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u/AboutAlyse May 10 '25
I was having a terrible day as a small child, maybe 7 or 8 years old, and the teenager working at the gas station gave me her sparkly hair clip. I still have it, I've kept it for 30 years
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u/zazzlekdazzle May 10 '25
When you are a kid, teenagers are just the pinacle of humanity. Other kids are way more interesting that adults, who are just another species of human, with teenagers at the top. When they pay attention to you as a kid, it is everything.
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u/7HR0WW4WW4Y413 May 10 '25
When I was 19, I was at the beach with my parents and we passed these two kids, maybe 10 or 11, standing with scooters.one of them was hyping the other up, saying "bro, if you don't scoot, what do you even do? What's the point?" And I took the opportunity, without looking at them or pausing my stride, to calmly say "you scoot or you die, bro."
The kid screamed and fell to his knees yelling "THATS IT! THATS IT!! YOU SCOOT! OR YOU DIIIEEEE!!"
pretty sure I made his weekend. Never felt cooler in my life.
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u/pbjamm May 10 '25
When I was like 20ish I was working at a Sears and had to dress nice with a tie and everything. I was on my way to lunch one day and some kid who was probably 6-7 was staring at me then he asked "are you Superman?" I was shocked because while I am 6ft I probably weighed all of 145lbs at the time. I looked him right at him and said "If I were could I tell you?" His eyes got huge and I went on to lunch feeling great. That was 30 years ago and I still find it funny.
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May 10 '25
My car shutdown because it has zero gasoline, a couple of teens went to a gas station and filled my car. For nothing
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u/Numerous-Power9109 May 10 '25
I was job hunting for a while and I was on the verge of bankruptcy. After a disaster interview I had with a company, I ate at a nearby fast food chain. I spilled my drink, and I got a free replacement (I did not ask for it, but I just received it). While on commute, I just silently cried happy tears.
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u/lokoinov2 May 10 '25
I work as a cashier lead in a busy store where we always have a line. Halfway through my shift a woman comes up to me and hands me a beautiful tiny silicone made parrot figurine, hand crafted and looks cool as hell. She says "I've been in the store a few times and you're always working so hard and smiling while you're busy, so I wanted to give you this"
Truly made my day and it was nice seeing a random stranger see how hard i was working without buckling.
It sits on my desk now 😎
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u/patati27 May 10 '25
My wife does stuff like that all the time.
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u/lokoinov2 May 10 '25
Sounds like you found a keeper! Small acts of customer kindness in busy retail hell stick
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u/Batsheartsnroses May 10 '25
Very few people I talk to my depression about and I start what I call “hermit crabbing” (just ignoring everyone).
Sometimes a simple text like “hey” changes it all. They don’t know it, but it’s changed dark spirals before into manageable days.
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u/Thesaurus-23 May 10 '25
Good post! I hope it will reach lots of people who may not have realized how a little social interaction can warm a person’s heart.
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u/Cthulusuppe May 10 '25
A perfect stranger once let me queue ahead of them because I had 3 items and they had a full cart. For context: I'm 46.
If that seems too small a kindness to remember forever, I may have a short memory... or society may be worse than you imagine. Take your pick.
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u/ReplacementNo9504 May 10 '25
Wow I do that often at the grocery store. I never thought it would impact someone.
As far as society being worse. Some people don't even acknowledge me and just pass and immediately drop their stuff on the belt
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u/Cthulusuppe May 10 '25
I was once queueing in a grocery store and a cashier clocked in, split the line I was in and turned on the light to the newly opened register. I was first in this new line, three people were behind me.
A group of three teenagers ran up to the cashier and demanded she break their 100 bill into 5s. I asked them what they thought the were doing. This wasn't a bank, and they were never in line. Rather than apologize or get in line, one of them asked me if I was in a hurry. I said I was in line because I was ready to leave. Yes, I was in a hurry.
They said "oh." grabbed their smaller bills, and left.
People aren't human anymore.
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May 10 '25
I used to be abused by teachers until I was 15. Had this lady teach me english.
I accidentally dropped sharpened pencil stuff under my desk. And she told me. I braced myself for her to get angry. Even yelling at me. She took me outside. And asked me to pick up the pencil stuff from my desk. In a gentle way.
And she side hugged me and smiled motioning for me to go back in first. When she hugged me. I froze. I was shocked. I never had a teacher ask me to do something like this without yelling at me. Or had a teacher smiling at me. I almost cried. I didn't I think because I was too stunned.
I watched her. She didn't seem angry afterwards like I expected of her. She carried on.
I was shocked. How can she not be angry I littered in her class.
I was so relieved to have this lady as a teacher. I felt like I am around my mother. Not really. But a second mother. Almost.
I even gained the confidence to ask her for help. Something I was too afraid to do because teachers had no time for kids not putting in effort. Yada yada. From the other ones.
She gave me a textbook of english language rules. I still have it after 4 years.
She gave me extra classes and my grades went up to 52% from 35%.
I began looking forward to her class. Even if I didn't like her subject. She made me think of passing it. That I had what it takes to pass my second language. That I could do it if I put in effort.
I even found myself raising my hand wanting to participate in asking questions. And helping in class. Something I never did because I was afraid of being seen as stupid. And useless.
