Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
The world needs a lot of kindness in these dark days. One thing that helps keep our spirits up is realizing that even among all the darkness, hate, and violence, there is still a lot of Good (yes, capital ‘G’) in the world. Some people go out of their way to be kind to those they don’t know. And this article is a celebration of that.
Redditor u/v_rose23 started up a wholesome and heartwarming thread on r/AskReddit. She asked people to share their stories of the nicest interactions that they had with complete strangers. They came through. And their tales might just restore some of your faith in humanity, dear Pandas.
Scroll down for some soul-healing posts. Remember to upvote the ones that you enjoyed reading the most. And if you’re feeling up for it, why not pop on by the comment section to share your own experiences with kind strangers?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I was searching for a parking space in the city where parking spaces are rare.
Just as I found one and set my blinker another guy coming from the other direction set his too.
We looked at each other undecided for a moment, than I signaled a rock paper scissor game through my front window. He immediately understood and we played one round. He won the game so I still had no parking space, but the interaction made my day!
Maggie Mykle 2 years ago
Brilliant and rather than both parties left with a sour memory you each have a most delightful memory to cheer the hearts of others...like now!
Huzzir Zakaria 2 years ago
If only the current Ukraine - Russia war conflict can also be solves this way 😎
Bruce Pummeroy 2 years ago
I was driving behind this older, not old, lady with my 1 year old daughter in the back in her car seat with the window open, this woman kept changing lanes, no indicator slowing down speeding up and we got to the lights and she pulled up beside my daughters window, rolled down hers and said hello, my daughter must have heard me under my breath and she looked at this woman and said " stupid fn old b***h, I could have died, the lights changed and away I went.
Cyd Charisse 2 years ago
One palm up, the other fist air-pounding above it, followed by three fingers held up (for "on three...")
Load More Replies...
Holly Parker 2 years ago
I teach high school and this is our go to way to solve conflicts. But we always play the best 2 out of 3. :)
Robert T 2 years ago (edited)
Yes of course, because rock, paper, lesbian love-making doesn't make sense, does it?
Load More Replies...
Dávid Csonka 2 years ago
Nice story... But if you start shaking your fist at another driver, they will never think it is a rock paper scissors game.
Ana Ines Garcia Arango 2 years ago
And reading this just made mine. Wish Russia-Ukraine conflict could be resolved this way too. Ok, I know it's impossible but I still believe in miracles.
Red 2 years ago
A friend of mine started a club in high school. The whole point was every Friday, they'd get together and play halo. The winner was correct in whatever argument a pair had been having. So if me and a friend were arguing, we'd play halo that Friday. If I won, then I won the argument.
Sparky 2 years ago
This couldn't have happened in America. Every one in a car in the United States is out for themselves.
Luis Gomez 2 years ago
We get it. You hate America. Just shuddup about it already.
Load More Replies...
RELATED:
#2
On weekdays when I did my daily practice, a lady I didn't know would sit in a pew knitting afghans.
She'd listen to the organ music and knit, sometimes for 2-3 hours at a time.
One day, she came up to the organ console in the church's choir loft and introduced herself, showing me her finished afghan - a truly beautiful piece of handiwork.
She said, "I knit this for you as a gift in appreciation for your music. I look forward to hearing you practice each day."
When I look at that afghan now, I still see her sweet face, smile, and genuine kindness.
#3
I was staying in a homeless shelter and I'd just cut my abusive mother out my life. I felt like absolute c**p and decided to sit in McDonalds for a few hours just to kill time. I'm sitting there and this wee girl (maybe about 5) comes up to me and asks me why I look so sad. I don't want to bum this kid out so I just say "I've had a rough few days" she says to me "wait there, I wanna ask my mum something" so she runs back up to me a moment later and hands me a balloon. I'm a bit confused and try to say "thanks but it's your balloon, I don't wanna take that away from you" but she's absolutely certain this balloon will make me happy. so I'm sitting there with this balloon she tied around my bag and invites her mum and sister over to talk to me because she thinks I need company and cheering up. it was actually really sweet. kind of reminded me no matter how s**t my parents were, there's still good parents out there. I gave them my happy meal toy and £1 each. the mum was also super nice. we sat there chatting for a bit.
it doesn't sound like much but I'll always remember that because it was something i needed and just cheered me up. I think I might still have the balloon in a box somewhere.
One thing that we learned from u/v_rose23’s thread is that Planet Earth has a lot of everyday heroes. They swoop in, completely unexpected, to spread kindness and love. And their support can mean a huge deal to someone who’s in pain or in need of a helping hand.
During a previous interview, British psychotherapist Silva Neves explained to Bored Panda that human beings are hardwired for kindness. In short, our brains reward us when we’re social and altruistic. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn't a selfish side to us.
#4
15 years ago, I was on my first solo travel trip and I was walking along the pavement of this quiet residential area in Bangkok and it started raining heavily and this man with an umbrella who must have been walking behind me was suddenly at my side and we shared his umbrella for a few blocks and neither of us said anything because we didn’t speak each other’s languages and then when we parted ways we both smiled at each other and I remember thinking that this man’s lovely, kind soul was visible both in his actions and his smile.
#5
A woman came up to me at a gas station and handed me a homemade cupcake. On the wrapper was a note that said something along the lines of “my son would have been 10 years old today. I know that he would rather me celebrate his message of kindness on his birthday instead of being sad that he is no longer here. Enjoy this cupcake!”
I got back in the car and must’ve cried for 10 minutes straight.
#6
Grabbed the last train out of the city one night, damn thing broke down. It's about a 45 min train ride to my station, and a 15 min car ride to my house.
I try and get an uber - no luck. So I ask one of the ticket takers, he says it'll be an hr to get fixed. It's about 11pm so I close my eyes for a minute and bam! wake up at the last stop, probably 3am. Phone is dead, I'm 5 miles from my stop, and it's the middle of winter.
Unprompted this tiny old lady comes up to me (clearly seeing I was distressed) and says "Hi honey I'm Dawn, did you miss your stop?" Sure enough she drove me right to my car, a total stranger in the middle of the night. We spoke about her cats, said merry Christmas to one another, and I've never seen her since. That was some time ago, but every Christmas I raise a glass and think of Dawn, hoping she's happy with her cats.
According to the psychotherapist, people have two different instincts: one for kindness and one for survival. The desire to help others vies for control with our desire to protect ourselves. It’s a constant inner battle because we’re worried that by helping someone, it might somehow backfire on us.
However, there are lots of benefits to being kind, too. “Being kind is good for us because it gives us a sense of purpose, it raises our self-esteem, and it releases feel-good brain chemicals,” Silva explained to Bored Panda.
#7
I was in Denver’s International Airport and me and my dad were on standby the entire day.
First flight home we tried was early 4am. Then we tried four more throughout the day. As an 7 year old little boy, i remember feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and just exhausted because i wanted to go home so badly. My dad bought food at one of the restaurants in the airport to cheer me up but i remember crying and bawling to my dad saying “i just want to go home”.
