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In these depressing times, I think we all need a little happiness ❤️
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#1
Was outside, by my own when suddenly my blood pressure depleted to the point of almost passing out. Many people passing by, not paying any attention of my almost unconditional self. A homeless man approached, asked me if I was okay, and when I told him my problem he rushed to a store, to buy me a coke and then stood nearby (I guess he was trying to stay some distance to not make feel "uncomfortable" but still was near just in case). Some minutes later I was feeling so much better, all thanks to him. Offered some money and refused it, even refused to get back the money he spent on the coke.
Long story short, for the next couple weeks whenever I passed by that spot, I shared some tacos with him and some nice stories. Then he moved to a shelter and lost contact, but I'll be forever grateful for that uninterested act of kindness
Final score:
64points
RELATED:
#2
I remember one ocassion very fondly: Several years ago while travelling in the countryside I stopped at a very cozy roadside restaurant. I asked if they accepted cards and the owner told me they did. I was hungry, so I ordered a big meal and several refills of coffee.
When it was time to pay the owner told me they actually did not accept card and that the meal was free. I was stunned. The owner then told me: "if I have told you we do not accept cards you would have driven on. There isn't another restaurant in several miles, just a couple of stores. You would have gone hungry and I would have lost a customer." Needless to say, I stopped there with cash when I returned and I have done that ever since. The place is still there, and always packing.
Final score:
57points
#3
Just people being nice to me on bored panda ☺️
Final score:
50points
#4
Not really a stranger, but I will tell the story anyway.
Growing up, my family didn't have much, but we always had enough. A lot of times we would even give food to others who needed it more. When I was 12 I would always take whatever money I had and bought some food, I would give the food to homeless people on the street. I talked to some of them but it was mostly small talk. One day I ended up having to walk home alone and it was starting to get dark. Keep in mind I was 12 and definitely couldn't pass for over 14. This creep came up to me and was really touchy. He looked about 50. He kept telling me how pretty I was and that he wanted to have sex with me. I tried to walk away but he grabbed me. A few of the guys I gave food to saw and chased him off. A lady I gave food to even walked me home. These were people who barely knew me. Moral of the story, bad deeds catch up to you, but so do good ones.
Final score:
36points
Just My Opinion 2 years ago
That's a beautiful story and I'm so glad those people turned out to be good friends
#5
I was at the zoo with my 3yo daughter. She loves feeding the animals, but we were only allowed to feed them the zoo’s food.
So we were at the birds and there was this machine that would give out bird food for a €1 coin. I grabbed my wallet looking for a euro, but had none. My girl was disappointed.
This older lady overheard everything, took her wallet out and gave us a euro. We thanked her excitingly and I offered her my other coins but she declined saying: if that makes her happy, I’ll gladly give it to her.
Such a small gesture, but it somehow surprised me.
Final score:
33points
#6
I was in London and tripped and fell in the middle of a busy street. Blood was dripping down my leg when I finally managed to stand. I hobbled to the sidewalk. A woman came out of her shop with wet paper towels. A man went into the neighboring pharmacy, and came back out with a box of bandages. He helped me clean up and put some of the bandages on my cuts and scrapes, then handed me the box of remaining bandages. So very unexpected, but so nice and helpful!
Final score:
33points
Mackenzie Williams 2 years ago
I had a nasty fall on wet leaves landing badly on my right side including a head injury (nothing major) I had 2 strangers stop to help me. One (the lady) was supposed to be meeting a friend who came to meet her where we were. The other was willing to stay with me so I urged her to go to London as planned & thanked her for stopping (especially as others didn't stop). The remaining helper even walked with me to a house nearby to ask to use the toilet. There a third stranger was kind enough to let me use the toilet & even gave me a soda to take with me.
#7
When my kids were really little (like 3 and 4), I had just broke up with their dad and was trying to work and make things work out. It was almost Christmas, and I had just enough money to buy my girls a couple presents from goodwill (2nd hand store if you didn't know). Mostly it was going to be clothes, when you are poor you get clothes for birthdays/Christmas. Thank God I have girly girls who are happy to get clothes. Anyway, I was working in a gas station at the time and one of my customers (I guess not really a stranger, but definitely not someone I was real familiar with) gave me twenty bucks for Christmas. I tried to refuse it but he just walked away. Because he gave me that, I was able to get my kids a Christmas tree that year. It was just a cheap used one from goodwill, but we had a tree. I thought we weren't going to have one. I cries and cried. Because of him I was able to give my children a somewhat normal Christmas.
Final score:
33points
#8
Travelling from Sydney to Brisbane via bus. I was penniless and hungry. At a stopover, a kind lady bought me some food. Ty kind lady.
Final score:
29points
#9
I was at a children's museum with my infant and two year old. We were in the little affiliated cafe and my baby was crying and fussy. My toddler wanted things and needed help. And all in all it was just messy, like it is with young kids and your getting slightly flustered. We did fine and for through it but when I went to pay the bill they said it was already paid. A guy at the bar had paid and left a message I was doing great as a mother. I felt so seen and uplifted that someone did not see it as messy or annoying but saw the struggle and acknowledged.
Final score:
29points
Kathi Firns-Hubert 2 years ago
The thing that most often made me uptight as a mother was my worry that others would get annoyed at my kids. They were just being kids, but would sometimes be loud or unsettled. I could deal with them fine -- it was only the judgment of others that affected me.
#10
Coming back someone accidentally took my backpack from the plane's overhead locker and left theirs instead. My guardian angel was working overtime that day because I kept my passport and phone in the seat pocket in front of me but I was still stranded without any money/bank cards. I'm forever grateful for the bus driver letting me ride home from airport for free. I keep £20 note on me in case I see that man again as a thank you 🙏 (I take that bus route quite frequently)
Final score:
28points
#11
When I needed to share something bad that happened to me and the only people that would listen were two very kind people here on bored panda that asked me about it and listened. It helped me a lot.