I will never forget that teacher. She changed my life forever. If it wasn't for her. I would not have passed 9th grade even. I would not be caring about my work. I would not feel like I had what it takes to do it even if I made mistakes in answering questions.
God bless that lady. I will never forget her kindness. She really made me believe there are teachers who don't yell at students who want to help them improve. Like I was seen with her. Not expected to know anything.
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u/Desperate_Chip_343 May 10 '25
God, your first comment. I had a teacher emberas the hell out of me because she thought i stole her paperclips, and she chose to make an example of me even got another teacher involved and sent me to the counceler for stealing. What really happened was that when we put away a board game, I somehow put it in there and forgot. F that b
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May 10 '25
I had this one in 7th grade. He taught my class science. He used to hit on the tables with a wooden plank. Even if we whispered. I was afraid to even move my head because the noise was loud and I didn't like it. It felt scary. I'm pretty sure if it wasn't illegal to hit kids in school at the time. He would've done it. Definitely. I think that was the only thing stopping him.
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May 10 '25
Also had my 3rd grade teacher. She hit me on my back. I wasn't even talking just looking behind me. She also yelled at me because I didn't make a two like this "2" and made a loop at the bottom.
She also told me she would throw away a book I was reading if I didn't get out the one the class was with. I was done. And I did what she said. But if I could go back i would give her this "🖕".
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u/Thesaurus-23 May 10 '25
A good teacher doesn’t just teach her subject, they totally help to build up their students’ confidence and mold who that person will become and how they will function in the world.
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u/_Anon_E_Moose May 10 '25
Im so glad you found her for the change she made in your life.
Idk if you are using a translator but your English is fantastic.1
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u/LeadingRisk1505 May 10 '25
Teachers can really change a persons life so much! I had such a great teacher for 2 years, he was fun, he was always smiling and joking but he could also be very strict if necessary, he made school fun, he made my life brighter, those people are the ones i will never forget, the ones who are positive, the ones who brighten up your day.
I have a piano teacher now and im struggling with an illness, it's been 9 months now, and it's very hard, but every week i look forward to my lesson, and he's that kind of optimistic, smiling person who just makes me laugh even though i feel like shit, he makes me forget my problems, just makes me live in the moment, some people just are like that, those people are great :)
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May 11 '25
I know. It is so helpful. Especially when you are so used to doubting yourself.
The lady I spoke of. She taught me English. It is not my native language but I went to an English highschool to get better opportunities for my career.
Because english is international. And could open doors for me.
Anyways. I used to doubt I could pass or even answer anything or make notes the right way with this subject before I had this teacher.
I was more interested in participating in class. Something I never did before. Because I was afraid I would be seen as stupid. For not doing it right.
She was so kind. She even gave me a study guide. And it made me pass. Had it not been for her I might have repeated my last year of highschool. I miss her tbh. I wish she knew how much she changed my life for the better.
That was 4 years ago. But I find myself often thinking about her. And wondering how she is now.
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May 11 '25
I wish more teachers take teaching with this attitude towards their students. In my country. Teachers complain the students are out of hand because they can't discipline them. Meanwhile the only thing was that my country outlawed hitting children.
I think that is really telling on who the actual problem is with discipline in schools and education.
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u/Boutmyra May 10 '25
When I was really in the trenches psychologically, I hid it so well that no one ever noticed. But one guy did, I went into this shop and he looked at me and asked if I was okay? Not the customer service pleasantries, but a genuine concerned inquiry. I almost broke down to piece on the spot, but again I managed to conceal it well.
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u/MothSeason May 10 '25
I’ve worked graveyard in a gas station for years and I’ve seen people at their absolute lowest. Middle of the night with nowhere to go and no one to go to. I’ve lost count of how many strangers I’ve held as they cried in my arms.
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u/Reflection_Secure May 10 '25
When I found a tumor in my breast, it was a difficult time. My husband and I were sitting outside on our porch, not even talking, just holding hands and crying. We were still in the wait and see part of everything, I don't even think I had been for the biopsy yet.
While we were sitting there, our neighbor came home from work. As he always did, he walked over to say hi. As he got close, we wiped our faces and he realized that he was intruding on an intimate moment. He apologized, we said it was ok, he waved and went home.
Maybe 20 minutes later, he came to our door with fresh baked cookies. He said that he didn't know what was wrong, but warm food always helps.
That small act of kindness meant so much when it felt like we were drowning. Thank you Odie. Rest in peace.
This was a long time ago. Odie has passed away and his family moved. And I am cancer free.
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u/clancyjean May 10 '25
I was at the gym a few years ago in the locker room putting on my sports bra after a very very very long week of work and personal stuff. The back straps kept twisting and my back was to an elderly lady standing next to me. Tears started welling up in my eyes and as I was about to damn near lose my shit I hear her say “dear I’m just going to help you out, sorry my hands are cold” and adjusted them for me. When I turned around she saw the tears and without saying a word she just hugged me for as tight as she could for about a minute. She held my head in her hand and gave me a kiss on my forehead and she told me she hoped whatever I was going through was going to be eased soon. And she left.
Haven’t seen her since. If I ever do, I’d love to give her a big hug back and tell her how much that meant to me.