Little did I know i would meet one of the nicest strangers that day. On the last flight to phoenix, Arizona at around 12 am, a man who was also on standby today gets called to board but he took the last 1/2 seats meaning me and my dad would have to stay overnight at the airport. But this kind generous man decided to give up his spot so that me and my dad could get on the flight. I cried again and hug him with all my heart and said “thank you”. He said that he also saw us the whole day on stand by and noticed that we were feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. His selfless act and generosity truly shaped the way I see humans and helped me be the person I am today.
#8
When I was a kid me and my family travelled around Ireland for a bit. When it came time to get the ferry back to England, our van broke down and we missed it. There wouldn't be another ferry for two weeks.
The Irish family whose house we broke down outside of took all six of us in for two weeks and never asked for anything in return.
#9
My father had a brain bleed and also has dementia. He was refusing to go to a larger hospital to have surgery to repair the damage. I had gone out of the room, found a waiting area, sat down and started sobbing.
This girl, maybe in her 20s came and gave me a hug. She had some sort of intellectual issues and had her parents or caregivers with her.
Anyway, her parents tried to stop her from coming over to me but she just stood there and hugged me then let go and walked away. That was one of the sweetest hugs I have ever recieved and at the perfect moment.
Dad had the surgery
Dorothy Parker 2 years ago
What a sweet experience. It seems like some with intellectual differences like Down syndrome make up for any differences with emotional intelligence.
“It [kindness] is also good for others, obviously. So kindness is actually something that we, humans, are naturally driven to be,” he said.
The psychotherapist drew attention to the fact that despite our inner desire to be kind towards others, human beings are also generally wary of strangers.
“The sense of kindness is in competition with our survival mode, so, as human beings, we tend to live in contradiction, between kindness (opening our arms) and protection (closing our arms),” Silva said.
#10
I was on a bus going to work, and I had purple lipstick on. (obviously that was before pandemic). anyway. a guy sitting next to me suddenly took out a notepad and wrote something then showed me. it said "I am mute. sorry to bother you, but I like your lipstick."
I don't know, it was just really cute and wholesome
#11
I was alone at a bar, heartbroken, crying and sobbing endlessly. Just broke up with my girlfriend. A german dude (in his early 60s) sat at the table behind me. In my outburst, i heard him order 2 pints of beer. Minutes later, i heard a glass arrive at my table, and the german dude sat infront of me on the same table.
We talked for 5 hours. Will never forget that. thank you Andreas.
#12
I walked down the toaster aisle at Wal Mart a couple of summers ago and an elderly woman was trying to make a selection. She stopped me and asked me my opinion. Until then, I hadn’t noticed that there were so many choices in toasters available nowadays. We discussed the various merits of each toaster and hit upon the type that also toasted bagels as her son’s family visited throughout the year and they enjoyed bagels for breakfast and she would love to provide that for them.
She thanked me for assisting her and wished that we could be neighbors. She said that she had lovely neighbors now but that I was so kind and would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. That made me feel pretty good. I walked away beaming.
#13
I'm a server at a restaurant and I was talking to a lady at one of my tables and we ended up on the topic of gardening, said I'd always wanted to get into it so I could grow my own fruits and vegetables. We ended up talking for about 30 minutes in between me checking my other tables. She gave me some advice on how to start, since she was older and had been gardening for over 30 years.
The next day, she came into the restaurant again and I was about to show her to a table but she told me she wasn't there to eat, only that she had brought me something. She pulls out a cute little bag, with tissue paper and everything, and inside are 4 different types of jams she made with berries and fruits from her garden. I hugged her and couldn't say thank you enough. She said she was just happy to talk to someone for a while the day before, as she had lived alone since her husband passed. She never came back into the restaurant, I'm not sure why, but I hope that woman's garden is flourishing!
#14
I was a goth kid, I think 20 at the time. My car ran out of gas in winter, so I pulled my car over and started walking. As I'm walking, a lady stops and asks, "is that your car over there?"
"Yeah, I ran out of gas..."
"Oh... is that all? Ok, well hop in! We'll go get you some gas!"
So, I got in her car. We went to the gas station. She filled up a gas can and wouldn't take my money. She also bought me a drink and snacks. Then she took me back to my car, filled it up, and made sure I was able to drive my car before she left. Sweetest lady ever.
Summer Mason 2 years ago
I think you might of met my grandma. I grew up goth and I'm her favorite grandchild even tho she is a stern southern Christian woman. Lol.
#15
I rear-ended a woman on my way home from work once. I was in the middle of a heated conversation with my passenger, came upon a line of cars at a red light, slammed on my brakes but just couldn't stop in time. The whole thing was my fault, nothing but stupidity and negligence. No serious damage but I hit her hard enough to make her car rock forward.
She got out, asked if I was okay, and gave me a hug before getting back in her car and going on her way.
Made me rethink how I interact with strangers and changed my perspective of people forever.
Still think of her often.
#16
In 2009 I was in the military, a friend and I didn’t have money to fly home for thanksgiving, so we decided to go camp, off-road in my new Jeep, and backpack a little for the long weekend. After hitting a few trails and exploring the jeep trails & forest roads we stopped back in town to pick up some food and beer. We stopped at a donut shop that happened to be open in the afternoon on Thanksgiving day, it was one of the few open places. The family who owned it was using the donut oven to bake a turkey and were having thanksgiving dinner in their restaurant. We chatted and said goodbye. As we got into the Jeep, the dad came out and stopped us, they invited us for thanksgiving dinner and we accepted. It was probably my most memorable holiday ever.
Dorothy Parker 2 years ago
It gave the doughnut shop owners the opportunity to be kind, too. That's a gift.
#17
I was driving home from work one day in my early 20’s — I was doing property management at the time, and I dressed to get dirty and drove a piece of s**t.
I drove by this woman in a red convertible — she was older and looked absolutely stunning. Had this multi-colored silk head wrap on and it was just dancing in the wind. I loved this woman’s aesthetic so much that I had to say something. So, we got to a stoplight, and I rolled down my window and exclaimed “I love your scarf!”
Without missing a beat, this woman turned over to me, without even taking me in, and yelled back “I love you!” it was something straight out of a movie. I’ll never forget that moment.
Pumpkin Spice 2 years ago
Why does this feel like that one episode in Cursed Princess Club when Gwen gives Dandridge a pinecone candle?
#18
when I worked food service drive thru. I guess it was more of a series of interactions but I had a regular who I didn't think anything about after she got her coffee and such.
I have since stopped workin there and about 3 weeks ago I'm sitting in a restaurant eatin my burger, mindin my business. and she comes up to me and recognizes me. Says I always helped her and that I had the best customer service.
turns out, she owned that and one other restaurant and was offering me a position in management in one of her restaurants. so that was neat
#19
I missed my train once and I was freaking out in the station because I was due at an interview. Full blown crying at the poor station staff who didn't know what to do with me other than put me in a quiet waiting room.
