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Missesmommypants , Sofia Alejandra Report

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was in an abusive relationship and it ended with him beating me up very badly. Broken ribs, bruises and cuts all over me. He was arrested, but the process and aftermath was hell. It was spring and the weather was warming, but for weeks I wore long sleeves and high collars to hide the cuts and bruises. Eventually everything healed and faded except one very deep bruise on my upper arm. I had had enough of hiding them in shame so one day I said f**k it and wore short sleeves. I was standing in line in Walmart and noticed this rough biker looking dude staring at me. I thought he was checking me out or whatever. Then he asked me how I got that bruise on my arm. I stumbled answering and he outright asked "Did somebody hurt you?". For some reason I decided to be honest and not lie in shame so I said out loud "Yes, somebody hurt me." He looked at me me and in the kindest voice said "You did not deserve that. Whoever it was will get what's due to them one day." For some reason, that was a turning point for me. I knew then that I was going to be ok. I knew that no matter how things turned out legally, that I was going to be ok. I never saw that man again, but I honestly think he was an angel sent to give me a message.

Final score:

442points

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TeenieMeanie 1 year ago

Somewhat related. BACA dudes were some ofthe scariest-looking, kindest men I’ve ever come across.

167points

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers On my honeymoon in Greece we nearly got stranded driving our little scooter back from a day trip. Finally found a petrol station in this village but it was during afternoon nap/siesta time. We apologised as best we could in the little Greek we knew. The guy obliged but looked a little annoyed. He casually asks where we are from and we tell him New Zealand.

His face lights up and is amazed because he had never met someone from NZ before. He asks us what are we doing so far away from home, we tell him that it’s our honeymoon.

He tells us to wait there and comes back with a bottle of wine that’s obviously worth more than the €6 of petrol we are buying. He refuses for us to round up the bill or for us to buy anything.

He just tells us “honeymoon is honeymoon, be happy, go”

Hands down one of the best highlights of our trip.

kiwiguy_ , Paige Schlabach Report

Final score:

335points

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TeenieMeanie 1 year ago

Ermagerd.

46points

While it is so easy to fall into a spiral cluster-truck of bitterness, it turns out being kind and caring is the better thing to do. Not only because it’s the socially right thing, but also because there are mental health benefits as well.

The Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health, discussed this at length, explaining that there’s actual hard science behind good deeds.

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers A few years ago, I was experiencing deep depression. My life was a mess, my apartment was a mess, I was a mess. For a moment, I decided to just go to the park and sit for a while, as I was really at the end of my rope and had zero idea on what to do.

Out of nowhere, a kid, possibly about three or four years, comes and hands me three yellow dandalions and runs back to her mom.

I don't know why, but I always remember that. That day, I went home and cleaned my apartment and made it more tidy. I wouldn't say that my life miracurously changed, but I will say that, that one moment of kindness, that neither the kid nor the mom probably remember, was one of the most memorable moments in my life.

**Edit:** You guys realize you are making a grown up ugly cry, right? I mean, that must be criminal.

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and rewards!

AgeOfWomen , Emmanuel Codden Report

Final score:

320points

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Tamra 1 year ago

We never know when even a small act of kindness can have a profound effect on someone else.

112points

Theearthhasnoedges , Ketut Subiyanto Report

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I once took my son to a local science center for a day of fun. I also have cerebral palsy. I get around well enough. Sometimes I use a wooden cane, but I'm alright unsupported. I rock a mean limp and have terrible balance, but if you were to see me walking around most would just assume I had been injured at some point.

While walking around I spotted this woman with a young daughter of maybe 7-8 using a walker and sporting a pair of leg braces. The mother and I locked eyes a few times throughout our free roaming day until eventually our kids started interacting with the same exhibit. We were standing there watching them and I turned to the mother and before I could even speak she said:

"Cerebral palsy. You too, huh?"

We ended up spending the rest of our day together chatting about our lives and experiences and going over the many advancements and therapies that have been developed since my childhood.

She ended up telling me at the end of the day that seeing me being a single dad to my son and being so independent in spite of my disability gave her a lot of peace of mind. She said she worried a lot about what her daughter's future might hold in terms of her independence.

It was just an all around really nice experience.

Final score:

317points

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Jazmin 1 year ago

So beautiful

57points

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was in Walmart one day and some dude was blocking the aisle where the item I needed was located. I then heard him ask a Walmart employee where the cabinet liners were. She proceeded to say she wasn't sure and started to send him to the wrong location.

I nosily piped up: I know where they are. If you want to follow me I will take you to them because I just bought some last week.

The man: Oh, ok. Thank you.

He followed me to the opposite side of the store and I showed him where they were. He thanked me again and I hurried back to the other side of the store to get what I needed.

Five minutes later at the self checkouts the man showed up and I saw him just hanging around with his bag of purchases on his arm. When it came time to pay he stepped up and insisted on paying for my items. I thanked him profusely.