Final score:
28points
#12
I’m telling this for my mom. Me and my sister, around 4 and 6 or something like that, had vomited all night the past night. We were getting on an airplane with my mom and little baby brother, who was cry like crazy and there was nothing she could do about it. Little vomited, and hit the bag for one, and my mom was too busy she didn’t even notice. A random older lady helped little me get to the bathroom, and clean up. That was one act of kindness I don’t think my mom will ever forget
Final score:
27points
#13
Grocery store, left my wallet in car. Customer paid for my items when I ran out to get wallet.
Final score:
26points
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
It's so embarrassing when you forget your wallet! I realised I had left mine at home when I was paying once and I just had to stand there while my stepdad drove to my house to get it and drop it off to me.
#14
Back before everyone had cell phones my parents dropped my sister and I off at concert there was a guy standing behind us and remarked he liked where he was standing because my sister and I are both very short and he could still see the band even though we were standing in front of the stage. There was no air in the building and it was July so I was about to pass and he magically had water that he gave to me (cap was not broken). After the show we went to use the payphone but there was a homeless guy in it so we walked back to concert hall and ran back into the guy. We talked and he told us about how you could go back to the tour buses and met the band, he took us back there and we got pictures with them. We told him we were hoping our dad would be there soon since we couldn't call him (homeless guy) he offered his cell phone to us and proceeded to wait with us for our dad. I truly feel like he was the coolest angel that was ever sent to keep an eye on my sister and I.
Final score:
24points
edda dickerson 2 years ago
Dropped my sister and me off. Keep an eye on my sister and me. Dropped I off? Keep an eye on I? I could ignore the first one, but seeing it as a recurring error in an otherwise well written post, I thought the poster might want to know. If the person does not appreciate it, please forgive an old woman who taught English for 38 years.
#15
This was in 2004. I was driving back home from spending the weekend with my best friend who lives just an hour away. I could not see the interstate exit because the sun was already setting. (I was driving west to go home) I kept driving up and down the main strip realizing I was low on gas and money and wouldn’t get my paycheck until the next day. I pulled over on the side of the road and started to cry. A man appeared out of nowhere and tapped on my window. Asked if he could help. I explained everything. He gave me $20 and told me that gas on him and to be careful going home. He vanished as quickly as he appeared.
He was truly my guardian angel that day. I don’t know what he looked like but I will never forget him.
Final score:
22points
#16
This is gonna be kinda long so get comfortable.
Ok, so he wasn't exactly a stranger, but I had just met him a day of two before at a camp I went to a few weeks ago. Well there was a campwide lip sink battle. There was judges and everything (The celebrity judge was the guy that voices Larry the Cucumber in Veggietales!) And we had to dress up and stuff. Well after it was done and we all went outside the building it was held in, he smiled at me and did a little bow, and I curtsied back. It was so freaking cute!
TLDR: READ IT. The story above made me feel all princess-ey ☺️👸🏽
Final score:
21points
Agent 8433599 (Submission author) 2 years ago
It might seem stupid, but it is the best thing to happen ever!
#17
My scummy boyfriend at the time threw me out of the car in the middle of nowhere because we had a fight and he thought it was a good idea to do so without letting me take my bag (wallet, ID, phone... Everything I owned was in there!) with me... He just stopped the car, got out, yanked me out, hit me and drove off... And old man saw me by the side of the road, crying in fear and utter despair, told me to get on his plow machine (fields of barely was all you could see) and took me to his house where his lovely wife served me ice tea and sandwiches. They called the police for me, the old man told the officer what he saw(he hit me, trying to pull me out of the car as hard as he could and punched me in the gut in order to incapacitate me so that I would have no strength to climb back in the passenger seat), gave that stupid idiot's plate number and he was arrested for theft (he did have my bag in his car) and abandoning a minor (he was a legal adult at the time and I was 16) and all kinds of trouble that I still do not know to this day. They also called my parents who were furious and he also got a beating from his dad who absolutely adored me... Needless to say I dumped that worthless piece of trash! I am still grateful to that kind old man, who got me out of a sticky situation. We kept in touch untill sadly, a few years back, his lovely wife left this world and he went to live with his daughter's family up north. There's only a handful of people on this earth who are as selfless, kind and warm as this man. Mr Costa, I hope all the best for you and your family!
Final score:
21points
CAT 2 years ago
I'm sooo very sorry your ex did that to you. I myself was in an abusive relationship with a guy for 10 years so I know that was hard for you. I'm just glad you are smart enough to have dumped him though and that you're doing much better nowadays (or at least I hope you are) I'm also sorry to hear that sweet man's wife has passed on and you lost contact with him but I'm sure he thinks about you just as much as you think about him! Let's hope so anyway 🙏 🙂
#18
I was at the airport once in a different country. Basically, we couldn’t connect to the airport wifi and our SIM card didn’t work in a different country. So we had to ask some people to call our friends and family to tell them we had arrived, and were getting a taxi to go to their house. The first person we asked realized where the city was based on my grandmas telephone location code thing, and he was going there, by random chance. So he offered to drive us. A one hour drive. With four suitcases and three backpacks. It was insane. He had two cars, so all the items ended up fitting. I genuinely thought such nice people didn’t exist, and that we were going to die that day. Such an amazing thing to do.
Final score:
20points
#19
Unbeknown to me I missed the last night train in Auckland, NZ and was sitting alone in a carriage. As the train driver came to lock up he told me there were no more trains but asked where I was headed. I told him and he said the train was going through that station to the depot and he was happy to drop me on the way. Off we went and he stopped at my station, tooted his horn and chugged on...I stood and waved to the driver on the station platform like one of those olden day ladies waving a loved one goodbye with their hanky! Such a kind deed from this stranger to get me home safely and without a steep taxi fare.