I was sobbing to myself in between calling my mum and then-bf when an older lady came over to see if I was OK (obviously I wasn't). She didn't ask any prying questions and instead offered me some sweets and just sat with me while I calmed down. A few minutes later another train guard came to find me and told me they could fit me onto the next train going to my destination and to just go to [this carriage] and [this seat]. Time came to board and I made my way down the platform to where I was told, only to find she'd put me in 1st class. I felt incredibly guilty the whole way (though did take advantage of a tiny bit of free breakfast).
I still made the interview AND got the job!
#20
I was at the dollar store looking at some stuff for myself and there was this toddler girl maybe 5 feet away from me looking at me the whole time. She walked over to me eventually, tapped my on my arm, handed me an envelope, and scurried off.
I opened it and it had 5 dollars and in her handwriting, "You got RACKed, Random Act of Chico Kindness". I live in a town called Chico.
#21
Recently, while walking into a grocery store, a small girl (perhaps 6-8) was playing a claw machine for a stuffed animal and was VERY close to winning. The stuffed animal she wanted was basically balancing on the edge of falling to her victory. Her mother didnt seem to have another dollar and I was immediately heart broken for the child, who was behaving and not throwing a tantrum that she wouldn't get the stuffed animal. I asked the mother if she would allow me to give her daughter a dollar to win the stuffed animal. They both said thank you and I was allowed to give the little girl a dollar.
Well 10 minutes later they ran across me in the grocery. She had won the stuffed animal and said thank you.
I realize this seems strange but being a tall male, shaved head, large beard, and tattoos [I look very much like a 1980-90s stereotype biker] it is extremely rare to be treated, were I live, with anything but distrust and hostility. The general populace were I live also seems to believe that children losing their minds and misbehaving constantly is fine. So two pretty shocking things happened. 1) a child was behaving well in a public place and 2) I was treated with courtesy and helped a little girl win a stuffed animal without the mother assuming I was being creepy.
I recall trying to win those things as a child and being sad getting so close only to not win. I just wanted her to win
Steve Fischer 2 years ago
I remember a boy, about 6, playing one of those machines. In about 20 minutes he had won 7 of them. Most amazing feat I've ever witnessed!
#22
While working the other week, I was cashiering, usually I don't, but since I know how to use the machine by teaching myself they let me cover for someone. This women I'm helping, she comes up to me and says "I love your smile" and I was so confused and she just says "in my 12 years shopping here I never see anyone smile and yours is so refreshing and nice" and I just had the biggest smile all day. That was the first compliment I had gotten in ages and it was a good day
#23
I locked my keys in my car and had no way of getting someone to bring me my spare key. My friend and I were trying to jimmy a wire clothes hanger through my door when a guy in a locksmith van drove by and asked if we needed help. He was headed home from work and got me back into my car...free of charge. Bless that guy!
Purplesloth4586 2 years ago
some people are just like that. there gonna go to heaven when they die.
#24
I lived in Crown Heights in grad school, south of Eastern Parkway. 2 things for those who don't know, my old neighborhood is one of the world headquarters for Hasidic Jews, and on high holidays Hasid's attempt to get more secular Jewish people to perform mitzvahs, and they'll often ask strangers "Excuse me, are you Jewish?". Normally if you say no they'll just stop talking to you.
Now it was 1am and I was getting home from a bar on what was apparently Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. An older rabbi is on my block with like 3 or 4 teenagers. He stops the conversation when he sees me "Excuse me, are you Jewish?" And I said "Nope." And I'll never forget the joy in his voice when he said "Ah, no worries. Have a great year. You don't have to be Jewish to have a great year." I will still sometimes think to myself, he's right. I don't have to be Jewish to have a great year.
#25
I was at this outdoor concert with the family of the man I was dating at the time.
And there was a couple with their toddlers and the person I was sitting next to asked them if the boys were twins. The parents said yes and I said, "Well you know what they say about twins."
"What's that?" The dad said.
"There was too much awesome for just one person."
And the parents both just said the most relieved thank you I had ever heard in my life. They couldn't have been more grateful if I had pulled their kids from a burning car. They explained to me how so many people would say something negative like, "Terrible Twos," or "Double trouble", just generally negative things about their kids.
It was sad to think that people would be such jerks but at the same time I was happy just to be able to make someone's day.
Summer Mason 2 years ago
Omg yes. I hate it when I'm out with all four of mine and people ask how do you manage them? I just do. Its called PARENTING. Best compliment i got was... they all look just like their mom! Made us all smile and giggle cause only one is biological. 💗
#26
My answer to a similar question that I posed on Quora.
Many years ago I was driving on the motorway and the car in front of me had a tyre blowout. The car swerved and then stopped on the hard shoulder. I pulled in behind the car. I went to the driver to see if they were OK and the lady driver was in a state of shock. She was shivering, shaking and I asked if she had a spare tyre in the boot, she said she didn’t and asked to borrow my phone. I waited outside the car as she sat in the car and made a phone call. Midway through the call she stepped out the car and handed the phone to me and asked me to speak to the person on the line. The person on the line was her husband. I explained to him where we were and he asked me to drive her to the nearest motorway service station (which was about 3 miles away) I agreed it was the safest thing to do considering the time and the fact she was alone. She grabbed her bag and jumped in my car. We drove down to the motorway services and went inside for a coffee. The place was more or less empty and I didn't feel comfortable leaving her on her own so i stayed with her while we waited for her husband. He tuned up about 2 hours later and they both thanked me profusely as he sat down with his wife. I said my goodbyes and got back on the motorway. About 2 years later, I went for an interview for a freelance position in the IT department at a bank. The interviewer was the lady who had the blowout on the motorway. In the interview she said “I already know what kind of person you are, thank you again. The role is yours if you want it"
The Cute Cat 2 years ago
This story almost the same as a meme I see many times in linkedin.. Wow, the coincidence
#27
I was on a train home during a break from school. At the first stop a girl got on and took a seat next to me and once the train started moving again she pulled out her laptop and starting playing Portal. I was watching her play when I noticed her get stuck and politely asked if she wanted some help.
We spent the next 4 hours on train talking about anything and everything like we were long-lost best friends. One little thing would lead to a whole tangent, like when her text message ringer played a Zelda sound effect. She apologized because she said most people find the sounds annoying, but she just loves Zelda. I told her it was all good and showed her one of my tattoos which is a tri-force. It felt like we had so much in common.
I told her about how my girlfriend at the time had just broken up with me and about how I was feeling depressed. She told me about how her girlfriend had broken up with her, too, and how she was taking the train to surprise her in person and hopefully work things out. It was a really cathartic and incredible day. At every stop we would both get quiet for a few minutes, hoping the other person wouldn't be getting off yet, and then laugh and blurt out how we were glad the other didn't have to leave yet. Eventually, I had to get off. We hugged for what felt like minutes as the train pulled in and she started to cry.