At the time I only had $35 in my bank account and was trying to purchase food for the week. This man who I was so annoyed with helped me so much. I still tear up when I think of his kindness. I am a single mother of two wonderful kids and this was my miracle.

meow1983 , Jack Sparrow Report

Final score:

297points

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Mochi 1 year ago

♥️💕♥️

54points

cptnsaltypants , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

To be on the same page, the MHF defined kindness as choosing to do things that help you or others, motivated by sincere intent and feeling. This includes things like volunteering, doing things for a good cause, random acts of kindness, and the like. It can be as simple as offering to make a coworker a cuppa java or paying for someone’s food order while they’re in the restroom.

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon just came out in theaters. I had been planning to go see it on my next day off. I didn’t have a car so relied on the bus. The day of the movie came and there was a snow storm. I walked downtown to get the bus but there was a sign saying all buses cancelled due to snow.

I was super bummed out and walked over to the local coffee shop. I ordered a coffee and was telling the owner how disappointed I was that I couldn’t get to the movies. There was an older woman sitting in the shop and she overheard us.

She looked at me and said ‘I really want to see that movie too. Let’s go, I’ll drive’

So that the day me and a perfect stranger went out to lunch and to see a movie together.

About a year later I started seeing this guy in town and his downstairs neighbor was the lady who took me to the movies all those months earlier. We had stopped by her house for her to get a sweater before the movies. I told the guy ‘me and your neighbor went to see Crouching Tiger together’

He was like-that was you? She went on and on about how cool it was to go to the movies w you.

Final score:

279points

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HTakeover 1 year ago

Please tell me this ends in marriage and lady is invited as a guest of honor and even to the hen-do.

124points

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I had just lost my job and my dad had his card stolen. He was waiting on the bank but completely out of food and living in an old, run down RV. I would have figured SOMETHING out. I’d die before I let him starve. Right as he’s almost in tears talking to me about it, someone knocked on the door.

A lady had food for someone in an RV, but those people had vacated the parking lot and she wanted to know if my dad needed any. (Some sort of local helping hands org.)

There was everything from canned goods, to fresh meat, milk, pasta. Everything. She had bought it with her own money and didn’t want it to go to waste.

I’ll never forget the timing, or her generosity.

punt4stic , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:

278points

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Randy Sanders 1 year ago

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

51points

More than 20 years ago, when I was still a teenager, I was on vacation with my parents. There were a lot of problems and fights I couldn't handle and it came to the point that I had a suicide attempt. I snuck out of the hotel roo, crying rivers, and tried to jump off a railing in the courtyard of the hotel. A cleaning lady must have seen me. At the moment I was on the other side of the railing, the lady pulled me back to her side, took me in her arms -very firmly and lovingly- stroked my head while crying and told me that everything would be okay. Every pain passes. I could never say thanks, but this lady changed my life and I never had such terrible intentions again. She gave me something no one else could do at this moment. Thank you, stranger woman.

Fl1p1 Report

Final score:

268points

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Anne35383 1 year ago

Such beautiful words of wisdom we all need to hear.

52points

Besides just feeling downright good, partaking in acts of kindness (whether random or planned) creates a sense of belonging among people and reduces feelings of isolation. Volunteering is a perfect example of this because, as a volunteer, you belong to an organization that doubles as a community that reaches out to other communities. Bonding all around. And all the face-to-face interaction only adds to the experience.

#10

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was in a bookstore and heard a young girl ask her mother for a book. The mother answered, 'I think that's a movie you can see on TV. You can watch that; you don't need to READ it.' (It was the book Chocolat.) Being a voracious reader who also never had support for my book addiction, I was enraged, so I bought the book, found the girl in the stacks, handed it to her, and whispered, 'Keep reading.' Her eyes lit up. I don't know who enjoyed that moment more, but it might have been me.

LaurelCanyoner , Min An Report

Final score:

266points

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Phandom Apostolis 1 year ago

Yes! Another win for the books!

103points

#11

I was traveling from the South of England to the North of Scotland to start a new job the next morning. I had taken a train up to London and was supposed to get on an early morning flight from Heathrow. The bus to the airport however, was cancelled and I had to make my own way using a series of night buses. However it was about 2:30 a.m. and my phone was dead, and I had never used London's night buses before.

I was young and a little scared,standing in the middle of Victoria trying to figure out the faded bus schedule when a woman came up to me and asked "Are you alright love?" And I explained through tears that I thought I was going to miss my flight and didn't even have an oyster card.

She looked up my route on her phone, wrote down all the possible variations of buses and trains that I would need to take, including the times. She waited with me the entire time, like twenty minutes, THEN when the bus came up she paid for my fare( no cash on London buses). I got out and looked to her and she shrugged and said " oh I'm not getting the bus, you just looked like you needed someone."

I think about her every once in a while, and I'm incredibly grateful for her.

EDITED for clarity

anon Report

Final score:

254points

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Nina 1 year ago

Awesome stranger

46points

#12

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I've shared this story before, but I'll never forget this experience.

When I was a kid we didn't have a lot of money, so we often shopped at thrift stores. What I loved about that was that you could get 10 books for a dollar, so I would plant myself in front of the book section and make piles of which one I wanted to get and then decided after I'd gone through them all.