Final score:
19points
#20
My wife and I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando and unfortunately, she's disabled and requires a wheelchair. While we were in the queue for one of the scare houses, we came across a long bundle of thick cables that had a little metal "bridge" over them. We were struggling to get over the bridge when suddenly a couple of burly gentlemen came behind us and picked up my wife, chair and all. We thanked them and they returned to their spots in the line with no words said.
Random acts of kindness are the best!
Final score:
18points
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
We had an experience a bit like this once. My brother was in a wheelchair and it must have been the first time we went to Federation Square in Melbourne because we hadn't realised the supposedly accessible place was covered in steps and very uneven bricks. A couple of guys came over and asked where we needed to get to and carried his chair (not a light one, since he didn't steer it himself) all the way to the top of the square. I don't know what we did coming back down, but must have worked something else out.
#21
I went to Spain with broken Spanish and little Catalan, I was on Montserrat when I got nervous climbing the mountain, from the steep seeming trails and height, it was also a bit windy. This guy who lived the village over on the next mountain made very friendly chat with me as we navigated some broken conversation and helped me hike up, and showed me some steps when it got steep. He was hiking like a pro, and went out of his way to take a little longer so I felt comfortable enough to follow him. Made it to the top with his help, and I'll never forget his kindness, it really made my trip!
Final score:
17points
#22
I manhandled an armoire out of ikea and a random guy and his son saw me struggling to jam the beast into my toyota. There was room, it was just barking heavy. Three months after I, a single woman with a big a*s driveway, was trying to dig out of the snow that took out the Minneapolis Metrodome in 2010. I hadn't really bonded with the neighbors yet. Nod hello. Guy across the street had a scoop on his 4 wheeler and did the whole driveway. I gave him Christmas cookies.
Final score:
17points
#23
I work at a dollar store, and people are usually pretty nice. But there's this one guy who comes in about twice a week and never speaks to anyone, he's always been kind of standoffish. I'd almost be convinced he was mute if not for the fact he whispers a thanks when I give him his change.
Well about two weeks ago, I had a very unhappy customer go off on me for not being able to give her a monetary return despite it saying we only do exchanges on the bottom of her receipt. She blew up at me. Called me a stupid incompetent b*tch and demanded I get someone who could give her what she wanted. It all ended very quickly when that guy walked into the store and overheard her. He walked up to us and looked this woman dead in the eyes and spoke in the calmest voice I have ever heard someone use while looking so incredibly angry.
He basically told this lady she should be ashamed of her's not only for causing a scene and holding up the line, but for "taking your completely unjustified anger out on this girl who has done nothing to you except her job. Shes one of the kindest and most competent people working in this store. You have no right to talk to anyone like that, let alone her."
He asked if I was okay and wen I said yes he walked away. He bought his stuff and didn't say another word outside of his usual whispered thanks. It was so odd to hear him speak properly for the first time only for him to go back to one word whispers. Although the other day, he actually asked me how I was. Which is a first. Maybe I'm finally breaking past his walls?
Final score:
17points
Hagen Radcliffe 2 years ago
Keep up the good work! Just being friendly to that man has already helped him. He feels comfortable enough with you to speak out in your defense! Your great attitude probably changed his life for the better. 👍
#24
My 12&1/2 year old shih tzu (my first dog&love, that helped me when i was struggling with depression) had been growing steadily worse - he suffered seizures, and his heart murmur had developed into full blown chf. He had a seizure during a regular checkup and the attending vet (our regular one was off) told me to come pick my pumpkin up immediately - and take him to an emergency vet.
i panicked the whole way over, picked him up from the vet, and rushed to the er. It was when covid was just starting and the lobby was closed, I had to call in. I was frantic to begin with and pretty incoherent at that point. I was told they wouldn’t even see him without getting payment up front, and I had to run to the bank to withdraw the $$. So I was even more out of sorts when I returned, and the girl I was talking to kept telling me to calm down - which just distressed me more.
After an hour, the ‘emergency’ vet finally took snix in. I waited another half hour out in the parking lot only for them to tell me snickie had chf and it would be about $3000 for them to run tests and figure out a treatment plan to keep him alive. It was Friday and would have taken me until Tuesday to get the $$. So they told me to just go home and be prepared for him to pass away that weekend.
A guy a car over - waiting for his own pet - had overheard the whole thing. He came over while i was clutching my snickie and sobbing, and very quietly offered to pay for the tests on the spot. He said he had lost a dog, too, and he could tell how much my snickie was loved. It absolutely floored me - we were complete strangers, but he looked so heartbroken. I couldn’t accept the $$, of course, but babbled like an idiot thanking him. He said he understood, petted my baby, told him he was a good boy, then gave me a hug. I mean, there were tears in his eyes. That hug - when social distancing was pretty much law - meant the world to me.
His overwhelming kindness and sympathy calmed me down and allowed me to get home, where I cuddled snickie all weekend, waiting for his last breath. I sure wish I could see that guy again. And I sure hope the fur baby he was waiting on is still with him, is alive and healthy and happy, chasing balls, catching frisbees, and getting belly rubs.
Final score:
17points
#25
When I scraped my knee, a stranger helped me. I was six/7
Final score:
16points
#26
Ok so once I was carrying all my groceries home (I didn’t live too far away from the shop so I walked). Anyway I dropped at shopping and all the stuff spilt everywhere. No one helped me except this old lady (BACKGROUND INFO: sometimes I help this old lady with her shopping, so not a total stranger). She had no groceries on her so she helped me carry my groceries.
And yes, I still help her with her groceries.
