An encounter refers to a meeting between two or more individuals in a situation of face-to-face interaction, representing a basic unit of social interaction studied in sociology. Encounters can range from brief and fleeting interactions with strangers to more extended and meaningful interactions with people we know well. Sociologist Erving Goffman's work on micro-sociology extensively analysed the structure and dynamics of social encounters, highlighting how individuals present themselves, manage impressions, and negotiate social order in these face-to-face settings. The study of encounters examines the subtle cues, nonverbal communication, and shared understandings that shape how individuals interact and create social reality in their daily lives. Even seemingly minor encounters contribute to the ongoing construction and maintenance of social relationships and social structures.