Katy Perry still gets me every time. She's very funny in person!

When Niall Horan exclaimed, “Katy Perry still gets me every time. She's very funny in person! We met at the Teen Choice Awards and she pulled my cheeks apart and told me how cute I was. My life was literally flashing before my eyes!” he revealed more than a lighthearted story. Within his words lies the ancient truth of awe, the overwhelming power of encountering those we admire. His description, filled with humor and surprise, is not only about a celebrity meeting another, but about the timeless human experience of being struck by the presence of greatness, charm, or affection in another soul.

The origin of this moment comes from Niall’s early years of fame as a member of One Direction, when the world watched his rise from an ordinary boy to an international star. Yet in this memory, he shows us that no matter how high one climbs, there are still moments when one feels humbled, almost childlike, in the presence of someone admired. His “life flashing before his eyes” is not the fear of death, but the shock of being touched by something larger than oneself, a mixture of joy, disbelief, and wonder.

Throughout history, such encounters have shaken even the mightiest. When Alexander the Great first met the philosopher Diogenes, he was humbled by the Cynic’s indifference to power. When the poet Virgil was introduced to Augustus, he trembled though he himself was revered across the empire. These moments remind us that admiration is a universal language: even the celebrated are struck silent or dazzled when standing before someone who embodies mystery, wit, or greatness.

Niall also reveals the power of humor and affection. Katy Perry’s playful act of pulling his cheeks was not grand or ceremonial, but simple, childlike, and human. Yet it disarmed him completely. This reminds us that sometimes it is not lofty speeches or grand gestures that leave the deepest mark, but small acts of warmth that pierce directly into the heart. Humor and kindness can strike harder than fame itself, for they reveal the soul behind the image.

The deeper meaning here is the reminder that admiration humbles us and draws out our vulnerability. To be moved so deeply by another person, to feel your life “flash before your eyes,” is to recognize the rare gift of connection, even in passing. It tells us that the human heart is stirred not only by beauty or talent, but by the recognition of spirit in another—a spark of shared humanity that lingers long after the moment ends.

The lesson for us is clear: do not be ashamed of awe, of admiration, of being struck speechless in the presence of another. These moments are not weakness; they are sacred, reminding us that no matter our achievements, we remain human, capable of wonder. Instead of hiding such feelings, we should cherish them, for they keep us grounded in humility and alive to the mystery of others.

Practical wisdom flows: seek out those who inspire you. Do not be afraid to honor them with your laughter, your joy, and your admiration. At the same time, when you meet others who look up to you, remember the power of a simple gesture of kindness—it may become for them a memory that glows for a lifetime. In this exchange of admiration and humility, bonds are formed and hearts are lifted.

Thus let us pass down this teaching: awe is the soul’s reminder that we are part of something greater. Whether before a king, a poet, or a singer at an awards show, do not dismiss these moments of trembling joy. They remind us to laugh, to wonder, and to be grateful for the beauty of human connection that flashes through our lives like lightning—brief, dazzling, and unforgettable.