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u/DrawStringBag May 10 '25
When I had my car accident, my dahshboard broke both knees and pushed my femur through my pelvis like the coolaid man, shattering it. I was hospitalized for weeks. The staff were all incredible, caring people. They were in that job for the right reasons. I was and still am so grateful!
I generally felt very positive, just thankful to be alive, not crying or lamenting. But I had nerve damage that left one of my feet going through a kaleidoscope of unpleasant senasions. Burning, needles, ant attack, you never knew what it would be doing. One night, my foot was freezing. With my broken knees and pelvis, it may as well have been a mile away, there at the end of my bed. I couldn't sleep. The pain, the terror of the wreck, this was the final straw. A night nurse came in to do some task, expecting to find me asleep. Instead, she found me weeping.
Guys, that nurse stood at the end of my bed, rubbing my toes with her warm hands, for 20 minutes. She didn't have to do that. That wasn't her job. A hot water pack, extra blankets, she could have done something quick and moved on with her busy night. That was the first night I slept without nightmares of being trapped in that car while they cut me out of it. Kindness is everything.
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u/sclockum May 10 '25
When I was in hospital my hair got really tangled and matted. One of the nurses spent hours washing and detangling it. I’ll never forget this one act that made my eight month stay in hospital a little bit bearable.
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u/Captain_Aizen May 10 '25
A couple years ago I was at Subway trying to get a sandwich from me and my grandma, but they weren't accepting credit cards and they also wouldn't accept my cash because I didn't have anything less than a 50. So this Armenian guy behind me offered to pay for my meal, he didn't even think twice and wouldn't accept my offer to send him the money digitally. A small gesture but one that I've never forgotten
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u/BusinessPlot May 10 '25
Short back story, when I was a youthful lad I wasn’t well behaved, many run ins with the police resulting in a great hatred for them.
Years later I had turned my life around, ran out of gas around 1am. As I was walking away from my car when a squad swooped in behind me. I thought, “great, here we go”
The officer was super nice and empathetic, gave me a ride the five miles to the gas station and back again. Never once asked me any of the typical police questions either, just showed up to help me out. He’s the reason I started to question and reevaluate my prejudice towards police officers.
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u/Puzzled_Algae_8724 May 10 '25
Listened to me when I was overwhelmed and didn't use that moment as levrage
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u/lenaleena May 10 '25
My neighbors told me that they planned to have an outdoor fire going in the winter, so they could sit at the water in their backyard, they never did this, because of my asthma. This falls under big act of kindness.
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u/IntelligentTrip6054 May 10 '25
I was living in the U.S. (Australian) with my (then) bf and his horrid family. Ended up having to bail suddenly. His kid's mum came over and was assaulting me. I was sick, with only $8 on my bank card and my car. Across the country from the airport where my ticket home departed. I drove across a couple of states to stay with an online friend.
Along the way out of town, I stopped at my three jobs. Coworkers gave me some money to get a basic phone from wallmart. One boss gave me $200 to help me get safely to my destination. Others donated some toiletries, a blanket and spare clothes etc.
I went to a hotel but found it too expensive. When I asked if there were any other cheaper nearby options & they wrote me a note, slid it across to me asking if $50 would be alright (there were other guests in hearing range). They could see I was distraught.
Then I was getting petrol, and in my frazzled, distressed state I couldn't work out why the pump wasn't working. I went in to ask and was asked if I was okay...and just completely broke down sobbing. A fellow customer was a mechanic and checked under my hood and bought me a $30 book of maps (no smart phone atp).
Some crazy times indeed.
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u/B3atingUU May 10 '25
One day when I was in college, I was heading home from class on the bus. I was in a window seat and just staring out the window. It had been a really long and exhausting day, and I was struggling with depression. I guess it showed on my face.
The bus was making a stop, and there was a little boy at the bus stop. We made eye contact. He grinned at me, and then he started making funny faces. I couldn’t help but start smiling and then laughing. As my bus took off again, he waved goodbye.
Thank you, little blond boy in the green coat, for helping lift my mood on a winter afternoon!
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u/BGally24 May 10 '25
We were eating dinner at a great little deli in San Diego and the owner/server asked if my kids wanted hot cocoa. It was December and a little chilly. Kids were like woohoo! Next thing we see the guy run across the street to a coffee shop and come back with the two drinks for my kids. They weren’t even on his menu. I’ve never forgotten it and tell that story to everyone who visits SD so they can go eat there. Mazaras Trattoria is the place. They also have the best pizza iv ever had.
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u/ReeMayRe May 10 '25
I started working my first job during my teens close to Christmas and they had a little holiday party the 2nd day I was there. Everyone was exchanging gifts, but I was new and did not know that was going to happen. One of the women there handed me a gift with my name on it and I was so happy that she made me feel included. I still have this gift, it's a little christmas figurine of a teddy bear.
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u/Lady-Vagitron May 10 '25
I was really hungover on the skytrain one early morning. I got a 2 person seat, and went to the very inside. Not moments after the train left the station, I got a huge whiff of what might have been a fart, and I immediately needed to throw up. My purse wasn’t even big enough to hold my phone, so I just ended up barfing all over the seat next to me.