One day an older lady saw me sitting with my piles and asked if I liked to read. I told her I did and showed her a few of the books I found that I liked. She smiled and then pulled a dollar out of her purse, handed it to me and said, "Promise me that you'll keep reading." I was so happy and immediately stood up and said that I would. She smiled and walked away and I went back to my piles able to pick out an extra 10 books to take home.

It was just a small act of kindness for her, but for me having a random stranger encourage my love of reading and making me promise to never stop definitely had a lot to do with my continued love of reading. This was probably 22-23 years ago, but I still think of her whenever I buy a new book.

-eDgAR- , Muhammad-taha Ibrahim Report

Final score:

240points

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TeenieMeanie 1 year ago

My childhood pediatrician saw how much I read in his waiting room… he let me take home my favorite book home. Still remember him with incredible fondness 30 years later.

96points

Another huge benefit is that acts of kindness provide perspective. The MHF references studies that conclude awareness of our own acts of kindness and things that we feel grateful for have great potential for boosting general feelings of happiness, optimism, and satisfaction. In turn, this leads to a more positive outlook on life and your own predicament in it.

#13

Once I worked at a bookstore. Saw a big heavyset dude in overalls come in and I assumed he’d beeline right to the gun magazine section of our store (rural area so you kind of got a feel of where people would go once they walked in) so I didn’t initially pay him much attention. I turn around from checking a person out at the main register area and he’s standing there waiting his turn patiently. So I asked him what he was in need of, and he mentioned he had a book on order held back for him. He said it was the book A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Kind of caught me by surprise that a man that looked like a country bumpkin was picking this particular book up, and in my head I assumed it was for his wife. Found the book and started ringing him up and started chatting with him, and realized the book was in fact for him. I’ll never forget what he said because even though it was such a small moment in life it changed me a little bit. He said, ‘I think it’s important to read books like this about other cultures than ours. The news always makes the Afghan people seem so bad, but his (Khaled Hosseini) first book Kite Runner gives a good glimpse of what life was like over there and made me think twice about how I was judging those people.’ Talk about making me feel like an a*****e, here I was judging him for how he looked and he goes and pulls this on me. I purchased Kite Runner that day and read it and it set into motion a lot of thoughts I had about how I judge and look at others. To this day I try my best to see the position others might be in before I judge them unfairly. And I often fail at not judging people based on how they look, but I now try to remind myself when I do how unfair it is. It was only a 2 minute interaction with this man that I had never seen before and will never see again, but damn if it hasn’t likely made me a better person as a result.

musab2310 Report

Final score:

222points

POST

Debbie 1 year ago

Judging people based on how they look is normal, you categorize them. If you woudn't, everything would be a new experience and overwhelming. The part that shows you have grown is the part that comes next: your ability to understand you have categorized, and the ability to not act (negatively) on that and be able to adjust your first assumptions.

92points

#14

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I have bright hair (currently teal) and moved from Orlando to a very small southern town. I get "the look" a lot, especially from older people. I was walking through the parking lot of an Ingles one day and an old lady (maybe 70ish) yelled out to me "Your hair matches your shorts! THATS SO CUTE!!!". It kinda made my day haha

Once we moved into our new place, a neighbor kid knocked on my door. When I answered he asked if I had any kids. I told him that I didnt. He goes "AW MAN!! I just need friends!" and ran off lol.

StreberinLiebe , Luis Quintero Report

Final score:

198points

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𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱 1 year ago

This is so cute

49points

#15

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I guess this can be perceived as pathetic by some people and thats ok but I used to go to school with a bunch of horrible people. I'm disabled so I look and walk weird. Every time I'd go out for lunch to my favourite food place and see them, they'd hurl insults.

Anyway, I was standing in a long queue and they were behind me. There was an old lady (maybe like 70-80) behind them. They were making fun of my walk (I sorta cant walk straight bc I had a stroke as a kid) and this old lady called them a "bunch of cruel twats".

It was really kind of her to stand up to them. I always will remember that.

anon , Pixabay Report

Final score:

193points

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Content Wombat 1 year ago

Honestly some people are total idiots but I'm glad the old lady stood up for you.

77points

All this positivity piles up over time to create a long-lasting effect that ultimately improves our self-esteem and makes us more confident about stuff. And that applies to both those who offer kindness and those who benefit from it.

Just make sure you follow three basic concepts when you make the decision to channel more kindness towards others: do something you enjoy, keep others in mind, and don’t overdo it. Easy enough, right?

#16

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers When I was 18 I had a friend in the hospital with brain cancer. His time was limited. I visited him when I could. He was kind of hippie alternative punk. I wore a leather jacket and had long hair. I walked to his room, a nurse saw me. Without saying a word she walked to me and gave me a long comforting hug. That's how I knew he passed.

datumerrata , Antoni Shkraba Report

Final score:

187points

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General Anaesthesia 1 year ago

There is something really special about so many nurses.

91points

#17

For context, I'm a fat lesbian. While grocery shopping, I saw a man about my age (mid-20's) who was clearly putting a lot of effort into his appearance and it was working. He had two-toned dyed hair (one half blonde, the other black), was wearing some well-done makeup that I couldn't do, bright purple jeans, good tattoos, etc. Overall, the look worked, and he'd clearly put effort into it.

