I say to people, quite often really, “It is good to see you.”
And a few of my friends return their customary greeting, “It’s good to be seen.”
Most of those friends are older. They might add, “I’d rather be seen than be viewed.” In their stage of life, they go to their share of visitations and funerals. They’re happy to count one more day as a gift.
But there is another way this riposte could be interpreted. Not everyone feels seen. Some people feel isolated, alone.
A greeting, offered in kindness, could then be a salve, a healing balm, a reminder to another human being that they are valued, loved, welcomed, and included.
It’s good to see people.
And it’s good to be seen.
