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30 People Reveal The Most Intimate Moments They Had With People They’ve Never Seen In Their Lives Before
A kind word, a hug when needed, and a pinch of empathy are sometimes all that’s needed to make someone smile when they’re down and to feel supported when things seem darkest. We’re all human after all, but sometimes we forget that as we’re busily rushing about doing whatever it is that we do. However, when we slow down, when we get outside of our heads, we can start to notice strangers in need. Strangers who might need a helping hand. Our helping hand.
In a series of honest, emotional, and soul-healing posts on Reddit, internet users shared the most intimate moments they had with complete strangers. The posts are like chicken soup for the heart and soul, dear Pandas, and we thought they’d warm you up and inspire you to be just a bit kinder today. This is the kind of content that the internet was made for!
Scroll down for some truly heart-warming stories. Remember to upvote the ones that touched you the most, share your own stories in the comments if you’re feeling up to it, and read through Bored Panda’s interview about the benefits of kindness with British psychotherapist Silva Neves.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I had to put down my dog Rocco last Christmas because of age-related health problems. I spoiled him rotten the whole week before. On his last day, I took him for one final walk at the local dog park. He was a big guy, 135 pounds of pure love. The first thing I saw as we began our walk was an older lady with a tiny little dog that was not even the size of Rocco’s head. Of course, Rocco went on his way to say hello and I called out to reassure the woman that he was very gentle. She smiled and replied she wasn’t worried.
As our dogs got to know each other we started chatting and she commented on what a beautiful, wonderful dog Rocco was. I thanked her and told her that sadly it was his last day and I had to put him to sleep later on that day. She immediately burst into tears and looked at me with such compassion and asked if she could hug me. I agreed and we were both in tears.
Afterwards, she told me that she knew how much a dog could make a difference in your life and that just two weeks prior her husband had passed away and she didn’t know how she would have got through it all without her dog. At this point, I was crying again and I asked if I could give her a hug. So there we stood, two complete strangers, hugging and crying. I will never forget that woman and the genuine love and compassion she showed me when I needed it the most.
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
And I'm crying in the dark now next to sleeping husband. Very lovely.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
It’s beautiful sad though, which makes it bearable.
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Chico Martins 3 years ago
I'm sorry, but I disagree with putting your pet down "for health reasons". If you truly love your pet, it is the same to kill a parent. Treat them, until it is their time to go.
Mer☕️🧭☕️ 3 years ago
I'm super-suspicious because the dog was obviously healthy enough to get out and go to the park yet they're going to kill it "for health problems" LATER THAT AFTERNOON? WTF?
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#2
I was living in Houston and working at a FedEx Kinkos when Hurricane Katrina happened. An older woman came in a with photo of her son who was missing that she wanted to post online. She had no idea how to really use a computer and certainly no idea how to scan and upload a photo. We were way backed up on the in-house side of things, so I set her up at a self-service computer and did it all myself. I scanned and burned her a copy of the photo, uploaded it online to where she wanted, and walked her through everything I did in case she found other places to post the photo. She was immensely grateful.
Roughly two months later, she came in and brought her son because he wanted to thank me for helping his mom find him. We hugged. I cried. Most intimate stranger moment of my life.
Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
I wish we could get back to this kind of kindness towards each other. Acting as a community is what makes humans at their best.
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy 3 years ago
How super sweet of you. She will never forget your kindness!!
#3
I broke my hand very recently in a bad, should-have-died car accident. The State Trooper who arrived almost refused to help me get my ID out of my wallet even with my express permission, let alone help me get out of my car. Then there was Vance.
Vance was a normal-dude tow truck driver with AAA. When he got to me, shaking in my car, eyes and nose running like a faucet, he offered to help me out of the car. His tone was thick with empathy, something severely lacking from the trooper. He helped me open the door and offered to scoop me out of the vehicle, though I just needed an arm. He grabbed me around the lower back and told me I could lean into him as much as I needed. Our faces were touching as he helped me out of the car.
Vance went above and beyond his duty. I wouldn't think twice about a firefighter or police officer doing this, but the tow truck driver gave me pause.
Thank you Vance!
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
Don't blame the trooper. They are trained to not move anyone from the wreck of a vehicle to protect them from further injury, unless, of course, they are in a dangerous situation such as fire breaking out or the vehicle is about to go off a bridge, embankment, etc. He might have even explained this and it didn't register with the victim, who was probably in a state of panic and distress.
Tami 3 years ago
Thank you for that explanation. People are so quick to demonize police officers these days, it's just really sad. They brag about not being prejudice towards various groups, but then label entire groups as bad or good based on the actions of a few members.
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Angela Kelley 3 years ago
There are so very many reasons no one but a Paramedic/Firefighter should have pulled you out of your vehicle. Unless there is is an immediate reason to get out, fire for example, stay put. Unless you want to possibly paralyze yourself or worse, bleed out internally & die due to the release of your position. Smart Trooper.