I said excuse me and mentioned that I thought he looked very happy and confident and good. The dude began crying in the middle of the supermarket. I felt so guilty for reducing a stranger to tears like that, but he explained it was because I'd made his day and he very rarely got complimented. Made me sad-happy at the same time, but mainly happy. :)

anon Report

Final score:

186points

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Julia H 1 year ago

You definitely made his day

50points

#18

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I'm sitting at a red light with my wife and son. I'm directly behind a yellow school bus full of kids.

Some of the kids were just being kids and making faces out the window at cars, etc. A small group of kids were gathered near the back of the bus looking at us.

All of a sudden, one kid does the "Gangnam Style" crossing the wrists and bobbing the hands up and down part.

I do it right back to him, with a huge grin on my face. Then I do the part where you stick your arm up in the air and twirl it around while moving your head back and forth.

By this time just about the entire bus was watching and as the light turned green I heard them absolutely erupting with laughter.

Best red light ever.

erik316wttn , Guilherme Rossi Report

Final score:

173points

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DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago

Whenever kids wave in traffic I wave back, they always seem so happy to get a wave back lol

55points

Kindness does, however, come with its challenges that stem from a number of factors. A major factor here is personality. Everyone has one, with all the pros and cons included. But instead of focusing on the negatives, try to credit yourself for the things that make you great. It also helps to do some self-reflection and to find people you’re compatible with to help with letting your kindness out.

#19

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers i was walking home from work one day and there were two young guys cleaning out back of the local cinema. one was singing a bit (i think it was a disney song). his mate told him "she's going to think you're a weirdo", so i joined in and sang the rest of the song with him while i strolled down the street. never let someone else narrate your story.

kat_kin_ , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:

170points

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Gustav Gallifrey 1 year ago

I was in the Navy. It was the disco era. A group of us, in uniform, were waiting for transport. Some random guy calls out 'In the Navy, you can sail the seven seas...' (the Village People's song). Little did he know that WE knew the whole song, and the moves from the video. SHOWTIME! He got the whole performance.

129points

#20

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was flying between Melbourne and Brisbane and found myself sitting next to a nun not much older than me. We chatted for the whole two hours about life, death and infinity. It was really pleasant, much more than I thought it would be.

As we were landing, after we exchanged goodbyes, she looked me straight in the eyes, touched me on the arm, and said, " God bless you".

I felt uplifted and strangely humbled, especially as I am an atheist.

Jesse350 , Mikhail Nilov Report

Final score:

168points

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Debbie 1 year ago

I think it's probably because it is said with so much more meaning and good intent, then just a casually expression. Also, she looked you in your eyes, she saw you. Sometimes you meet people who really "see" a person. It's the genuine interest and attention they have for you, without prejudices and something more. That's special.

84points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#21

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was about 15 and crying on a step downtown because social anxiety was really a struggle for me. After a while, a girl of about 20 stopped just to ask me what was the matter. It took a lot, but I just opened up to her as she gently held me on her shoulder and wiped my tears away. As I smiled before we went our separate ways, she promised me that things would get better. I was skeptical at first, but I always remembered our words whenever I was feeling sad. I really think she might have saved me from suicide. Leah, thank you again. I will truly never forget you!

jeff_the_nurse , Pixabay Report

Final score:

154points

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Andrei Marentette 1 year ago

Ask for numbers. You never know

24points

Worrying about what others think is another big challenge. If you focus on what others think, insecurity and fear might start coming out. However, working on accepting yourself, feeling comfortable in your skin and overcoming confidence and self-esteem issues can go a long way in terms of pushing away the tide of negativity coming from your own thoughts of what others might think.

#22

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was working at a local supermarket doing some construction and this little girl walks past with her dad. She stops and calls out: dad look, a girl builder. Had a little chat with her and she goes in to the shops. On her way out she runs back and has another chat with me. She was four years old. Very bright little one. It was just very heart warming how she recognised something like a female working in a male dominated industry. I had a really bad day dealing with the builder who was being a bully because I couldn't be there first thing in the morning due to having to drop my kids off to school first.

SockDwarf , Chevanon Photography Report

Final score:

153points

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Tuesday 1 year ago

I love this! That little girl is going to grow up and know she can do anything :)

67points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#23

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers My last job was working for the TSA. It was a pretty miserable job and most people didn't like you. I was just having a horrible day filled with personal issues and work issues and this nice older lady asked if I was ok. I had the standard, yeah I'm doing fine. And she asked if I could use a hug. I had a blank stare for a second, and then just hugged her. Probably the nicest thing anyone ever did for me when I worked for there. The world needs more people like her. ❤️

mellow65 , Askar Abayev Report

Final score:

148points

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Rocky Horror Panda 1 year ago

1.5 years ago, I had AAA come to to my house to give my dead brother's car a jump. Our Mom had just died. That saintly AAA guy saved my life that day.