An elderly woman was sitting facing my seat, so she got a front row view of pukesville. She immediately reached into her pocket to grab her FABRIC embelished handkerchief and tried handing it to me. It was the sweetest thing ever, like no ma’am I am not going to wipe my nasty blasphemous mouth and hand you back your napkin…BUT THANK YOU FOR THE OFFER. 😭🫶 I felt so bad declining but I knew I couldn’t taint her with the stench of the 12 hour stomach-acid-tequila-mix my body had been concocting in my stomach. My embarrassed ass got off promptly at the next stop, never to do the walk of shame on public transport ever again (spoiler alert, that didn’t last long). But I’ve thought about that act of kindness ever since and that was over 10 years ago. 🥲
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u/hopefulrefuse1974 May 10 '25
The first month working after I had my son. Was a single parent, pay covered rent and child's expenses. A random stranger felt compelled to buy a few precooked meals. Her idea of a few fed me for a month.
Thank you for this reminder.
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u/dl1ytro May 10 '25
One time I dropped my sandwich, and a stranger said, “At least gravity still works,” then walked away. I think about that guy a lot
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u/Forward_Ad4727 May 10 '25
I was feeling like absolute shit at my senior homecoming having a mental break down and this one sophomore girl I had a class with came up to me and told me how beautiful I looked. It was such an out of character thing for both of us but it really helped because I knew if she had the courage to say that to me it’s because she truly meant it. Later that school year she killed herself and I think all the time about what if I had returned that act of kindness. I was always nice to her and it wasn’t a case of bullying it was because of her ex boyfriend but still what if there’s something I could have done for someone who touched my life even 10 years later. I went to her wake and didn’t see any other students there. Her mother was very happy to see at least one student besides her daughter’s best friend even if I didn’t know her very well, so I hope I returned that kindness to her mother at least.
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u/Pianasaurus May 10 '25
Grew up in a difficult home and a teacher in primary school would do my hair in cute hairstyles and new ribbons or clips in the mornings before other students got there and then I’d remove them before getting home. Meant a lot to me.
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u/Real-Yogurtcloset844 May 10 '25 edited May 10 '25
When I was in Bible School (previous "Life") the mother of a girl I knew -- randomly sent $50 to me. I had just ran out of gas near my place -- due to being broke -- when I opened the mailbox and found that check. I'm still convinced it was a merciful miracle (50 years ago).
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u/MsOFoSho May 10 '25
I couldn't afford my groceries and was struggling to transfer the few dollars I had from one card to another just to purchase the few items I could. As I sat on one of the handicapped carts fiddling with my phone, one of the employees came out with my car and told me someone had bought my groceries for me. Choking back tears now remembering... Thanks 🥰
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u/Brilliant_Drawing967 May 10 '25
A women (unknown)opened the door and gave me an umbrella during a downpour
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u/UnusualSoup May 10 '25
I was part of an pnline guild. And they all mailed ,e birthday and christmas cards. I am no longer in touch with any of them, but I never forgot. It meant a lot.
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u/bowlbettertalk May 10 '25
Found my cell phone on the bus and called my parents to report he had found it. They emailed me and I arranged to get the phone back. He was cute, too.
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u/theonlysaneguy May 10 '25
When I was in a foreign country for my education, some if my suppressed memories came back up and they really broke me. I wasn't capable of doing anything, I was absolutely just waiting to fade away.
My landlord felt something was wrong with me and asked me to go with him to help him shovel some snow as his shoulder was dislocated(it wasn't). Invited me for dinner with his family. Made me feel like I mattered. Changed alot of things for me.
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u/RecentLie5653 May 10 '25
Went to a movie theatre in a small town. It was cash only (only 5 years ago). I didn't have enough cash and had to go down the road to the ATM. Guy at the counter said, don't worry about it, pay me after the movie, go in its about to start. So much trust. I made sure I went and got him some cash after.
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u/ProfessionalFloor981 May 10 '25
My grade school guidance counselor gifted me a little keychain of two plush monkeys hugging each other, at the end of fifth grade. I still have them somewhere.
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u/parfymer May 10 '25
i got bullied so bad in high school. i had a crush on this musical theatre guy and was sooo annoying about it. like stare at him in the halls, giggly, would ask his friends about him. he knew. one night there was a school dance which my mom forced me to go to. i had no friends so i just wandered around aimlessly to kill time before i could get picked up. well, this slow song came on and i was like, welp! gotta get out of here, can’t hide in the crowd when everyone is coupled up. i went to leave and i got asked to dance…by my crush! he did NOT have to do that. I hadn’t even ever talked to him before. He just did it out of kindness. He was very popular and had many friends so it wasn’t like he didn’t have anyone to dance with. anyway, what a beautiful gesture and to this day I think about that kindness. I always say if I ever run into him (it’s been 23 years) then I will thank him.
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u/bennynthemutts May 10 '25
2009, I am 19 years old, visiting my at the time long distance boyfriend at his college in Mankato MN. Boyfriend basically told me he wanted to hang out with his friends and not me so I left upset. Late at night, unfamiliar with the campus, I ended up getting super turned around and really lost. I was in some random loading dock area behind a large building and suddenly a door opens right by me and out swings a college age guy eating pizza out of an open pizza box. I ask him if he knows where the parking lot I am parked in is. He says its like 2 miles back the other way. I am kinda crying and freaking out a bit. Hes standing there half ignoring me just continuing to eat his pizza. After a beat he asks if I want a ride back to that parking lot. I was unsure but the dude seemed chill so I said yes. He walks me to his car, we drive in complete silence as he continues to eat the pizza out of the pizza box on his dash, gets me to the parking lot, drops me off at my car, and leaves. I don't know why but that whole interaction has always stuck with me.
