I smile as I begin to see the leaves change. I smile as the air begins to hints of coolness, ushering in the season of boots, sweaters and pumpkin-flavored fall treats.

Earlier, I anticipated the first pumpkin spice latte of this fall, which in my mind, now goes hand-in-hand with the mention of the new season. I begin to think of the warmth of the cup between my hands on a golf cart ride and the smell of pumpkin wafting in the air.

Cliché? Sure. The anticipation, though, got me remembering the moments in Starbucks spent studying or enjoying a moment of quietness among the chaos of the week with a latte in my hand.

I begin to remember that even though Starbucks may be bringing back my favorite drink, “The Way I See It Cups”—the cups with thought-provoking, conversation-starting messages from an author or poet still remain gone.

Back before Starbucks got rid of “The Way I See It” quotes on their product cups, I would often read the quote, analyze it and forget as soon as I threw my cup away. But one quote has always stuck in my head; it was titled, “The Way I See It #141” by Augusten Burroughs.

The quote read, “I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, ‘Hi.’ They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word.”

The change of the season brought back the idea of just how simple it is to meet someone new. Because we fear rejection and ridicule, we often shy away from putting ourselves out there and forming new relationships. As a society, we do not give ourselves enough credit. I believe, though, that people are more willing and open to giving someone else a chance than we consider.

All it takes for a new relationship, just like a new season, is a warm smile and a welcoming “hello.” One simple word can’t hurt; it can only open up possibilities.