Final score:
16points
#27
I was crying on the bus, as I had a terrible day. The bus driver (I didn’t know her name) saw this and she sat next to me. She gave me a hug and some smarties. Everyone got two that day, but I got 4. I was very grateful for what she did. Nobody liked me back then, and it was reassuring to know that someone cared. I was in 3rd grade. God bless her.
Final score:
16points
Sarah Grace Bennett 2 years ago
School bus drivers are a different kind of person; they're just so caring!
#28
I don’t remember this but apparently when I was four on our trip to London and Paris. I fell asleep on a stranger’s shoulder and my parents were going to move me but he told them it was fine so I slept on a stranger’s shoulder.
Final score:
15points
Ponyo (they/them) 2 years ago
i live in a big city and this happens to me all the time on public transport. it's really cute when its a kid lol
#29
Some man on the street told me my shoelaces were untied. I did them and a couple of days later somebody standing on the same escalator as me got the shoelace stuck and broke their foot/ankle. I've been doing double knots since then. Thank you stranger on the street.
Final score:
15points
#30
Went on my own to see Much Ado About Nothing in an outdoor theatre in the evening. Young 20-odd year old me only bought a light jacket, and it got pretty cold for the time of year. The lady next to me had a blanket over her legs and she shared it with me through the second half. Such a simple, kind gesture I've never forgotten.
Final score:
15points
#31
In 2004 when I was 21 years old, I moved to Gainesville, GA and ended up moving in with a 35 year old mother named Kim and her pregnant 15 year old daughter. Right after moving in the mother lost her job so I worked two jobs to support them both because I felt it only right given that a pregnant teen needed food and vitamins and baby necessities and her mother had opened up her home to me after my (immediately afterwards ex) boyfriend had put his hands on me when I had only known this woman for a couple of weeks and was new to town.
I bought a changing table and dresser and TV and DVD player and bottles and bibs and maternity clothes and all the things her daughter would need to welcome a baby to the world along with spending $150 on a "coming home outfit" for the baby because I knew it was something that she would keep forever and she deserved to have something to feel proud of and not ashamed of as a teenage mother and her mother couldn't afford to get her anything while struggling to just make sure her car payment and insurance got paid so she could take her high risk pregnancy daughter to doctors' visits.
So one day a couple of months later while at work at my nighttime bartending job, I was introduced to a guy about my age who was the nephew of one of my regular customers. He quickly learned I was 21 and working 2 jobs to support a pregnant teenager and from that day forward, even though I refused his offer to help every week, he would drop $100-$150 in my tip jar every Saturday night so that according to him I "didn't have to work 7 days a week and so there were always groceries in the house".
So I guess in a way the kindness of strangers all around led to friendships that are cherished memories since Kim introduced me to my husband who I am still married to after 18 years.
Sadly Kim passed away in a four wheeler accident but her daughter is doing well with her family.
Final score:
15points
#32
We were about 17-18 years old on a school trip in Scotland, staying in a youth hostel in the early 2000's, none of us had a smartphone. We asked a random older couple for directions to a McDonalds. They drove us there, paid for our meal (there were 3 or 4 of us), and drove us back. Still thankful as it was a very nice thing to do for some random kids
Final score:
15points
#33
After moving to a new home our much loved cat, Jinx, escaped and we were unable to find him. We walked the streets calling to him, put flyers with his photo in letterboxes, did whatever to find him. After two weeks a lady phoned to say she thought she'd seen him. I went to her place (about a couple of kilometres away) and she and her children showed me where they thought they'd seen him, in the bush behind their house. I called for a while but no luck. Four weeks later she called again and I went back. This time when I called he hoarsely meowed back and came running to me. Although skinny after six weeks in the bush he was fine. The lady told me her kids had insisted on keeping the flyer with his photo on their fridge because they were so sure it was our cat and wanted us to have him home. You can bet I went back and gave them a whole lot of chocolate to say thanks.
Final score:
15points
#34
Decades ago. First trip to France, first morning after Paris landing. Went outside our hotel to get our airport-leased car, and there it sat at the curb, flat tire and all. While my husband and I pondered, up to us came two young Frenchmen who offered to change our tire. And voila', they did!
Final score:
14points
#35
I vomited on a fairly short plane ride when I was maybe 12? And the woman in our aisle seat (I was with a cousin) offered to help clean, carried my bag, and led us to the restroom when we landed. Super thankful.
Final score:
13points
#36
I was travelling to place I was never before and I got lost. I started panicking, becouse I picked a wrong train and was far away from my destination and in a place I didn't know. A lot of stangers helped me step by step arrive to my destination. They where asking if I was ok, if they should call somebody, if I needed a hug or if they can buy me ticket. All of them where so sweet and supportive, and the fact that there always be somebody who would stop and help me is the best thing that cheer me up to these days
Final score:
13points
#37
I noticed that in a lot of these stories the nice person is "older" or
"70-80". Those people are boomers and the next time you say something negative about them, I hope you remember this article and understand that they did not ruin your life and many are actually very nice.
Final score:
13points
#38
My first job was working at the local YMCA. At the time I didn't have a car, but my dad (an attorney) worked nearby, and I'd walk to his office or he'd would come pick me up if the weather was bad.
One day I got off work at 6, but the weather was bad, very cold, so I waited in the lobby of the Y. My stomach was already growling, but I thought we were going home for dinner soon. Additionally, I was cramping badly, and craving chocolate. I waited half an hour; noticing the boxed meals from the cold bar by the checkout were gone, and that most of the vending machines were empty. An hour passed. My dad still hadn't come.
A second hour passed and I realized I was staring at the small swim club that gathered in the lobby around that time; they were celebrating the coach's birthday and had chocolate cake-- exactly what I was craving.
