This most certainly would not happen now because of the social-distancing recommended in the middle of the virus pandemic. But it did happen a little over a week ago.
I had just greeted a friend who immediately raised her protesting hands and said, “I have a cold, I may be contagious.” I immediately said, ” You are contagious in more ways than one,” and gave her a side-hug.
My response was simply spontaneous, but I reminded myself afterwards that I am affected in some way by every one that I encounter. Every one is an experience with a contagious effect. Likewise, I share who I have become with everyone I meet, and they are contagiously affected.
The awareness of contagion differs from time to time, from experience to experience. However, I believe that who I have become is affecting all that I meet. They are likewise contagious to me.
I am more aware of how others can be contagious for causing harm. What I often miss is how we also have the potential to be contagious for benefit and good.