The eyes of another

I walked past a tall stranger on Kottbusser Damm, near the end by Hermannplatz, today. He had a camera hanging in his neck, backpack on his shoulders, eyes wandering like the good tourist he was. It was a particularly sunny morning, and this stranger’s positive energy matched it seamlessly.

He looked genuinely mesmerized by what he saw. I almost turned to see what beauty had caught his eye. Maybe it was the organized chaos of the junction, or something fascinating about the blocky architecture? Whatever it was, I could feel the wonder radiating from his gaze. It felt authentic and innocent. It made me smile and feel a little proud.

Esther Perel says that when you’re in a long-term relationship, there’s four main scenarios where you feel most drawn to your partner:

1. When you see them in their element.
2. When you reunite after time apart.
3. When they surprise you.
4. When you see them through the eyes of another.

I’ve lived near Hermannplatz for just under a year and in Berlin for just over two — we’re on the right trajectory for a long-term relationship. Today, I felt like I saw this junction and city through the eyes of another. For a moment, I forgot why I had doubts about staying here.