Perhaps another half hour passed and still no sign from my dad; sometimes he has to stay late at work, and doesn't have time to communicate. I was wondering if he had got all of my texts and calls, and near the point of tears, when a lady from the swim club approached with a large slice of cake on a plate. "Excuse me, we had extra cake. You looked hungry." I had to restrain myself from actually crying, since I had had a bad day, as I thanked her sincerely, and told her to tell the coach happy birthday for me.
I don't know if I've ever had chocolate cake that tasted so good. Thankfully my dad arrived soon, and we went home. I'll never forget that one lady who gave me leftover chocolate cake.
Final score:
12points
#39
During a difficult time in my teenage years, many years ago, I was waiting at a bus stop, unsure of the next bus to take me home. The weather was horrible and wet. I then realised that I didn’t have enough cash to take me home. This kindly bus driver stopped and asked me where I would like to go. And after telling him and finding out that I didn’t have enough money, he told me that he’s not having me standing in the cold rain. And he drove me home without a single request for payment. Thank you sir wherever you are. God bless you.
Final score:
12points
#40
I am wheelchair-bound. Was checking out of a Target store and about to pay. Suddenly, a man came up to me and offered to pay for my items. I told him it wasn't necessary but thanked him. I was thinking he felt sorry for my being disabled and was taken a bit aback. Instead he told me that I looked exactly like his mother whom he adored and who had died the year before and that it would make him very happy to pay in honor of his mom. I acquiesced and he paid. I hugged and thanked him profusely and then told him that it was my birthday. Don't think I ever had a nicer birthday present.
Final score:
12points
#41
Once I was working drive thru window at Dominos. The woman had like one or two pizzas, I think is was like $13-ish, she handed me two $20 bills and said keep the change. I was like I think you handed me two by mistake, that's a lot to tip. I gave her her pizzas, and she asked for the $20 back and instead gave me a $50. I started to well up and said I'm gonna buy food and fill up my car. Gently, she said "and you worked and got that car yourself didn't you?" I nodded and she left after a moment. I had to go in the back and cry a bit.
Final score:
12points
#42
We were at the Starbucks drive-thru the other day, they were supposed to be opened for a few more hours but an employee closed the drive after us. We still got to order but it did take a much longer time then usual. We didn't really think anything of it until we picked up our order. The barista told us their system was down nationwide and she felt bad to turn us around. So she gave us our order for free plus some more goodies that they had to get rid of.
Final score:
11points
#43
I was talking to a taxi driver in Ireland about the unbelievable drunken behavior I’d seen over the weekend and expressed concern for the well-being of the drinkers. Turned out we were both sober alcoholics. He gave me the ride for free.
Final score:
11points
#44
I was sat a store and was trying to buy some candy, I didn't have enough so I just apologized to the cashier and walked off. The guy behind me actually bought it and gave it to me saying "merry chrsitmas¨ I hope he is well
Final score:
11points
#45
Was in an entertainment shop once (music, DVD, blu-ray etc on case anyone wonders what sort of entertainment 😉) and I saw a very pricey DVD/book set about the Battle of Britain that I was interested in. Wife asks me why I put it back on the shelve, and I said because I reached my swipe limit on my bank card for the day.
We continued browsing, and after about 5 minutes, this older lady approaches me with a purchased copy of the DVD/book set, and gives it to me. She says she overheard my wife and me talking, and just wanted to do something nice for a stranger, and then walked off.
Chased after her, thank her, and started talking to her. She explained that she lives in a retirement resort close to the mall, and her children are all grown, and moved out the country, so she cannot buy them gifts. I offered to buy her coffee, but she declined, saying me talking to her is thanks enough. I never saw her again, but I still remember Ester fondly.
Final score:
11points
#46
The most impactful one I can think of was when my Mom was dying in the hospital. My work only gave me 1 week off but I didn't take it, figuring I'd need it more if she made it through (she had a brain aneurysm) or died, so I kept working.
My schedule was (and still is) all over the map between 8 - 4pm shifts and 4pm - 12am shifts. On the days I worked night shift, I'd drive to and from the hospital before work but on the days I worked day shift, I didn't trust myself to drive home from the hospital so late after a full work shift so I took taxi's those days.
There was an older gentleman, maybe late 50's, that I kept running into at night when I'd step outside to smoke and wait for my taxi to arrive. He said he was a patient in the psych ward and he'd usually wear jeans under his hospital gown but no coat (he had hospital bracelets on too), and this was in late February in northern Ohio, USA.
We'd talk a lot and I'd share my smokes. Whenever I asked him why he was waiting with me (after his smoke was done) and not going back inside where it was warm, he just scoffed and said he wasn't leaving me all by myself to wait in the dark because "anything could happen".
I was often so exhausted I was spacey, so a clown car with 20 people and a 50 member marching band could've come for me and I don't know if I would've noticed, so I appreciated it a lot.
I don't know if it was because of that exhaustion that I never felt cautious with him, or if it was just something about him in particular, but I felt OK with him.
At the end of a long day at work and long night with my Mom, he really was a life saver.
Final score:
10points
#47
22 year old aussie that drank for approx 12 hours straight on my first night in reeperbahn, hamburg. Got back to the lower-end family run motel around 6am.... they didnt speak any english... and my german is extremely limited (especially when slightly inebriated)..... they bought me water and a small amount of appropriate food... all while good-heartedly (i think) mocking me in German.
Dont think it was the first drunken idiot they had to deal with (and im sure i also wasnt the last)
Final score:
9points
#48
Two years ago I had went to the store with my family and while I was entering the store a man around the age of 70 or 80 and he told me that I needed to look where I was going then at the checkout I saw the same man (by accident) leave a fifty dollar bill on the counter. I ran over to grab the money to return it just so he could give it back to me for my generosity.