She told me I was one of the nicest people she ever met, and I told her the same. We only talked a few times on Facebook after that before I deleted most of my social media but I'll always remember that train ride. That was one of the coolest experiences of my life.
IeabellAlakar@aqueenofaplanet 2 years ago
It's nice that she was accepted by the poster for who she was.
#28
A baby smiled at me while I was having a bad day
KombatBunni 2 years ago
That will always make my day :) Especially when you find out that the little one doesn’t usually smile at strangers. That makes it even more special.
#29
I arrived back home in Ireland and went to get on the bus at the airport. I only had enough cash on me for the bus home and didn't know the airport bus was a different price from the normal local buses. I realised I didn't have enough and a guy behind me who was buying tickets for a group of like 4 friends just gave the driver money and included me when he bought the tickets, and walked on without a word. That's when I knew I was home.
#30
Car slide off the road, thru a chain link fence, and car was stuck on the fence. This is sort of late at night too and I am far from home.
Literally a few minutes later, a truck with what I assumed to be Central American laborers rolls up. Group of dudes jump out of the truck, one says "need some help?" and they literally pull and push my car back onto the road, and virtually no damage other than paint.
I gave them all the cash I had as thanks (80 bucks IIRC) but wish I had more on me just for the f**king gesture and timing. I wish I could thank those dudes again. This was pre cell phone days and I am not really sure how long it would have taken me to get help.
#31
I was in NOLA and was looking for a specific street/restaurant. I was walking by a casino and saw a casino employee (in uniform) who appeared to be off the clock. I asked the person (female) how do i find the restaurant. In a very kind a charming South Louisana accent she started giving me directions and then paused and said “Ya know what sugar, it’s on my way home, I’ll walk with you and point you in the right direction.”. So we walked together for 10 minutes and she gave me the run down on some local spots. True southern hospitality.
#32
When I was six I would always wave to random drivers while I was in the car
All of those random strangers would smile and wave back.
LuckyL 2 years ago
I love this so much. Now watching my daughter wave to strangers - and when they see her, most of them start to smile and wave back. Or when she's hopping through puddels and someone drives by and just starts to smile. It great to see how just seeing a happy child brings joy to strangers.
#33
I also was walking home and saw an elderly man, so I said “good afternoon”, he looks back at me on the verge of tears and says thank you and tells me about how most teenage kids would just laugh and point at him and gave me so many compliments and said my parents raised me well and stuff. I was really happy
#34
Homeless people have endless stories, just randomly sitting close to them and just chatting made me open my eyes to a lot of stuff.. Society treats homeless people like they are not people, sad.
#35
I was sitting on the curb after a long day, waiting for a friend to come by. A very small old lady passed by while walking her dog. She stopped to pick something up on the ground, holding it up to the light. I was so curious, I HAD to ask what it was.
She had found a small striped feather. Turns out, she's an avid bird watcher. She went into depth explaining what type of bird it came from, their migration patterns, diet, etc. At the end of her impromptu lecture, she gave me the feather and taught me how to properly clean it.
Most wholesome NPC encounter I've had.
What do you think ?
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
A friend of mine who is very broke decided to drive her kids to the beach as a special treat. And... her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and she has no way to fix it and no money for a hotel. And nobody she can call. They're looking at being forced to spend the night in the car. Then, several hours later, a guy comes by who just so happens to be a mechanic. He offers to fix the car, and even sends his buddy to get some McDonald's for the kids. It gets even better - when he couldn't fix the car without the right equipment, he said "here, use my car to drive home. I'll fix yours tomorrow and drive it back for you!" Which he did, completely free of charge. My friend says she was in tears, which isn't surprising!
lara 2 years ago
I was standing in line behind an Asian woman and her mother. They were both dressed in saris and gorgeous. I mean the type of "Sophia Loren gorgeous. I looked at the younger one [probably in her late thirties] and said "STOP THAT." And she and her mom looked at me, expecting some kind of damning statement. And she said "stop what"? And I said "being so absolutely gorgeous, you and your sister are beautiful." Well both women lit up like they had been dipped in sunlight and they were grinning. I hope it made their day, because it made mine to see them so happy. And they were gorgeous. I notice things about people and someone always has something that sets them apart, whether it is beautiful hands or a great smile or eyes, and when you notice and say something, when you compliment them, it says "I see you and I appreciate you."
Natalia Allen 2 years ago
I find compliments from strangers the best kind, they feel more authentic and are given freely not out of obligation or as a standard type of greeting follow up type thing from someone you know.
Load More Replies... Adam Zad 2 years ago
From both perspectives: 1) After I graduated from high school, I went to Grad Night at Disneyland... alone. I was bummed and feeling lonely. I had climbed up to the top of the tree house, where there was a platform with a bench. Sitting on the bench, feeling low, this kid came through with his girlfriend. He noticed my expression and stopped and asked me "Hey, man, you all right?" I looked up at him for a minute and said "I will be, thanks." He nodded and went on his way. That small act of kindness and caring was enough to break my shell of depression and I went on to have a decent night. If you're out there and remember me, thank you! 2) Coming home from a meeting, I saw an older Asian couple by an old Mercedes with a flat tire. They had this "what are we going to do, now" look, so, being young and an athlete (I was a swimmer, back then), I stopped and changed their tire for them. The man tried to give me $20. I explained that I didn't want it, thusly: I feel really good about helping
Adam Zad 2 years ago
...you. if I take your money, you'll buy that feeling back from me and, I'm sorry, but it's not for sale.
Load More Replies...
Kelly Barry 2 years ago
I lost my mother when I was 32 years old 5 days after Christmas and it was such a traumatic experience. I would go to the cemetery and cry on her grave and sit on the cold winter ground every day. One day an older man came up to me and asked me what was wrong and I said “I don’t have a mother anymore” and I’ll never forget what he said back to me, he said “honey you will always have a mother, no matter where she is”, and just hearing that from a stranger made me feel so much better even just in that moment, and I did realize that I did and will always have a mother.
Kassiopeia 2 years ago
When I was a kid I was on the bus with my grandpa and as we stopped at a bus stop another bus stopped next to us. I looked at the person sitting there and it was an old lady and I smiled at her and she smiled back. As the bus drove off I asked my grandpa if he knew her and he said no, so I asked why she smiled at me and he said:„When you smile at someone you will get a smile back“. And that just made my day even thinking about it does.