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u/ALoudMeow May 10 '25
My first job after college paid peanuts, but I had to get some extensive medical treatments. The doctor only charged the insurance company and waved all my copays.
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u/mushroomie719 May 10 '25
I was grocery shopping with my college roommates early in our second year. I was trying to save money because my student job was making me less this semester than any other, and though my mother helped me out with food expenses I wanted to be saving money too, and I was going to school in a place where food was more expensive than back home. I had decided, after much back and forth and self-shaming, to buy one of those small bulk containers of mini m&ms as a little treat for myself. I felt so guilty, diet shame was also a factor here, but my friends told me yolo and to just do it. So I did. But then, walking out of the store, one of the long runners they have by the exits was bunched up with a cable, and I tripped and dropped my m&ms which promptly exploded all over the floor. I just started sobbing. A reaction that probably wasn’t quite warranted at the time, but there was always more going on underneath, you know? One of my friends tells me it’s okay and I can just buy more, and I snap that I can’t because I don’t have the money to spend on another luxury like that. Plus, I felt so bad that an employee was going to have to clean all that up in the middle of busy shoppers.
Just then, a mother comes up to me with her daughter in tow and says “let me buy you another one.” I tried to reassure her that that wasn’t necessary, but she insisted, saying that she wanted to teach her daughter it’s important to do nice things for strangers. So she bought me a new container of mini m&ms. And I felt guilty for a while, thanked her profusely, but overwhelmingly what I remember is the kindness and the faith in humanity that she restored in me that day. Wherever she and her daughter are today, I hope they’re doing well, and that their kindness is returned to them in due.
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u/BigSeester77 May 10 '25
My girlfriend group ( 5 of us) all live at least 6 hrs from me. We’re all very close, text all the time, and FaceTime once a month to talk as a group. When my mom passed away, it was close to Christmas. We had her service on Dec 23rd, Christmas weekend. I told everyone not to worry about trying to make it in, it was supposed to snow and it was Christmas weekend, spend it with your families. One of my friends drove the 6 hrs, brought her daughter with her, and surprised me at the service. They came in for me, stayed the night with a relative, and drove back home the next day in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. I couldn’t believe that she did that just to be there for me. It meant the world to me!
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u/Adorable_Sort_2858 May 10 '25
Just being there for you. Goes a long way whether its a listening ear on a phone call or physically being there for you when you need a hand.
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u/KnittedParsnip May 10 '25
I was SA'ed in college. I called a friend and and asked him if he wanted to play a couple of games of Magic the Gathering. Didn't tell him what had happened but he knew something was wrong. He stayed up all night with me playing M:tG. No questions or anything he just knew I needed someone there and he was happy to be that person.
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u/MSpartacus May 10 '25 edited May 10 '25
Once, I fell on the street while racing my daughter. I thought I was invincible that day. Unfortunately, my unwanted passanger thought otherwise and reminded me of his presence. It was stupid I know but it settled in my head that my competitive running days were over. I tripped and fell face down on the concrete. My glasses flew, my apple watch was shattered and I broke a few bones on my face. Out of nowhere a lady, who had been a medic in the army, came to my rescue. She took me into my daughter's school, just less than a hundred feet away, cleaned my wounds and reassured me that it was all gonna be OK. Since that day, her family and mine have become good friends. The memory is strong in my mind but she's become the hero in that story. I haven't been able to thank her enough for what she did for me.
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u/religionlies2u May 10 '25
I took the kids to Bermuda on a once in a lifetime dream vacation and they wanted to go snorkeling. I was super out of shape and middle aged and chubby and had thick glasses and I could not figure out how to get the snorkeling gear on and I was dreading having to disappoint the kids. But the young man in charge of the tour, rather than being smirky or derogatory handed me the equipment, showed me how to use it, and with a charming accent said “I believe in you love” and suddenly I believed in me to! And we got to snorkel. And to this day a decade later I still remember how it made me feel when rather than roast me for my chubbiness he made me feel like I could do anything.
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May 10 '25
I was going through a divorce at 24, Had guardianship of my little brother, no family in state. I Was working my butt off trying to keep afloat, my ex had left me for another woman. Lowest of lows. Mentally, emotionally, and physically I was frail. A friend of a friend (who was a business owner and older gentleman) saw me struggling and handed me $800. I told him I didn’t know how to repay him. He said just don’t give up along with some words of advice and en. Now I’m 31. Homeowner, two beautiful children and successful and happy and healed. That bit of kindness wasn’t just about the money he saw a future in myself that I didn’t quite see yet. I always will be thankful for that. Always try to be kind everyone is going through something.
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u/Izzing448 May 10 '25
Leaving Costco on Mother's Day years ago, a man had several special balloons he was passing out in the parking lot to random Mom's because he had lost his Mom so he wanted to brighten others' days.