51points

#24

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was traveling to the National parks in Utah. In the hotel parking lot I noticed I had a flat. I was very flustered because I was worried about the cost of replacing the tire on top of the rental company charging me extra

As I was struggling with the tire, a group of Hispanic men came over to help me out to replace. They offered me a corona beer, and we all shared a beer, and they took me through the process, guiding me but still having me do most of the work on my own as a learning experience

They refused a tip at the end.

Edit-
I’ll also add that this was a formative moment for someone growing up in the wealthy white south. Growing up my only interactions or memories with people that were Hispanic were moments like my parents not letting us play outside when the neighbors had a Mexican lawn crew out, my parents complaints when the spanish speaking waiter messed up our order, etc.

Even though I wasn’t racist, that moment made me stop and think of my parents and people I grew up with in a different light. It made me go from “All races are fine” to “Wow my parents and the people I grew up with are a major problem”

mcinthedorm , FBO Media Report

Final score:

140points

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General Anaesthesia 1 year ago (edited)

Off topic but is this an Artificial Intelligence generated image? Take a look at the right hand through the rim, not on the tire?

16points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

Remember that kindness begets kindness, and that kind of mindset might just be the pivot you need to take the next step, which is to start from the smaller expressions of kindness: making eye contact and smiling, addressing people by their name and not forgetting to listen to hear instead of responding. In fact, sometimes just listening and not speaking can go a long way. Take a lesson from Forrest Gump.

#25

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers There was one year where I was in Spain on holiday with my family. We were staying in an apartment complex that had crane machines to win soft toys and prizes.

So one day my sister and I are downstairs playing on the machines but we didn't manage to win anything and ran out of money and a man who was sweeping and mopping the floors comes over and unlocks the machine and hands us both a Winnie the Pooh toy. Was one of the nicest things someone's done and I still remember it 20 years later.

doshninja , Lisa Fotios Report

Final score:

131points

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BPisaddictive 🇮🇹 🤌 1 year ago

Usually such machines are programmed to really close the hooks and grab a prize every n times. If you observe the machine while people tries to win you can guess how often this happens. Then you just play at the right moment. Unless it is set on random, you'll win every time. A friend of mine got her little girl the whole collection of Looney Tunes stuffed toys

25points

Lee Banks 1 year ago

This is how I spend my time at the laundromat. There's always going to be a kid who didn't have money to play, and I've got skills. Just leave the guys in the machine, so they find 'em when they check 'em.

2points

Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago

The guy who maintains the claw machines at my local club told me the one with the toys in it is set to automatically let you have a prize after a set number of tries (I think it was three). One day when I saw a kid have two tries and start to leave disappointed, I leaned over and said "hey kid - that machine always lets you win if you have three tries." So he tried again and sure enough he got a prize. Big smiles!

2points

Beachbum 12 months ago

Nice story, but so machines are so rigged!

1point

Dawnieangel76 12 months ago

Always go for the toy that has something to look over the claw. Their hands seem together, or a clothing strap, things like that. I won a knockoff Harry Potter plush by getting the claw through the glasses.

0points

Annabel Again 1 year ago

Buck the system

0points

Sarel Seerower 1 year ago

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Beach Bum 1 year ago

haha, pretty sure all the money they spent on those things payed for the harmless stuffed animals

12points

#26

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers On our one year anniversary, my husband and I went to a Restaurant and were sitting at the bar. A couple celebrating their 15th anniversary day right next to us. We got to talking and we ended up having a great conversation for 2 hours. The wife got up to go the bathroom and while she was gone the waiter came to collect our checks. He immediately returned our card to us and told us that the couple had paid our bill. (The wife didn’t actually go to the bathroom and was I stead paying our bill). She also wrote us a lovely note that we still have 5 years later!

A_hefty_beluga , Jep Gambardella Report

Final score:

130points

POST

Robert Trebor 1 year ago

For my 1st Christmas in the Navy, 1968, I took the train home from Chicago to New York. On my return trip, I went to the dining car, and basically ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, as I had limited money after 10 days of leave. I was seated with an upper middle-aged couple, and we had a nice conversation, until they got up to get off at Paoli, Pennsylvania. After they were gone, the car steward came over and asked if I wanted anything else, I said I couldn't, and he told me that the couple had told him to feed me. He asked how I wanted my steak. I had a great meal. I went back to my coach seat, and rode through the night, comforted by now having the money to go to breakfast. When I did, it too was paid for. The Conductor told me that the man was a director of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and had told them to look after me. He said that if there had been any space in a sleeping car, I would've been given it, but the train was full.

77points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#27

Driving on the highway, the car in front of me suddenly swerved to take an exit, and then tried to swerve back onto the highway, almost sideswiping me in the process. Luckily there was no one to my left, so I veered into the left lane and avoided an accident. A few moments later I’m passing her, and she very sheepishly looks up at me, kind of anticipating and expecting someone to cuss her out.