Syamsul Arifin 2 years ago (edited)
Stories here reminds me to Yahya bin Muadz (prophet Muhammad companion) words: if you cannot do good things to people, dont make bad things toward them; if you cannot complement them, do not insult them; if you cannot make them happy, don't make them feel sad. Those are minimum things that all of us can do
•The Comic Hero• 2 years ago
1. One day while my mom was taking me to school the car broke down in the middle of traffic, since there was no movement my mom got out and started to analyze the car, that's when the lady from the car in front of us got out to see what happened. She let my mom borrow her phone as we didn't have a charged one and even offered to take me to school, but my mom called my dad to pick me up, and so apparently the woman stayed with my mom the whole time after I left until they fixed the car. 2. This is really short and new, but two weeks ago we were out and I'm just not feeling right these times, that day I didn't wanted to go out but my parents made me do it. We get to a red light and I'm distracted as always, then I see the car next to us and I realize the toddler boy in the window is waving at me, he didn't had his mask on so I could see he was just curious, I had it on but still gave a wave back and smiled at him, and then he smiled. That was beautiful
Xander Vrieswijk 2 years ago
When I was ten I really wanted to eat sushi, but my parents wouldn't buy it for me, they said that I can't get everything, so I got money, it took me 4 months to get the money, because I had to look for it and sell a few of my stuff, but when I went in the store the price of the sushi got raised and I was short by 50 cents, so the cashier said that she would pay the rest. I couldn't look at her without smiling and thanked her, i still see her each time I walk to my school, and wave to her and even bought her a gift for Christmas. Some people are too awesome and deserve my eternal gratitude.
Jo Choto 2 years ago
It's so much fun to be kind to other people. It's such a boost, even if you do it on the quiet, to feel excited about life and know that you've been able to do something right and something meaningful. In times where I have struggled really badly with depression and anxiety, doing nice things for other people really helped me keep it together when I couldn't be kind to myself.
Kristal 2 years ago
I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship (tonight was pretty bad) and reading these reminds me there is still kindness out there.
Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago
Lovey, please reach out to someone to start the process of getting out. You’re worth SO much more than that. Sending a huge hug, reminding you that you’re not alone and hoping that you find the courage to leave xx
Load More Replies... Haily Jynne 2 years ago (edited)
I was just leaving our local swimming pool, and some lady walks up to me and says "You seem like a really good cook. I don't know why, you just kind of give me cooking vibes! Sorry if that's weird..." It made my day. I also gave cooking a serious try and LOVE it. Thank you, random lady, for helping uncover one of my passions!
Allison Staley 2 years ago
I've been wanting to tell this story for 35 years. I was working for a law office in downtown Dallas which was located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn. One cold winter's day I had gone to lunch wearing a very fluffy white "fur" coat. Looked kind of like a mountain goat. I was coming back to work and was down on the lower floor (sort of a basement level) waiting for the elevator. A very smartly dressed young (and handsome) business man walked by and said "pretty kitty" in a very appreciative tone. He didn't stop and kept walking. Just a fleeting passing comment. I was in my early 20s and rather insecure and shy. My only reaction was to blush. I couldn't even stammer a thank you. But his comment felt so good and it has stayed with me all of these years. Thank you stranger, for making a young shy girl feel pretty.
Micah 2 years ago
I had just parked my car and was walking down the street to a church to attend a memorial service. I was dressed in a medium grey suit, and as I was walking, an older gentleman just said "Looking mighty sharp, brother!" It just caught me off guard, because I was ready to be in a downer head space. I made eye contact him, thanked him, and we went our separate ways.
Tracy Sellars 2 years ago
I quite often order a pork lunch meal from a particular cafe to be delivered. The cafe team have taken to writing really bad jokes that make my day. Love those guys. Last joke was "what did the fish say when it slammed into a wall? Damn"
Mara Langhals 2 years ago
When I was in the early 20ies, I hitchhiked a lot. Because I overslept in the bus, it always was when it was the last bus, my mobile phone was dead and I didn't have money with me. And sometimes I just missed the bus. There were quite a few really nice people and sometimes I think of them and it makes me smile again.
Levi Henson 2 years ago
I've got a story too lol. It was a Halloween night, I went out trick-or-treating with some people who didn't really invite me, I knew it was one of their mothers who did but I went anyways. It was getting dark and they, much more immature teenagers, were goofing off. We went around a culdesac and there was one house(didn't appeal to me at first) but I recognized the area. The house had somebody who I assumed to be the mother and a kid sitting in the back with only the glow of his phone of his face. We went back down the culdesac and a man, holding a bucket of candy, told us to follow him because he "had WAAYYY to much candy and needs to get rid of it all" We followed him back to his house(same as earlier) and there we got a bunch more candy. The kid in the back then said "Levi?", I looked around and then realized. The kid from earlier was an old friend who for a while was my best-friend!!! That's why I remember the place, but it was dark and I hadn't been there recently, so I didn't...
Levi Henson 2 years ago
... recognize it at first. I SSSOOOO very wanted to stay and chill with him and leave my friends in the dust. I was getting over to message my mother to ask if I could stay there, but they were pressuring me to keep going. Those greedy kids totally were just there for the candy and had no time to genuinely say thank you. One(I'll call them #1) of them was just kinda a family friend of another and didn't really care about anything (probably forced bc of the whole family-friend thing) the other(#2) is the family friend guy who is a bad influence and I've never really like, and the last one(#3) is my best-friend who is a super cool guy but is a jerk when he's around other people(specifically #2). So I didn't get to spend the rest of my night with an actually cool, nice person.
Load More Replies...
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
I was driving on a very busy road during rush hour after buying a new car battery that i was going to put in as soon as i got home. of course near an intersection my car dies. I get out and try pushing it over into a parking lot with horns blaring at me and getting it to move but slowly since I'm not Hercules and have a bad back. This van illegally cuts through a parking lot over a small curb to where I am and three guys jump out and help me push. And it doesnt end there as they proceed to change my battery after one guy runs across the road to a small autoparts store (yeah ironic i'm so close to one with no way to make it there) to borrow a wrench so we can remove the bolts to take the old battery out and put the new one in. I was so thankful and tried offering them money but all they said was "just consider stopping by our church".
Beth Johnson 2 years ago
I was commuting to work one morning across the (SF/Oakland) Bay Bridge, late, as was the norm. As the traffic slowed, approaching toll booths, I wound up behind a car that was driving too slow for me. I'm in my car thinking hostile thoughts about the "fussy little old lady who doesn't belong in rush hour traffic," (I don't know if the driver was male or female, young or old.) When I get my turn at the toll booth the worker informed me that the car ahead of me had paid my toll. At that moment I finally got the idea of "pay it forward," & thereafter I made sure to pay an extra toll every week, in hopes that occasionally the driver of the car behind me might need a perspective shift as badly as I had that morning.