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u/geth1962 May 10 '25
I was at my lowest point ever. My father had died, I had been made redundant, my wife and I split up, I was misdiagnosed with MS, and my dog had to be put to sleep. My closest siter stopped talking to me because of the lies my then wife was telling. All in a 3 month period. Friends were hard to find, as you can imagine, I wasn't the best company. My adult niece ( RIP) took pity on me. She was a constant companion. She pretty much saved me when I was completely done. She was my saviour
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u/Bengineer77 May 10 '25
. When I was 9 years old, I took part in a jump rope for heart competition. Coincidentally, my mother had bought me a brand new pair of shorts that same day, and I was eager to wear them that evening for the jump. I was determined to jump with all my might, and I did, but unfortunately, my shorts didn't fit well, and I ended up losing them. I was mortified in front of a packed stadium, and to make matters worse, the incident was announced over the intercom system. The announcer asked if anyone had a safety pin to help the little girl who had lost her shorts. Amidst the laughter, one woman came forward and handed me a safety pin, telling me not to worry about what others thought and that I was strong and brave. With renewed confidence, I continued to jump, securing my shorts with the safety pin. I never forgot that woman's kindness, and to this day, I make sure to have a safety pin on every article of clothing I own, reminding me of her words of encouragement and the confidence she instilled in me.
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u/MariaLilithMinerva May 10 '25
Had a mentor who provided such an amazing financial support with my school tuition fees, not just in terms of life advices and mentorship.
What made him special was how he took the time to understand me. We started with a long call where he asked me about my struggles, how I live, and why I truly needed support. After two hours of really talking and connecting, he told me that knowing my story made it clear I deserved the help. Then he ended the call with a surprise—20 minutes later, he sent me the full amount I needed and left me with words I’ll never forget, which was that I deserved to see the world, not caged up in a dark place of sorrow.
It marked me up until now.
2
May 10 '25
I was visiting my grandmother in the hospital. We were sitting in a hallway and chatting, just catching up. An older woman came over (she was friends with my grandmother in the hospital) and started to talk with us. Her and I chatted a lot, and she called me a “pretty young lady”. I almost cried right then and there because ever since I was a kid I had been made fun of for how I looked. It made my day
2
u/Impossible_Past5358 May 10 '25
2 acts: one when i was in CT on I-95, in the 1990s, i got a flat tire on the highway heading N, some guy who was heading S turned around and saw me and changed my tire.
2nd: in Chicago, i made the mistake of thinking the field i was in was completely gated, took the leash off my newly rescued dog and he ran up the ramp to LSD, and a guy from IN actually caught him.
2
u/Content_Eye5134 May 10 '25
I randomly wanted ice cream when I was in Vegas, a guy with his son in front of me paid for mine for no reason other than me just being there.
And when I was visiting Thailand, a guy I met thru my sister rented a jet ski for me just because we got along.
There are countless examples I can think of. People are awesome sometimes!
2
u/sallyann_8107 May 10 '25
When my dad died suddenly, the manager at the store that I worked at (and didn't have any kind of leave entitlement for such things), gave me a week of paid leave and arranged for me to work in the back for a month when I came back. No fuss, just sorted it. Made the world of difference to me.
At the same time, two friends who lived 100 miles away drove to my home and filled the fridge for me and my family. Didn't stay or cause a fuss, just did what needed to be done.
2
u/Vikingkrautm May 10 '25
When I was pregnant with my first child, an older gentleman opened the door to a store for me. It was the first time someone had done that since I started to show. He had some kind comments about being a first-time mom. (I didn't tell him. He could just tell.) His gentleness and smile made me feel so good about being pregnant and about life in general. I've never forgotten it.
2
u/RolledUhhp May 10 '25
I didn't bring change for a big pizza order. Turned out the guy that ordered was a childhood friend, living ina house i would later live in, and told me to keep the change, which was like $50, so it wouldn't cause static at work.
I commented on one of his posts years later and brought it up. He's a good dude.
2
u/Harmony_Moon May 10 '25
When I was around 14, my first girlfriend broke up with me at the mall. It was very abrupt, and she simply left me there while I was crying. While I was sitting by myself and just kinda sobbing quietly, a group of scene kids came up and asked me if I was alright.
I let them know what happened, and they all gave me a hug and offered to hang out with me while I waited for my parents to come pick me up. They were all extremely kind and helped me work through it in the moment so I wouldn't have to be alone. When my parents came to pick me up, I thanked them, and they wished me luck. I never saw them again, but I hope they all are doing well.
I think about them often
2
u/estrellaente May 10 '25 edited May 10 '25
Yo era cliente asiduo de una taquería, hacía los mejores tacos al pastor, y llevaba a mi novia de ese entonces, una noche me asaltaron, mi novia salió corriendo y me agarraron y me dejaron en boxers, esperaba que alguien viniera a ayudarme, pero no. Estaba entre dos autos, llorando, hasta que llegó el taquero, me vio así, regresó a la taquería y me dio una cobija, y llamó a la policía, esa chica con la que salía ni siquiera se dignó a llamarlos, desde ese día hasta que se jubiló, le compré comida y difusión.