Well, I had just learned a new road trip trick. Flipping people off is stupid, but giving them a thumbs down REALLY stays with someone. It’s the “I’m not mad I’m disappointed” of the road. I had a huge a*s thumbs down queued up for this driver, but when I saw her face I immediately knew she didn’t mean to, she was embarrassed, and she already felt bad enough. So instead I flashed her a huge smile, dramatically and jokingly wiped sweat from my brow, and gave her a giant thumbs up. She smiled and laughed and honestly it’s one of my favorite moments in my life.

stronesthrowaweigh Report

Final score:

128points

POST

Julia H 1 year ago

Wish more people could try to assume positive intent. A buzz word used at my company. However, when I follow through I find I'm less frustrated. Good job stonsthrowaweigh

37points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

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“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

And if you want to start off even smaller and inch your way to victory, there’s also that option too. Be the one who says good morning in the office when you arrive, make someone laugh in a water-cooler conversation, help your parents with some household chores, praise someone for their work or ideas—heck, just complimenting people can put a smile on their face and break the ice inside you to do great things.

#28

I was in London and was supposed to be flying home that day. Walking down the street with my two suitcases towards the tube station nice and early on my way to Heathrow with plenty of time. Silly me didn’t realize that when the signs said there is going to be a tube strike on the day you fly home, that means the tube is COMPLETELY CLOSED. I thought it just meant delays or something. I don’t know. I start walking toward the bus station a few blocks away desperately trying to come up with a Plan B.

A young man comes up to me and offers to help carry my suitcases. He asks where I’m going, and I say Heathrow which is an hour away at this point and time until my flight is running short. It starts raining. He says you’ll never make it there on time on the buses. He calls me a cab, then finds a little awning where we can sit and wait for the cab and stay out of the rain. He lets me use his phone to transfer money to pay for the cab (mine didn’t have service outside my home country). We just sat and chatted for 30 minutes waiting for this cab, and he made me feel so much less panicked. I just couldn’t believe the kindness he showed to some random person on the street, and I’ve never been able to find him again online to thank him.

andria_rabs Report

Final score:

127points

POST

Eastendbird 1 year ago

Londoners have a bad reputation in the rest of the UK for being unfriendly. My experience is that, if you need help, they will step in and offer it.

36points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

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College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#29

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers When I was 16, I’d taken my mom’s old Pontiac Bonneville to the movies and I was in such a hurry that I forgot to turn off the lights. When I came out, the car was dead but someone left a set of jumper cables on the hood with a note that said, “I hope you make it home safely”. I’ve never ever forgotten about that. Since then I’ve tried to pay that kindness forward anyway I can.

Edit: Thank all of you for the awards. I was about 20mi from home and this was before cell phones were affordable so that person saved me that night. For those asking, I'm assuming the person came out and saw my lights on and maybe even saw them running low/flickering and knew there was a possibility they would burn out before I made it back to my mom's car. Even if my battery hadn't died, it was a nice gesture.

IDGAF_GOMD , Sinitta Leunen Report

Final score:

125points

POST

Julia H 1 year ago

Very cool. When it seems people are uncaring, someone shows us people do care

32points

#30

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I had a knock on my door and when I opened it, there was a stranger with a gift card to a local garden store for me. Apparently her kid had been pinching tulips from my garden every day to give to his mom and they wanted to pay for them, once they figured out whose garden they were coming from.

I had thought squirrels were doing it and had regretted planting them the year before, not being able to enjoy them! I spent the gift card on more bulbs!

Greenfireflygirl , Kristina Paukshtite Report

Final score:

117points

POST

Debbie 1 year ago

<3 The child for picking flowers for his mom (though it should not be from someone elses garden, but I picture it as him just wanting to surprise his mom / show her his love and not at one point considers that the flowers are someone elses).

49points

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

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“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

There is, however, one thing that is an even smaller gesture of kindness that means a lot to us, and that is your engagement in the community. So, be sure to leave us a comment sharing your takes on kindness and stories of good deeds in the comment section below. Remember, kindness begets kindness. You might be the first domino to initiate that in the comments.

#31

I was in the hospital, knowing I'd be there for at least a week, and possibly more. I was sick of hospital food, so I went downstairs to go across the street to the hospital Subway. I was pretty far back in the hospital - sixth floor, backside of the building, labyrinth of staircases and hallways to get out the front door. The walk from there to Subway took almost fifteen minutes, even though it was just across the street. I waited in line, got up to the counter to order, and realized I'd left my wallet in my room. (I ordinarily keep my wallet in my back pocket, but there was no need to in the hospital since I was in my room most of the time.) I was exhausted mentally by that point from the stay, told them I'd forgotten the wallet, and turned to make the trek all the way there and back again. All of a sudden, a nurse behind me bought my food for me, saving me the trip (and the money). I thanked him profusely. That was years ago, but I will never forget that act of kindness.

anon Report

Final score:

116points

POST

Anne35383 1 year ago

Nurses are the best! They are the kindest souls.

36points

MasteringTheFlames Report

#32

I could not even begin to pick a single one.