Don't judge a book by it's cover
Final score:
9points
#49
I had moved to a new town. New job started but waiting on payday to come. I figured I had enough money for $15.00 of gas, my car would usually take $25.00 on full at that time. I went in and my turn to pay came. The cashier gave me my total and an older than me gentleman told the cashier to add my total to his bill. I have never seen him since.
He made a poor single girl happy and have faith in humanity every time I think of it. 🙂
Final score:
9points
#50
So once I left my wallet all the way in a different state. I was so panicked, but a kind soul actually called my phone number that I put in my wallet. He actually waited at the same spot until I rushed over abt 3 hours later. I didn't even know his name. He didn't even take a single cent out of my wallet! Was very touched :)
Final score:
8points
Peacemaker21 (Submission author) 2 years ago
I did actually offer him something but he declined
#51
A few months ago I attended a concert held at a small venue. The concert had ended near midnight and the area wasn’t the best. Mostly everyone had left and I was still waiting for my Uber . Since there was only a guy and I waiting there I looked for an outside camera and stood within its view. A photographer who had been taking photos during the concert came outside and stood a few feet away from me and was waiting for his ride. He asked if my ride was on its way and I said it was. He asked how far away it was because if it was too far away he could give me his ride instead. I refused and he asked again. Then he said he would be willing to wait until I got picked up if I was too scared to wait by myself. The fact that he was willing to wait until I left caught me off guard. No one had ever asked me that and he didn’t even ask for my name or any other questions about myself.
Final score:
8points
#52
I work at a Giant Eagle bagging groceries. Years ago, on a hot summer day, I was asked to go out into the parking lot and grab carts because one of the cart people was going on a break. When I finally went back inside, my throat was parched because of how hot it was. When the cashier asked me if I was alright, I explained the situation. The customer that was being waited on immediately went to a cooler and purchased a bottle of water for me to drink.
Final score:
8points
#53
A few years ago, I was with my mom and younger siblings at the movie theater for a special treat. We were struggling with money at the time, and when my brother asked if we could get popcorn my mom told him we couldn't afford it. The woman in line behind us heard her, and offered to help. My mom declined at first, but the woman insisted. We ended up being able to get the popcorn and she payed for half the price of our movie tickets.
Final score:
8points
#54
Coming home from work in a snowstorm. Day before payday, so I let the gas get low in the car. Ran out of gas 1/2 mile before my exit. Got out to walk with my walking stick in the snow. Some random driver stopped, backed up, gave me a lift and 20 bucks to get gas.
He dropped me at a restaurant and my wife brought the gas can and my gas money from the house. And of course, I didn't get his name or anything. He said not to worry about it.
Final score:
8points
#55
I had just moved to Scotland and was checking out the area. I decided to visit a lighthouse about 20 miles from my house. I lived on a single-track road, but was surprised that the road to the lighthouse was little more than a glorified sheep track with sheer drop-offs into the North Sea on one side and a mountain on the other side. One my way back, a sheep jumped in front of me, I swerved, to the mountainside, hit a large rock, then bounced to the right, landing less than a foot from the cliff side. I got out, and the rock I hit bent my driver side rear wheel. It looked like a slice of pie had been cut out of it.
Just as I was trying to get the donut spare, a car came around the curve and stopped when he saw me. Turns out he was an FBI agent from Texas. He changed the tire for me, and went on his way with a huge thanks from me.
I didn't see another car on my way home. When I got back, I finally realized how close I had come to dying and fell apart. Then I had to call to get a new wheel and tire. It had to be sent by bus from Inverness, 90 miles away.
I will never forget that day, or the gentleman who helped me.
Final score:
8points
#56
When I was 14, I was being admitted to hospital for severe stomach pains, they were going to do surgery, thought it was my appendix that might be rupturing. I was in agony, couldn't even lay flat the pain so intense. They'd drugged me heavily but the pain cut through what they'd given me. In the elevator taking me up, the aides stood either side of the gurney, and a nurse behind me. I remember crying hard, until she reached her hand down and just gently rubbed her hand across my head gently a few times to comfort me. Just that small act felt so kind, was such a relief. I never found out who she was, nobody on staff knew who she was, a nurse from another department. But I won't forget her small gesture of comfort at a time when I was so much in pain.
Final score:
8points
#57
When I was little, like 10 yro little I became interested in track because a girl told me to join. (Shallow, I know) I will never forget this, but my first ever competitive race was against a 7th grade track team. The coach apparently couldn't set us up with a race within 5th grade because there's no such thing as a 5th grade track team. School just wanted kids to start early, ig. Basically I was running a 400m which is a full lap. I had a very, very small understanding of how to pace myself. And once I saw the pace the other kids were running at, that made me run my fastest. I basically panicked. Around 100m left, I ran out of stamina and stopped running completely. Two older boys (very intimidating, looked and sounded like chads) were laughing at me and very loudly saying things like "is he even in the race?" It absolutely destroyed any shred of perseverance I had left, and I was fully ready to just run off the track. But then I heard the voice of a woman cheering me on, "You can do it baby, just keep running" I will NEVER forget her words, or her voice. It was such a little thing but it truly meant the world to me. She probably completely forgot about me the very next day but I'm never going to forget her. I only ever caught a glimpse of her face. I really wish I'd thanked her back then. Years later, she's the reason I still do track. I would've stopped before I even began otherwise.
Final score:
8points
#58
A couple of years ago, I was at work (I work at a garden store selling plants) and was talking to a co-worker. It was my last day of work before I would be getting major surgery due to cancer. I was just talking about what time I had to be at the hospital and how I was really nervous about it. A customer apparently overheard us talking . I later went to lunch and when I got back and started working again, I got called up to the register. The cashier told me that someone left something with her to give to me. She handed me a bouquet of roses, a tee shirt and a note. The note said " I heard you talking to your co-worker about your upcoming surgery. I didn't want to intrude, but just wanted to say that you're strong and you'll get through this." It was signed Fellow Cancer Survivor. I never found out who did it. I wish I could thank them.