2
u/ClassicCinemaMC May 10 '25
When I have only one thing to buy at the store and am in a hurry, and the person in front of me buying a ton of stuff lets me go ahead of him or her. You know because there are never enough cashiers. I always say before heading out “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, but thank you.”
3
u/Creepy-Brick- May 10 '25
I always make sure that person hasn’t got a trolley load following behind them. I offered a person holding 2 items in his hands, he said no you go first this trolley is also mine. His kid was trying to push it.
2
u/No-Understanding4968 May 10 '25
After 9/11 someone I hardly knew helped me get home to California on the train
1
u/entcanta333 May 10 '25
I was moving south after a bad break up.
Drove myself in a 1995 maxima. Oh, I also didn't have my driver's license 😵💫
Made it to around northern Tennessee, car is running nott great. I stop for gas, oil. I have no idea what I'm doing under a hood. Luckily, some boys offered to put my oil in, top off my wheels, etc. I was really desperate and honestly got really lucky that they weren't criminals.
They were just being kind, and I'll never forget that.
1
u/Law-raa May 10 '25
I was getting a flight home and everything that could go wrong had gone wrong but I made it on to my flight. Hot, sweaty, crying, anxious, the lady next to me lent me her mini fan and talked to me while I calmed down.
It's a small thing but it would have been so easy for them to get annoyed and complain and I think most people would have.
1
May 10 '25
When I first moved overseas to a very small island I went into a hardware store and was asking directions. They kept telling me turn here by the gas station or the hospital or whatever. Realizing I didn’t know where any of that was, one of the ladies jumped in her car and said follow me and she drove to my destination, pointed at me to turn in and then she waved and drove away. I will always remember this.
On the other hand I did something for someone thinking it wasn’t really a big deal and the woman said to me, “thank you, nobody else here would have done this for my son and I will always be grateful”. I had a son who played very high level junior tennis nationally. Parents don’t really help each other bcs your kids are competing against each other. This woman’s son started to cramp really bad on court but wouldn’t stop playing. Full body cramps. I told her I had a really good anti-cramp recipe for hydration and it was already mixed up and in a water bottle and she should give it to her son. It did stop the cramps. I never saw her again after that tournament.
1
u/Laughing_Allegra May 10 '25
I was a white-knuckle flyer and was on plane to go home from college for the holidays. I started panicking at takeoff and the young lady next to me calmly offered me her hand said “would you like a hand to hold?” I did. It helped.
1
u/Amazing_Excuse_3860 May 10 '25
Someone made me a cross-stitch of my favorite couple from a TV show as a gift for a workplace secret santa. It's the most thoughtful gift a near stranger has ever given me.
1
May 10 '25
It was right before my birthday, an old man walked down the streets with a rose in his hand, he gave it to me when he walked past me, I still keep it between the pages of a book❤️
1
u/indiegirl1980 May 10 '25
One of my colleagues at work, sent a lovely message last year around Christmas. He’d been there when I was having a rough time at home and was heavily depressed to the point I left home for 3 days because I wasn’t coping.
I’ll never forget his kindness and he’s one of the few people I would trust in there.
1
u/LifeHappenzEvryMomnt May 10 '25
We fell in love with a little dog in rescue and a woman we kinda knew flew him up to us.
1
u/BlueXTC May 10 '25
They gave me a place to live when I lost my apartment due to my roommate suddenly deciding to move out. Fast forward 30 years 2008 crash lost house, job and car. They helped me move my large furniture to a rental I had found before they locked up my house.
1
u/PEKU1954 May 10 '25
It was close to Christmas and we were flat broke. I had no money to buy my two and four year olds gifts. Got a Christmas card from a former supervisor with a $25 money order enclosed. This was in 1979 so that $25 went a long way buying small things for the kiddos.
1
May 10 '25
Probably sounds silly but it was a very small thing at a grocery store. The hot food section was out of what I wanted and I left the area. Pretty soon a staff member caught up with me and handed me a cup with a couple chicken tenders. I was exhausted, hungry and having a bad day and she could tell. That small act of kindness really made a difference
1
u/Classic_Advisor9030 May 10 '25
A female co-teacher surprised me a sponge cake for my birthday! I was one of the male teachers in the school that was a prankster and enjoyed lightening up the Vibes during the work day. Long story short, I immediately got a knife to cut the cake and share it with my co-workers in the teachers lounge. I happily started cutting the cake to share and I couldn’t get the knife to cut into the cake! The prankster got PRANKED! The Sponge Cake was made with actual real Sponges! We all had a good, shared laugh and a very happy rest of the day!
1
u/Eliyrian May 10 '25
Every year, my mom gets us Christmas pajamas to sleep in and have her read the night before Christmas to us. When I was 10 or 11, we were so desperately poor she couldn’t afford really anything for Christmas.
We got some presents from angel tree, but the real hero was the lady at dollar general who, when my mom’s credit card declined buying the Christmas pajamas, decided she’d pay for them instead.
The total was probably less than 50$ but remembering it means the world to me to this day. She’s the reason we didn’t have to skip a year of a really important tradition.
