Meetings: Nine.

The wise man meets everyone, 
as if for the first time.

When we meet someone for the first time,
we probably know nothing about them.
So we are likely to accord them a degree of respect
that may be omitted when meeting someone we know.

If there have been problems with people we know,
we may react to those problems as if they are current.
This has the effect of bringing the past into the present.
The problem continues, or becomes a bigger problem.

Imagining that one "knows" a person,
may be very far from the truth.
People can change unexpectedly,
for better, or for worse.

Meet everyone without expectations.
Offer the benefit of the doubt.
Extend your own goodwill.
While being ready, willing, and able
to defend yourself, should it be necessary.