Final score:
7points
#59
Traveling with my young son and his mum in a car on a lonely UK road. Son (4) was car sick everywhere so we stopped to comfort him and try and clean him up with a tiny pack of disposable tissue. Older guy appears from the only house in site. I guess not many people stopped there and he was curious. Got a whole roll of tissue and warm water to clean son and car and joked with my quite distressed son (he hated being dirty) that he was "the cleaning man". Made our day.
Final score:
6points
#60
When I was in college, I badly needed new glasses but didn't have the money for them. As a result, I was having difficulty keeping up with the reading in the English Literature class because I'd get a bad headache when I read. When the professor asked me after class what was going on with me (she could tell I wanted to be there because of my behavior in class) . After I told her, she said she had $100 available to lend me! She'd just been repaid after helping someone else & was ready to reloan it. "Pay it forward" was not a thing in 1978, but that's what she asked me to do if I were ever able.
Final score:
6points
#61
I was skating for the first time in years and kept on falling, then this little boy comes up to me having as much trouble as I was and goes "you can do this! I know you can!". And it was so inspiring, the next week I came back and thinking about what the boy said, I did it (almost at the very least, because that was multiple months ago so I can't fully remember).
Final score:
6points
Cartoon Fan Girl (Submission author) 2 years ago
*NOTE* I did try to thank the boy, but I don't think he heard me.
#62
Long story short. My husband had been out of work for quite a while when he finally landed a good job. I went to the grocery store to pick up some ingredients for a little celebratory dinner. I went to check out and my card was declined. I stood there horrified with tears in my eyes apologizing to the cashier and volunteering to put groceries back, and she said "Don't worry about it" I wasn't sure what she meant as she repeated herself and then handed me my groceries and said "Take care" I went to my car, with said groceries, and sobbed. I'll never forget how very much it meant to me.
Final score:
6points
#63
i learned her name was bea buffum. she was in her 70s and a neighbor when i was a brand new mom and my own mother lived 600mi away. one day she peeked over the fence and asked why my baby was crying. told her i was having problems getting him to nurse. she waved me over and told me that she used to be a wet nurse for the hospital years ago and she could help me out. well, she did with that and then went on to be a wonderful surrogate mom for me. the only down side was that her own daughter didn't spend much time with her but when she found out that bea and i were friends she had a fit and told me to stay away. bea and i worked out a system to let me know when the daughter would be coming over. i know she is long gone but i will never forget that woman. such a sweet heart and soul.
Final score:
6points
#64
Was at the supermarket picking up just two things I needed to prepare supper. The self-checkout area was being remodeled so was closed. Which lead to longer lines at the regular lanes. 2 other men in line and I were having conversations as we waited. The one in front of me was paying for his items as I put mine on the belt and realized I had left my wallet in my car. I was going to have to get out of line, get my wallet and get back at the end of the line. The guy in front proceeded to buy my items for me. I thanked him and told him when we went out I'd get my wallet and repay him. Turned out we were park next to each other. As I took out my wallet and was thanking him again, he refused the cash, said to "pay it forward", got in his car and drove off.
Kinda made my week.
Final score:
4points
#65
It was a week or so before 9/11. I was a 20-something law school grad temping/looking for FT work in my new city of Boston. One cold, dark night, I found myself wandering - lost - in the North End, searching for the building where I had an appointment. An older gentleman - probably 50-something as I reflect - noticed me looking... well, lost... and walked slowly up to me and - noting that he wasn't trying to scare me and was a dad himself - asked if I needed assistance. Not only did he walk me to my appointment, as we went, he chatted me up and learned about my ongoing job search. He could have said "good luck with that" and left it there. Instead, he said, "Do you like to write?" I acknowledged it as one of my strengths. "Ok. I want you to remember two things...." and proceeded to say his first name and the name of a prominent publication. "I work there. You find me and get in touch, and I'll see what I can do." I did find him, learning he was an editor at said major publication (and several others). He stayed in touch and even offered a few interviews. While a match came elsewhere, I never forgot him. After 9/11, when so many of us were reaching out to friends and family near and far just... because... I shot him an email wishing him well. He responded within a day, sharing that his wife had been on one of the flights that departed Logan that fateful day for the west coast - thankfully, spared. After that, we lost touch and I've never been able to find him again, his name lost to me. But I'll never, ever forget his kindness and have done all I can to pay it forward.
Final score:
4points
#66
There have been so many but here’s one. I broke my ankle in 2003 and was continually amazed how many people helped me without being asked. My neighbors (apartment bldg) helped with the doors, taking out my trash, and people at work helped me get lunch, opened doors, etc. Complete strangers came up to me to tell me about their broken bones too. People were so amazing and helpful. Since then, I help the disabled when I can. Life is much harder for those in wheel chairs, even small things the rest of us take for granted.
Final score:
3points
#67
I was getting gas and some one very nicely and politely told me I was beautiful. The day I was having, I almost broke down in tears.
Final score:
2points
#68
I was in a parking lot of a target in a rougher part of town, I went to park in a spot, but it had two shopping carts in it. As I was about to get out of my car, this dude out of nowhere came and pushed the carts out of the way, gave me a thumbs up and a wave and kept going.
Final score:
2points
#69
i went to a store and bought a bunch of stuff and i gotta have it 4 free.