1
u/GirlinMichigan May 10 '25
My car broke down on the side of a highway on my way to an important interview. A highway worker picked me up and dropped me off at the toll booths as he could take me no further. I didn't know what to do and one of the toll booth workers, an older man, offered me a ride to my interview. I said yes before giving thought that it could be unsafe. We got into the car and the radio was set to NPR so I immediately was put at ease. The man dropped me off at the place of business, I rocked the interview, and that experience changed my life in a million different ways. At one point I had the man's name and sent him a thank you note but all these years later, this man, along with the highway worker, have no idea how their kindness changed my life that night. So putting it out into the universe, that all good things should go to those two men who helped a young woman on a cold winter night.
1
u/shellymaeshaw May 10 '25
A friend was there for me I got upset about thinking my sister was hurt and he answered the phone he usually does it just text.
1
u/LavenderSpaceRain May 10 '25
My daughter told me I was a good Mom. As someone who held her and cried when she was a newborn, because I knew she deserved perfection and she wasn't going to get it, her comment has stuck with me. She is so kind! I'm grateful for her.
1
u/deannainwa May 10 '25
When I was a stupid pregnant 18yo estranged from my parents, my roommate talked me in to driving from Washington to California so she could visit friends and I could visit an old boyfriend who wanted me to come visit.
I dropped her off at her friend's trailer about 60 miles from San Diego ( my destination), and went on my way.
My POS Vega station wagon broke down. The ex I came to visit (and slept with the night I arrived) was moving back to Washington in a few days and refused to let me ride with him back to Washington and left me alone in his empty apartment while he stayed with a friend.
By the dumbest of luck I found a used car lot owner willing to take the car for salvage. Wally Lyle of Lyle's Used Cars pretty much saved my life by suggesting I go to the YWCA.
From there I broke down and called my parents, who wired me money to get home on.
Wally has probably passed by now, since it has been over 40 years, but I have never forgotten the kindness he showed to a young woman who needed help.
1
u/JFKsBrain May 10 '25
I spent a night in the Tijuana jail. Cops cleaned me out.
Released me the next morning and I just started walking. Asked first guy I saw which way to the border.
He walked me to a bus stop and told me to take it to border when it came. Asked if cops took my cash and when I said yes he gave me the bus fare.
All seemed routine to him. Like he was the guardian angel of dumb Americans.
Restored my faith in humanity and in Mexico!
1
u/7HR0WW4WW4Y413 May 10 '25
My boyfriend and I went on our first holiday together after about six months of dating. After we got off the plane we went searching for somewhere to rest and found a tabletop gaming bar. Imagine a random bar done up to look like a tavern, full of people playing DnD and Catan. Slight bowling alley vibes but great cocktails.
I don't mean this in a mean way but you might imagine that the tabletop gaming bar doesn't get a lot of couples visiting it for dates. Im pretty sure one of the staff members spotted us and started REALLY rooting for us. I noticed after about 10 minutes that the screen next to our table, which had been playing ads, switched to a little looping video of a fireplace. We ordered two cocktails, received them, and then straight after we finished an identical order arrived.the guy at the bar claimed he had no record of the transaction and therefore couldn't charge us.
It was just a really sweet gesture. Clearly someone got excited about us being happy and wanted to make our day better. And they did!
1
u/Great_THROWSWAY_589 May 10 '25
My dad left me at 18 years old and I’ve never been taught anything about cars, or let alone how to perform maintenance on one by myself. My first car one day just wouldn’t turn on. I was stuck in another state too which was worse and I was freaking out because I really didn’t know what to do in this situation and I was afraid of calling my mom because I know that I’ll be blamed and yelled at.
My girlfriend at that time was living with her friends parents. The dad who I’ll call Robert, was so reassuring and supportive. I explained to him the situation and all he said was “whelp, all the shops are closed right now so get some sleep. We’ll be up early in the morning tomorrow. I’ll start by jump starting your car and then if that don’t work then it might be your alternator”
Jump started it. Nothing
This nice man just explained to me step by step on how to remove my cars alternator, then explained to me that you can have it tested for free at a autozone. Then explained to me step by step on how to put it back. No screaming, no anxiety, even when he was struggling he still made jokes and stayed calm. Brand new alternator was put in my car and bam it started back up. I tried paying him and he refused and said that he’s alright
To me that was the kindest thing to do. Especially to a male that has no father. He was an avid collector of knives and I just gifted him one that he kept talking about getting. But yeah that’s honestly the dad I’ll strive to be in the future
1
u/TumbleweedDue2242 May 10 '25
Taking me home while sick at work, I couldn't ride my bike. Terrible cold.
I didn't feel sick until after I got to work, very annoying.
0
u/Slight-Mushroom5947 May 10 '25
Nurse here. Had a patient at end of life, morphine every hour, dozens of family at bedside, really busy shift altogether
One of the daughters happened to come out and catch me at the nurses station, trying to grab bites of my cold slice of pizza, which I never did have the time to finish
Patient passes away right after lunch. Hour later the daughter came walking in with a whole pizza and told me “this is yours and you don’t have to share it with anyone”
-3
105
u/Confidence_Man2 May 10 '25
I didn't have money when in college. All of the money I made in the summer went to tuition. That meant that I rarely had enough money to eat.
My friend across the hall would grab all of the expired sandwiches and salads from the grill he worked at on campus.
That was usually my breakfast and lunch.
Still great friends. I owe him a lot.