Brenda 2 years ago
I was living in London (1991) and was going to the American consulate to get a check from a lawsuit. I'm terrible with directions but I made it. However, I only had enough money on me to get there. I was going to deposit the check and use part of the funds to get home. But the bank wouldn't let me take any money (even though I had checked with them first). So now I'm outside the bank in downtown London with no way to get back and no way to contact my (ex) husband. I was literally sobbing. A very nice gentleman came out of the bank. Apparently he heard what happened. Not only did he pay for my bus and train, he bought me lunch. He refused to give me his information, insisting it was nothing. Mr. Wester, I've never forgotten you and your kindness.
ramada rose 2 years ago
21 years ago, I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes, and shortly after put on insulin. It was scary, with bg lows from hell. Then came my sister's wedding and a plane trip to get there. Tickets were bought, with my husband and I sitting together. This was something I needed badly because he knew how to give me a shot if I needed it, knew how to care for me. At the airport, we were told the seating had changed and that we'd be several rows away from each other. I broke down in fear, crying and worrying about what might happen. They said that they would see what could be done. A bit later, we were handed new tickets where we'd be seated together. When I looked at the tickets, I realized they said First Class and thought there had to have been a mistake. No mistake... another couple had witnessed my fear and decided to take a later flight so that I could be with my husband!! Never knew who they were, and never got to thank them but wow... an amazing gesture of humanity, and a treat
Kathleen Cummings 2 years ago
One afternoon I was sitting in Penn Station, waiting for the train to go home after a friend's memorial service. I was feeling tired and sad, not reading, just lost in my thoughts. They announced a train, and the young man sitting two seats from me, whom I had only vaguely noticed, got up to leave. But first he stood in front of me and said “I hope you have a good day”. Well, I tried to smile and thank him, but I wasn’t convincing, because he said to me “Do you need a hug?” I just nodded and he sat down beside me and put his arm around me. I told him I had just come from the funeral of a beloved friend, and he said “He’s not gone you know; he’s in your heart…and when you think about him, he’s with you”. Which was exactly what I needed to hear. When he saw I had gotten his message he just smiled and went on his way. There really are angels all around us.
Philo Frost 2 years ago
I work as a driver for a moving company and travel a lot over holidays. I was in Latrobe Pennsylvania and had to spend Thanksgiving weekend there to load out of warehouse the following Monday. The owner of the company loaned myself and my helper a car (it's very inconvenient to drive a tractor trailer around to stores and whatnot) and then gave me directions to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. They seated us at their table withe their three children and multiple grandchildren and treated us as though we'd always been expected to join them. I will always remember that Thanksgiving as one of the best of my life. I wasn't with my family, but I couldn't have been with a kinder or more open one!
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
I wish more people would call Customer Service lines to COMPLIMENT employees vs just to Kvetch. It really DOES matter; makes you/me feel good and gives them well deserved recognition. The Pharmacist at my RA was in tears because they were very short staffed due to our largly unvaxed County & rampant CV cases causing weekend closures. They were doing their best short staffed but people kept yelling at them. I not only called Rite Aide Corporate to give them props, but bought them a cake...a VERY small to pay for the smiles. Try it...you'll like it.💛✌🇺🇦
Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago
I do try to do this after I realised I was quick to complain but not to compliment. Now I try to give at least as much positive feedback as negative
Load More Replies...
Adrienne Cardy 2 years ago
In 2015 I worked on a show in Orlando that ended at 2am. One of my crew (who I'd only met 2 days prior) drove me back to my hotel so I didn't have to get a cab at 2am. It is now 2022, I am back in Orlando and he is on my crew. I told him I never forgot his kindness, he remembered me and we hugged.
Dee 2 years ago
Was browsing in a thrift store one very rainy day several years ago and overheard a guy asking if they had any umbrellas. They didn’t but I happened to have several in my car (which is weird because I rarely use them, I love the rain😝) so I offered him one and he was so grateful he insisted on buying me a hot chocolate. We had a really great conversation over that hot chocolate, lots of laughs. I haven’t seen him since.
Susanne Bækvig 2 years ago
Reading these storys made me think of many instances of kindness from strangers. Too many to write about except the one about the tulips, but I used plenty of papernapkins
Alexander Smith 2 years ago
I've worked customer service to some degree much of my life. Most of it is inconsequential. In my current job I see customers for an hour or less then may or may not see them again. One group had this elderly lady after their room was done the lady asked if she could give me a hug. Of course I accepted. Fist bumps and hand shakes these happen a bit but you really feel you did some good and happy when someone asks about a hug!
Meami 2 years ago
On a flight from the western US to Germany, we were asked if we'd be willing to change seats with another couple because they didn't want to sit next to the woman with the baby. We willingly changed seats and had a great time playing with the baby and talking with her mom. She was the best-behaved child and didn't cry at all. They were also bulkhead seats so we had tons more legroom! It was one of the best flights ever.
Katinka Min 2 years ago
To the newsealand woman with two sons who healed my back and soothed my sorrow while we were on the ferry from Vancoucer Island to Prince Ruper in summer 1994: Kelly, I have not forgotten you. I hope you are well and thriving <3
Mac Fletcher 2 years ago
I had just returned from Vietnam and in Denver airport for a layover. I went into its bar and set next to a well dressed gentleman. We did not exchange any words, but as he was leaving , he asked me if I was in Vietnam. I said yes and he said “Welcome Home.” Over 50+ years later, I thank that gentleman for his kind words.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
A friend of mine who is very broke decided to drive her kids to the beach as a special treat. And... her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and she has no way to fix it and no money for a hotel. And nobody she can call. They're looking at being forced to spend the night in the car. Then, several hours later, a guy comes by who just so happens to be a mechanic. He offers to fix the car, and even sends his buddy to get some McDonald's for the kids. It gets even better - when he couldn't fix the car without the right equipment, he said "here, use my car to drive home. I'll fix yours tomorrow and drive it back for you!" Which he did, completely free of charge. My friend says she was in tears, which isn't surprising!
lara 2 years ago
I was standing in line behind an Asian woman and her mother. They were both dressed in saris and gorgeous. I mean the type of "Sophia Loren gorgeous. I looked at the younger one [probably in her late thirties] and said "STOP THAT." And she and her mom looked at me, expecting some kind of damning statement. And she said "stop what"? And I said "being so absolutely gorgeous, you and your sister are beautiful." Well both women lit up like they had been dipped in sunlight and they were grinning. I hope it made their day, because it made mine to see them so happy. And they were gorgeous. I notice things about people and someone always has something that sets them apart, whether it is beautiful hands or a great smile or eyes, and when you notice and say something, when you compliment them, it says "I see you and I appreciate you."
Natalia Allen 2 years ago
I find compliments from strangers the best kind, they feel more authentic and are given freely not out of obligation or as a standard type of greeting follow up type thing from someone you know.