In August of last year, I loaded a bunch of camping gear onto my bicycle and spent the better part of the next seven months riding 5,300 miles around the US. Along the way, every single person I met wanted to be a positive part of my story in whatever way they were able. Many kind locals opened their homes to me for a night, providing me a warm bed, a hot shower, and their wonderful company over a delicious home cooked meal. Neighbors in the next campsite over would see me ride into camp on my bike with all its gear, and they'd come over to ask about my travels. I'd give them a summary of my trip up to that point, and the plan for the rest of it, and they would invite me to join them around their fire to trade their food and beer for my stories. It was absolutely incredible z and not a single day went by where I didn't feel the warmth and hospitality of at least one person.

When I started the trip, I was most looking forward to the beautiful natural scenery I would ride through, the National Parks and such I would camp in. And indeed, there were many such highlights of the trip. Watching the cliffs of South Dakota's Badlands glow pink in the evening light. The bright red leaves of autumn juxtaposed against the pure white backdrop of an early snowfall in the mountains of Montana. A mountain goat in the North Cascades of Washington, and waking up to the yips and howls of coyotes in Joshua Tree. Those are the types of things I most looked forward to.

But they aren't exactly what I look back on most fondly. Because there much more important detail of that evening in the Badlands, for example, is the fact that I shared it with some neighboring campers around their fire. After riding through that snow storm in Montana, a local opened his home to me for the evening, and the next morning, he allowed what was initially planned to just be an overnight stop to turn into a rest day while I waited for better weather. I never would've noticed that mountain goat had I not seen two other people looking at the top of a cliff with their binoculars. After I asked what they were looking at, we were chatting for quite a bit. They mentioned the they'd been coming to the North Cascades every year for 25 years and that was their first time ever seeing a mountain goat, but even so, they were eager to lend me their binoculars so they I could get a good look. And in Joshua Tree, I watched those coyotes run right past the campground while I was coming my breakfast on my neighbors' stove. My little stove had stopped working my first evening in Joshua Tree, so they allowed me to borrow theirs every evening and every morning so they I could have a warm breakfast and dinner.

I traveled across some very different parts of this country, and not just geographically different but culturally different as well. I met people from all walks of life, people who love spending their entire life in the urban chaos of San Diego, and people who prefer the quiet communities of small town Montana. But the one thing they all had in common was their desire to make my time in the areas they call home as warm and welcoming as possible. And for that, I will forever be indebted to each of the hundreds of people I met on my travels.

Final score:

114points

POST

Andrea Delden 1 year ago

I think that it's wonderful that you got so much from your trip. These memories will last your lifetime and down through your children's and grandchildren's lifetime as well!

20points

levitatingpenguins Report

#33

I had been living and struggling in NYC for three years, when my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I decided to move back down south to be closer and help out. It was a huge, scary, life-changing decision and I didn’t know if I was making the right call—I had been working in book publishing and trying to follow my dreams but it just wasn’t what I thought it would be.

On one of my last nights in town, I got into a cab to meet someone for dinner. The eerily prophetic cab driver just looked at me in the mirror and asked, “you are leaving this city for good?” I told him I was and he said “yes, you have met many fancy animals with human faces.”

As I got out of the car and said goodbye, he said “well, we have met before 1,000 years ago or so, and I expect we will again.”

I think about that guy a lot. And yes, moving was the right decision!

Final score:

111points

POST

Content Wombat 1 year ago

“yes, you have met many fancy animals with human faces.” Omg! That's brilliant!

60points

#34

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was using crutches at the time after an ankle injury. Got off the tram to go to uni and hobbled straight into a surprise Melbourne spring storm. Guy with very limited English walked me from the tram stop to my class, holding an umbrella over me the entire walk (about 10 minutes). One of those lovely, warm fuzzy memories.

-partlycloudy- , Pavel Danilyuk Report

Final score:

109points

POST

Tuesday 1 year ago (edited)

Melbournian here, I apologise for my city's unstable weather, but happy that it was a cause for something good for once!

32points

#35

35 Times People Had Unexpectedly Wholesome Encounters With Strangers I was going to a Starbucks to eat with a friend I met days ago. Suddently a stranger about my age asked me how to go to that exact same place, so I told him that I was going there too and we started a conversation while walking. When we got to the Starbucks, we sat at different tables and I waited for my friend. He didn't appear (because he had had some problems and finally he couldn't go). I asked the stanger if I could eat with him and he accepted. Now we are friends and we sometimes talk through our mobiles.

Edit: Grammar.
Nope, English isn't my first language but I'm still learning!

GrandJack23 , Pavel Danilyuk Report

Final score:

103points

POST

𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱 1 year ago

Your English is amazing for a second language

49points

Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

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I am a Visual editor at Bored Panda, I'm determined to find the most interesting and the best quality images for each post that I do. On my free time I like to unwind by doing some yoga, watching all kinds of movies/tv shows, playing video and board games or just simply hanging out with my cat

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What do you think ?

POST

Randy Sanders 1 year ago

Some days, BP really gets you in the feels. This is one of those days.

20points

PixieVonBehr 1 year ago

Ah these were really heartwarming to read (: About 10 years ago, I had a massive argument with my Nan whilst in the US (she's a cow but no time to explain lol) so I was crying on my own in the hotel room when the maid came in. She spoke no English, I spoke no Spanish, but she talked with a soothing mother's voice and held me as I sobbed. She then coaxed me into helping her change the bedsheets and tidy up to presumably take my mind off things. I think about her a lot and how she was everything I needed in that moment. Her sweetness and kindness transcended the language barrier.