Final score:
1point
Ava Alternative 2 years ago
I kinda dont like it when people only tell half of the story. Like, how? What happened? Is someone being nice and paid for you? Did the cashier paid for you? Did you rob the store? We'll never know
#70
A few months ago I attended a concert held at a small venue. The concert had ended near midnight and the area wasn’t the best. Mostly everyone had left and I was still waiting for my Uber . Since there was only a guy and I waiting there I looked for an outside camera and stood within its view. A photographer who had been taking photos during the concert came outside and stood a few feet away from me and was waiting for his ride. He asked if my ride was on its way and I said it was. He asked how far away it was because if it was too far away he could give me his ride instead. I refused and he asked again. Then he said he would be willing to wait until I got picked up if I was too scared to wait by myself. The fact that he was willing to wait until I left caught me off guard. No one had ever asked me that and he didn’t even ask for my name or any other questions about myself.
Final score:
1point
#71
One night I was driving around and I had my 5 year son (at the time) with me and I was looking
Final score:
1point
#72
told I look cool, completely confident by stranger. 55, overweight but rock Jackie O sunglasses
Final score:
1point
#73
I was driving home from work one day and my car’s engine caught on fire. A gentleman pulled over and used his fire extinguisher in an attempt to put out the fire and someone had also called firefighters and there were many people milling around my car. An older lady pulled up to see if I needed any help and I told her I was fine but she refused to leave. She said she wanted to be there to support me since there were no other women around. I really was OK but her insistence to give me support really touched my heart.
Final score:
1point
#74
Not me, but my brother. When he was about six, he rode his scooter down a steep hill in the dark. He hit a trash can, flipped over it, and started bleeding badly. This stranger who was almost done setting up his basketball net dropped and it collapsed. He helped him up and back to the house.
Final score:
1point
#75
When my son was about 4 he was in the back seat humming along to a song on the radio while we drove to Walmart. I asked him if he knew the song and he said no, he'd just learned it. In that moment I was thinking how I really wanted him to have piano lessons because he seemed musically inclined, but I'd need to buy a keyboard or piano for him first so he could practice at home. I knew that wouldn't be any time soon. It was a passing thought and I thought no more about it. I'd never mentioned to anyone my plan. We continued on to Walmart to do grocery shopping. While at Walmart I saw a lady from my church and she said, "Aren't you looking for a piano for your son?" You could have knocked me over with a feather. After some discussion, it turns out she thought I was someone else. Her friend (who I did not know) was moving and needed to get rid of her piano. She was not selling it, she was giving it away!! The person she thought I was couldn't take it so I ended up getting a piano for my son for free! My son, now 10, has gone on to play the piano, which led to violin and drums. This stranger's kindness and generosity allowed my son to explore his musical talents. I occasionally send her videos of his performances so she can see what her kind gift did for my son.
Final score:
1point
#76
My family bought a home that was far from my job. My mom left for work early, before I did, and so did my dad. I didn’t drive at the time, but hand to leave to catch the bus at 6:30am and it was still dark outside. One morning, was a guy with his garage door up, lights on, and a couple more guys with him. I was a bit afraid that first morning, but I said good morning and they replied back with a good morning, young lady. The homeowner asked if this was my usual time, I said yes, and every morning after that, at least one guy would be out there and greet me. It turns out, after they realized I did this M-F, they came out to make sure I was safe. I was so grateful for their concern and protection. It still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. I will always pay kindness forward. 🥲
Final score:
1point
#77
Years ago now, when I was heading to Texas A&M for freshman registration and orientation, I had to fly hundreds of miles by myself, since we couldn't afford for my parents to travel as well. I had never visited before, and I was nervous and excited. Getting there required two flights, the last one on a tiny puddle-jumper, the sort that can only fly if the weather's perfect. Between the two flight, a huge summer thunderstorm built up, and that second flight was delayed, and delayed again. I was stranded in Houston for hours, not knowing how I would get to my dorm when we arrived late at night, since back then the taxis in College Station quit running at 10:00 p.m. One of my fellow stranded passengers proved to be an Old Ag (students and alumni are called Aggies), easily recognizable by his Aggie ring, and we struck up a conversation. He told me not to worry---the people picking him up at our destination would give me a lift. Not only did they do so, but they all went with me to check in, to make sure I got where I was going safely. That was my introduction to how Aggies take care of each other, and how I knew that this kid from a little high school was going to be just fine in her new, big home. A&M has more than doubled in size since then, and you know what? It's still just as friendly!
Final score:
0points
#78
A few months ago I attended a concert held at a small venue. The concert had ended near midnight and the area wasn’t the best. Mostly everyone had left and I was still waiting for my Uber . Since there was only a guy and I waiting there I looked for an outside camera and stood within its view. A photographer who had been taking photos during the concert came outside and stood a few feet away from me and was waiting for his ride. He asked if my ride was on its way and I said it was. He asked how far away it was because if it was too far away he could give me his ride instead. I refused and he asked again. Then he said he would be willing to wait until I got picked up if I was too scared to wait by myself. The fact that he was willing to wait until I left caught me off guard. No one had ever asked me that and he didn’t even ask for my name or any other questions about myself.
Final score:
-1point
#79
A few months ago I attended a concert held at a small venue. The concert had ended near midnight and the area wasn’t the best. Mostly everyone had left and I was still waiting for my Uber . Since there was only a guy and I waiting there I looked for an outside camera and stood within its view. A photographer who had been taking photos during the concert came outside and stood a few feet away from me and was waiting for his ride. He asked if my ride was on its way and I said it was. He asked how far away it was because if it was too far away he could give me his ride instead. I refused and he asked again. Then he said he would be willing to wait until I got picked up if I was too scared to wait by myself. The fact that he was willing to wait until I left caught me off guard. No one had ever asked me that and he didn’t even ask for my name or any other questions about myself.
Final score:
-1point
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