Load More Replies... Adam Zad 2 years ago
From both perspectives: 1) After I graduated from high school, I went to Grad Night at Disneyland... alone. I was bummed and feeling lonely. I had climbed up to the top of the tree house, where there was a platform with a bench. Sitting on the bench, feeling low, this kid came through with his girlfriend. He noticed my expression and stopped and asked me "Hey, man, you all right?" I looked up at him for a minute and said "I will be, thanks." He nodded and went on his way. That small act of kindness and caring was enough to break my shell of depression and I went on to have a decent night. If you're out there and remember me, thank you! 2) Coming home from a meeting, I saw an older Asian couple by an old Mercedes with a flat tire. They had this "what are we going to do, now" look, so, being young and an athlete (I was a swimmer, back then), I stopped and changed their tire for them. The man tried to give me $20. I explained that I didn't want it, thusly: I feel really good about helping
Adam Zad 2 years ago
...you. if I take your money, you'll buy that feeling back from me and, I'm sorry, but it's not for sale.
Load More Replies... Kelly Barry 2 years ago
I lost my mother when I was 32 years old 5 days after Christmas and it was such a traumatic experience. I would go to the cemetery and cry on her grave and sit on the cold winter ground every day. One day an older man came up to me and asked me what was wrong and I said “I don’t have a mother anymore” and I’ll never forget what he said back to me, he said “honey you will always have a mother, no matter where she is”, and just hearing that from a stranger made me feel so much better even just in that moment, and I did realize that I did and will always have a mother.
Kassiopeia 2 years ago
When I was a kid I was on the bus with my grandpa and as we stopped at a bus stop another bus stopped next to us. I looked at the person sitting there and it was an old lady and I smiled at her and she smiled back. As the bus drove off I asked my grandpa if he knew her and he said no, so I asked why she smiled at me and he said:„When you smile at someone you will get a smile back“. And that just made my day even thinking about it does.
Syamsul Arifin 2 years ago (edited)
Stories here reminds me to Yahya bin Muadz (prophet Muhammad companion) words: if you cannot do good things to people, dont make bad things toward them; if you cannot complement them, do not insult them; if you cannot make them happy, don't make them feel sad. Those are minimum things that all of us can do
•The Comic Hero• 2 years ago
1. One day while my mom was taking me to school the car broke down in the middle of traffic, since there was no movement my mom got out and started to analyze the car, that's when the lady from the car in front of us got out to see what happened. She let my mom borrow her phone as we didn't have a charged one and even offered to take me to school, but my mom called my dad to pick me up, and so apparently the woman stayed with my mom the whole time after I left until they fixed the car. 2. This is really short and new, but two weeks ago we were out and I'm just not feeling right these times, that day I didn't wanted to go out but my parents made me do it. We get to a red light and I'm distracted as always, then I see the car next to us and I realize the toddler boy in the window is waving at me, he didn't had his mask on so I could see he was just curious, I had it on but still gave a wave back and smiled at him, and then he smiled. That was beautiful
Xander Vrieswijk 2 years ago
When I was ten I really wanted to eat sushi, but my parents wouldn't buy it for me, they said that I can't get everything, so I got money, it took me 4 months to get the money, because I had to look for it and sell a few of my stuff, but when I went in the store the price of the sushi got raised and I was short by 50 cents, so the cashier said that she would pay the rest. I couldn't look at her without smiling and thanked her, i still see her each time I walk to my school, and wave to her and even bought her a gift for Christmas. Some people are too awesome and deserve my eternal gratitude.
Jo Choto 2 years ago
It's so much fun to be kind to other people. It's such a boost, even if you do it on the quiet, to feel excited about life and know that you've been able to do something right and something meaningful. In times where I have struggled really badly with depression and anxiety, doing nice things for other people really helped me keep it together when I couldn't be kind to myself.
Kristal 2 years ago
I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship (tonight was pretty bad) and reading these reminds me there is still kindness out there.
Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago
Lovey, please reach out to someone to start the process of getting out. You’re worth SO much more than that. Sending a huge hug, reminding you that you’re not alone and hoping that you find the courage to leave xx
Load More Replies... Haily Jynne 2 years ago (edited)
I was just leaving our local swimming pool, and some lady walks up to me and says "You seem like a really good cook. I don't know why, you just kind of give me cooking vibes! Sorry if that's weird..." It made my day. I also gave cooking a serious try and LOVE it. Thank you, random lady, for helping uncover one of my passions!
Allison Staley 2 years ago
I've been wanting to tell this story for 35 years. I was working for a law office in downtown Dallas which was located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn. One cold winter's day I had gone to lunch wearing a very fluffy white "fur" coat. Looked kind of like a mountain goat. I was coming back to work and was down on the lower floor (sort of a basement level) waiting for the elevator. A very smartly dressed young (and handsome) business man walked by and said "pretty kitty" in a very appreciative tone. He didn't stop and kept walking. Just a fleeting passing comment. I was in my early 20s and rather insecure and shy. My only reaction was to blush. I couldn't even stammer a thank you. But his comment felt so good and it has stayed with me all of these years. Thank you stranger, for making a young shy girl feel pretty.
Micah 2 years ago
I had just parked my car and was walking down the street to a church to attend a memorial service. I was dressed in a medium grey suit, and as I was walking, an older gentleman just said "Looking mighty sharp, brother!" It just caught me off guard, because I was ready to be in a downer head space. I made eye contact him, thanked him, and we went our separate ways.
Tracy Sellars 2 years ago
I quite often order a pork lunch meal from a particular cafe to be delivered. The cafe team have taken to writing really bad jokes that make my day. Love those guys. Last joke was "what did the fish say when it slammed into a wall? Damn"
Mara Langhals 2 years ago
When I was in the early 20ies, I hitchhiked a lot. Because I overslept in the bus, it always was when it was the last bus, my mobile phone was dead and I didn't have money with me. And sometimes I just missed the bus. There were quite a few really nice people and sometimes I think of them and it makes me smile again.
Levi Henson 2 years ago
I've got a story too lol. It was a Halloween night, I went out trick-or-treating with some people who didn't really invite me, I knew it was one of their mothers who did but I went anyways. It was getting dark and they, much more immature teenagers, were goofing off. We went around a culdesac and there was one house(didn't appeal to me at first) but I recognized the area. The house had somebody who I assumed to be the mother and a kid sitting in the back with only the glow of his phone of his face. We went back down the culdesac and a man, holding a bucket of candy, told us to follow him because he "had WAAYYY to much candy and needs to get rid of it all" We followed him back to his house(same as earlier) and there we got a bunch more candy. The kid in the back then said "Levi?", I looked around and then realized. The kid from earlier was an old friend who for a while was my best-friend!!! That's why I remember the place, but it was dark and I hadn't been there recently, so I didn't...
Levi Henson 2 years ago
... recognize it at first. I SSSOOOO very wanted to stay and chill with him and leave my friends in the dust. I was getting over to message my mother to ask if I could stay there, but they were pressuring me to keep going. Those greedy kids totally were just there for the candy and had no time to genuinely say thank you. One(I'll call them #1) of them was just kinda a family friend of another and didn't really care about anything (probably forced bc of the whole family-friend thing) the other(#2) is the family friend guy who is a bad influence and I've never really like, and the last one(#3) is my best-friend who is a super cool guy but is a jerk when he's around other people(specifically #2). So I didn't get to spend the rest of my night with an actually cool, nice person.
