My Recent Encounter with a Young Married Couple

As I stepped into the small shop, I noticed a young couple standing near the counter making a purchase. The shop's dim incandescent lighting cast a soft glow on their faces, illuminating the genuine happiness they seemed to exude.

The man appeared to be in his late twenties, thanks to his baby-faced appearance. He wore a tight-fitting white Kaftan that accentuated his plump figure. Plus his friendly smile revealed a sense of contentment. By his side stood a noticeably younger woman, gracefully attired in an ash-colored Abaya. Her attentive gaze and poised posture hinted at her deep engagement in the ongoing conversation between her husband and the shop owner.

Curiosity piqued, the shop owner couldn't help but inquire, "Is she your wife?" The husband's warm expression only grew brighter as he replied, "We got married last month." The shop owner extended his congratulations, his voice filled with sincerity and warmth. "Oh, congratulations! May Allah bless your union. I had no idea." Appreciative of the well-wish, the husband tenderly grasped his young and beautiful wife's hand, and they made their way out of the shop. 

Once the young couple had left, the shop owner and I began to engage in a conversation/gossip that delved deeper into his concerns. "Imagine how life will be in the next ten years for the woman," he mused, his concern evident in his tone. "Will she continue with her studies? Or, in the case of divorce...?" I felt compelled to question his negative assumptions. Because he sounded like a pendulum spinning out of control. 

In an attempt to inject a dose of optimism into his bland assumptions, I gently interjected, "Hey, they looked happily married, and I believe that they have arranged a solid foundation for their marital life. Therefore, it might be best not to imagine a horrible future for them."

The shop owner considered my words, his initial hypotheses gradually giving way to a more open-minded perspective. His eyes softened as he admitted, "You make a valid point. I shouldn't jump to conclusions about their future based on mere assumptions. After all, they did seem genuinely happy together."

Encouraged by his response, I continued to share my thoughts on the matter. "It's important to speak positively about others," I gently reminded the shop owner. "While your concerns may be valid, it's not appropriate to cast a shadow over their lives based on mere speculation. They are young, and who knows what wonderful future awaits them?"

The shop owner nodded, his expression transformed by a newfound perspective (my exaggeration). He absorbed my words and finally said, "You're right. It's not fair for me to assume the worst. It would be best to simply wish them well as I did earlier." The weight of his initial concerns had now shifted, giving way to a more optimistic outlook.

I smiled, pleased to have influenced the shop owner's perspective positively. This is why I think it's pertinent to always spread positivity about other people's lives. 

As we concluded our conversation, I couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in the shop owner's demeanor. His face oozed serenity, while his posture seemed somewhat slumped. The weight of his initial concerns had now given way to a more optimistic outlook. It was evident in his demeanor that he genuinely appreciated the shift in perspective, appearing grateful for the newfound positivity.

The encounter with the young couple at the shop sparked a meaningful discussion, challenging preconceived notions and reminding us all of the importance of embracing a positive outlook on life. I was pleased to witness the shop owner receiving my thoughts with an open mind. Sometimes, a simple conversation and a fresh perspective can have a profound impact on our perception