13points

S Mi 1 year ago

Notice how many of these cost less than $25 and/or 10 minutes? The childhood ones seen to have especially long lasting impacts. Imagine if all children had a handful of these experiences? The world would change...

9points

AnkleByter 1 year ago

I love moments like these. I had it happen once when waiting with my kids to see santa. My middle kid had a feeding tube (mic-key). She was standing, her kangaroo pack (bigger than her) in the stroller. She ended up getting sick, and yanked the tube, it sprayed orange disaster. Most of the other parents gave me dirty looks, snide remarks, the usual about "that kid/family/mom". But 3 of them instantly ran over to help. One went and got cleaning assistance. One helped calm my kiddo down, closed her button and shut off the pump in what felt a second. One of them shot back snarky comments to the jerks while we got the situation under control. Honestly, it was a rough day before that anyway. I was walking a thin, sagging, wire, holding on by a broken toe. I got a lot of flack in public for daring to use her pump, or leave the house with her (and my other kids). Those 3 had no judgment and wasted not a second to help. I was so used to judgment. Adults can be cruel, but also sometimes kind!

5points

Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago

I'm 16, and sitting on the front steps at my aunt's house (long story why I'm living there). I'm crying because my cousin and her little friends have been bullying me yet again. It's her birthday and I'm resigned to being miserable. Little girl next door (who is only down occasionally as her folks are divorced) notices and asks what's wrong. No problem she says --it's my birthday and I'm having a party too! Come hang with us! I know it sounds difficult to believe. And I don't remember your name. But if your parents lived near the coast of NC around 1991 or so, thank you.

4points

Lee Banks 1 year ago (edited)

I was a kid, living in a VW bus with my mom and her partner. We were in west Texas in the middle of winter, and very much on the run. We stopped at some chain roadside diner to warm up. They ordered hot water, and a bowl of soup for me. The waitress picked up on what was going on. She spoke to her manager, and paid for us all to get the buffet. Laura changed my perspective on kindness that day. I wouldn't be the same without that moment . I hope she reads this story one day and knows what she meant to us. I will always always feed someone in need. Edit: Early 90's, if she opens to see this and remember.

3points

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Angels show up when needed. So glad for you.

0points

Jessica Jones 1 year ago

I (a woman) made a career change at 38 that involved me going to technical school with a bunch of 18-19 guys. (I never felt more like an adult.) At the end of the quarter, you have to take state exams to certify before you can move on. One guy was really struggling. Practically he was fine, but he was bad at written tests. He had taken this one test three times. I knew he just took it again and I asked him how he did. He said he passed and I slipped in to instant mom mode and said "Great, I'm so proud of you!" I got to witness this tough young guy break down because apparently that was the first time anyone told him that. I started a small study group and he got two more tests, enough to land his dream job.

2points

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Good on you for so many reasons.

1point

General Stukov 1 year ago

Damn onion ninjas really cutting up again!

2points

Stormblessed 1 year ago

For me, at the playground as a first grader I wanted to play with some boys on a spinny thing but they said no girls were welcome. Anyway, another boy came to us and he said that doing a thing like that wasn't kind. We became best friends for a while until he switched schools.

1point

Stardust she/her 1 year ago

A few months ago there was a PTM and I have this thing where I cry for the most basic things so I was crying after the PTM even though nothing much happened. My parents got called to speak with the coordinator over some stuff that happened in the last week and I was sitting outside and crying. A random lady just sat next to me and told me that everything will be fine. She tried to distract me by asking questions and all that. After that we left and I saw the lady smiling at me kindly outside the school gates

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Sorry, but what is a PTM?

0points

Celtic Pirate Queen 11 months ago

I got to the nail salon for my pedicure and there was an elderly woman sitting on the bench, seemingly not well. Okay. About halfway through my pedicure I asked what was up. Apparently her caregiver had a medical problem and was taken away by ambulance. I was outraged. So, you're just gonna let this little old lady sit here??? I took her home and discovered her name was Marcedes (the painter) we became good friends. She was 96 when we met and 101 when she passed away. I did go back to have my pedicure finished, but switched salons after that.

0points

Dawn Bodtke 1 year ago

As a practicer of RAK, I read these hoping maybe I was one of the helpers. Makes me want to do it some more.

0points

POST

Randy Sanders 1 year ago

Some days, BP really gets you in the feels. This is one of those days.

20points

PixieVonBehr 1 year ago

13points

S Mi 1 year ago

9points

AnkleByter 1 year ago

5points

Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago

4points

Lee Banks 1 year ago (edited)

3points

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Angels show up when needed. So glad for you.

0points

Jessica Jones 1 year ago

2points

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Good on you for so many reasons.

1point

General Stukov 1 year ago

Damn onion ninjas really cutting up again!

2points

Stormblessed 1 year ago

1point

Stardust she/her 1 year ago

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Sorry, but what is a PTM?

0points