Load More Replies... Benita Valdez 2 years ago
I was driving on a very busy road during rush hour after buying a new car battery that i was going to put in as soon as i got home. of course near an intersection my car dies. I get out and try pushing it over into a parking lot with horns blaring at me and getting it to move but slowly since I'm not Hercules and have a bad back. This van illegally cuts through a parking lot over a small curb to where I am and three guys jump out and help me push. And it doesnt end there as they proceed to change my battery after one guy runs across the road to a small autoparts store (yeah ironic i'm so close to one with no way to make it there) to borrow a wrench so we can remove the bolts to take the old battery out and put the new one in. I was so thankful and tried offering them money but all they said was "just consider stopping by our church".
Beth Johnson 2 years ago
I was commuting to work one morning across the (SF/Oakland) Bay Bridge, late, as was the norm. As the traffic slowed, approaching toll booths, I wound up behind a car that was driving too slow for me. I'm in my car thinking hostile thoughts about the "fussy little old lady who doesn't belong in rush hour traffic," (I don't know if the driver was male or female, young or old.) When I get my turn at the toll booth the worker informed me that the car ahead of me had paid my toll. At that moment I finally got the idea of "pay it forward," & thereafter I made sure to pay an extra toll every week, in hopes that occasionally the driver of the car behind me might need a perspective shift as badly as I had that morning.
Brenda 2 years ago
I was living in London (1991) and was going to the American consulate to get a check from a lawsuit. I'm terrible with directions but I made it. However, I only had enough money on me to get there. I was going to deposit the check and use part of the funds to get home. But the bank wouldn't let me take any money (even though I had checked with them first). So now I'm outside the bank in downtown London with no way to get back and no way to contact my (ex) husband. I was literally sobbing. A very nice gentleman came out of the bank. Apparently he heard what happened. Not only did he pay for my bus and train, he bought me lunch. He refused to give me his information, insisting it was nothing. Mr. Wester, I've never forgotten you and your kindness.
ramada rose 2 years ago
21 years ago, I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes, and shortly after put on insulin. It was scary, with bg lows from hell. Then came my sister's wedding and a plane trip to get there. Tickets were bought, with my husband and I sitting together. This was something I needed badly because he knew how to give me a shot if I needed it, knew how to care for me. At the airport, we were told the seating had changed and that we'd be several rows away from each other. I broke down in fear, crying and worrying about what might happen. They said that they would see what could be done. A bit later, we were handed new tickets where we'd be seated together. When I looked at the tickets, I realized they said First Class and thought there had to have been a mistake. No mistake... another couple had witnessed my fear and decided to take a later flight so that I could be with my husband!! Never knew who they were, and never got to thank them but wow... an amazing gesture of humanity, and a treat
Kathleen Cummings 2 years ago
One afternoon I was sitting in Penn Station, waiting for the train to go home after a friend's memorial service. I was feeling tired and sad, not reading, just lost in my thoughts. They announced a train, and the young man sitting two seats from me, whom I had only vaguely noticed, got up to leave. But first he stood in front of me and said “I hope you have a good day”. Well, I tried to smile and thank him, but I wasn’t convincing, because he said to me “Do you need a hug?” I just nodded and he sat down beside me and put his arm around me. I told him I had just come from the funeral of a beloved friend, and he said “He’s not gone you know; he’s in your heart…and when you think about him, he’s with you”. Which was exactly what I needed to hear. When he saw I had gotten his message he just smiled and went on his way. There really are angels all around us.
Philo Frost 2 years ago
I work as a driver for a moving company and travel a lot over holidays. I was in Latrobe Pennsylvania and had to spend Thanksgiving weekend there to load out of warehouse the following Monday. The owner of the company loaned myself and my helper a car (it's very inconvenient to drive a tractor trailer around to stores and whatnot) and then gave me directions to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. They seated us at their table withe their three children and multiple grandchildren and treated us as though we'd always been expected to join them. I will always remember that Thanksgiving as one of the best of my life. I wasn't with my family, but I couldn't have been with a kinder or more open one!
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
I wish more people would call Customer Service lines to COMPLIMENT employees vs just to Kvetch. It really DOES matter; makes you/me feel good and gives them well deserved recognition. The Pharmacist at my RA was in tears because they were very short staffed due to our largly unvaxed County & rampant CV cases causing weekend closures. They were doing their best short staffed but people kept yelling at them. I not only called Rite Aide Corporate to give them props, but bought them a cake...a VERY small to pay for the smiles. Try it...you'll like it.💛✌🇺🇦
Paula Glasscoe 2 years ago
I do try to do this after I realised I was quick to complain but not to compliment. Now I try to give at least as much positive feedback as negative
Load More Replies... Adrienne Cardy 2 years ago
In 2015 I worked on a show in Orlando that ended at 2am. One of my crew (who I'd only met 2 days prior) drove me back to my hotel so I didn't have to get a cab at 2am. It is now 2022, I am back in Orlando and he is on my crew. I told him I never forgot his kindness, he remembered me and we hugged.
Dee 2 years ago
Was browsing in a thrift store one very rainy day several years ago and overheard a guy asking if they had any umbrellas. They didn’t but I happened to have several in my car (which is weird because I rarely use them, I love the rain😝) so I offered him one and he was so grateful he insisted on buying me a hot chocolate. We had a really great conversation over that hot chocolate, lots of laughs. I haven’t seen him since.
Susanne Bækvig 2 years ago
Reading these storys made me think of many instances of kindness from strangers. Too many to write about except the one about the tulips, but I used plenty of papernapkins
Alexander Smith 2 years ago
I've worked customer service to some degree much of my life. Most of it is inconsequential. In my current job I see customers for an hour or less then may or may not see them again. One group had this elderly lady after their room was done the lady asked if she could give me a hug. Of course I accepted. Fist bumps and hand shakes these happen a bit but you really feel you did some good and happy when someone asks about a hug!
Meami 2 years ago
On a flight from the western US to Germany, we were asked if we'd be willing to change seats with another couple because they didn't want to sit next to the woman with the baby. We willingly changed seats and had a great time playing with the baby and talking with her mom. She was the best-behaved child and didn't cry at all. They were also bulkhead seats so we had tons more legroom! It was one of the best flights ever.
Katinka Min 2 years ago
To the newsealand woman with two sons who healed my back and soothed my sorrow while we were on the ferry from Vancoucer Island to Prince Ruper in summer 1994: Kelly, I have not forgotten you. I hope you are well and thriving <3
Mac Fletcher 2 years ago
I had just returned from Vietnam and in Denver airport for a layover. I went into its bar and set next to a well dressed gentleman. We did not exchange any words, but as he was leaving , he asked me if I was in Vietnam. I said yes and he said “Welcome Home.” Over 50+ years later, I thank that gentleman for his kind words.
Related on Bored Panda
