected right back at you.

In case we are meeting for the first time, come over here, it’ll be worth the roller coaster of articles that are gonna come up in the next few weeks.

Use this to get to know more about me — https://linktr.ee/shashwat_writes

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