Tami 3 years ago
Thank you for that! I was thinking the same thing, remembering what I learned in a first aid class.
Load More Replies... Kim Irving 3 years ago
Tow drivers are the salt of the earth, there are a few out there that make people judge the rest poorly, but they are wonderful people. They put themselves in danger regularly for other people & rarely get any recognition for it. They are also usually the first on scene of accidents, but do not get the support that the "first responders" do. I have friends that have seen some truly horrific accidents & have had to deal with the emotional repercussions on their own. Please remember to give these men & women space on the road when they are pulled over helping someone, they are risking their lives to do it.
Susan Reid Smith 3 years ago
It has been my experience that tow truck drivers are just sweet guys.
Load More Replies... Andy Acceber 3 years ago
Empathy is not a requirement for being a cop. It should be. I remember when my grandparents were in a wreck in the left hand lane of the interstate. My family arrived roughly eight minutes later in the right hand lane. We immediately recognized their vehicle. They had already been evacuated. We didn't know where they were, their conditions, anything, and we were four lanes away from the site. We pulled over, to the right. We tried waving, yelling, etc. to get information. The cop on-site wouldn't even look at us.
Tami 3 years ago
This sounds bad but I think it's the case that compassion can get a cop killed. They often don't know who they're dealing with and are trained to treat most situations as potentially dangerous. I was in an active shooter situation years ago at a college, where the custodian had flipped out and stormed the building with a rifle. Everyone got out except one instructor who was trapped in his office. But he ended up talking to the custodian, talking him out of what he was trying to do, which was suicide by cop. When they came out onto the lawn, the SWAT team got them both on their knees with their hands behind their heads, and pointed rifles at them. It was disturbing to see the hero instructor like that, surrounded by militant guys pointing rifles at him, but the SWAT guys couldn't assume they knew who was the hero and who started the problem. They were just following a procedure designed to help keep everyone safe, including themselves. And our hero totally understood that.
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Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
Many years ago my daughter, then 19 yrs, rear ended a parked vehicle while driving my brand new car. My girl was in shock and bewildered, She had no idea about what she should do first. As often happens the other owner became abusive, tow truck drivers were hounding my girl, except one. Steve shielded my girl from the other owner and tow truck drivers, preventing her from signing anything and had handed her his phone to phone her dad. He was so kind to her and although it was years ago, he still has my gratitude. Thank you again, Steve.
Susie Elle 3 years ago
Lots of love for Vance, but removing someone from a car wreck can severly injure people as you can't assess from the outside whether someone has internal injuries or not (as long as there's other immedate danger of course such as a fire). That's why the Trooper probably refused to get you out of the car.
backatya 3 years ago
law enforcement aren't allowed to remove you from the car unless you're in extreme danger. One being if your back is injured he could make it worse. Most don't have any medical training like that. They have to wait for EMS to arrive. If you were badly injured Vance could have made you paralyzed for life.
Redditor u/Pielef’s thread on the r/AskReddit subreddit touched a lot of hearts. It’s incredibly difficult not to smile when reading these stories because they touch something primal in all of us—the beauty of seeing an altruistic act when it’s least expected.
The Mental Health Foundation explains that, at its very core, being kind to others makes us feel good. “Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This in turn can improve our self-esteem,” they explain that kindness does wonders for our social network.
What’s more, altruism creates a sense of belonging and reduces our feelings of isolation if we have any. We can start feeling connected to our local community by helping our neighbors or complete strangers in need.
#4
Was flying back to the states from Europe. It was about a 14 hour flight. I have health problems and toward the end of the flight I got very sick. Had a very high fever and the shakes. My boyfriend was to my left, an empty seat to my right and next to that seat was a Middle Aged Muslim woman she was wearing the full headscarf. I was getting so sick that I couldn’t hold my head up anymore so I kinda started to lay down on the empty seat. My boyfriend covered me with his blanket and mine. Anyone who has used an airplane blanket knows it’s basically a sheet. You know why this woman does? Without any communication what so ever, she put her blanket on me and rubbed my back till I fell asleep. I cried so hard when she started to rub my back. She was a mom who saw a kid who was sick and needed help. Granted I’m in my 20s but nothing compares to a mom rubbing your back when you’re sick. I don’t think I would have survived that flight without her. I tried to thank her but she didn’t speak any English. But I hope she knows how much that meant to me and how much it taught me.
CatGirl 3 years ago
Absolutely true about mothers. I don't have one; I haven't had one since I was 12 and I'm 43 now. Sometimes when I'm sick or lonely I miss having a mother.
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
We're never too old for our moms. I still cry a bit for mine when I am in the middle of a long bout of pain and my mum cried for her mom in the days before she died. It's a natural reaction that sometimes helps us get through awful situations. I hope there is someone, anyone there for you when you need it. If not, log on to BP - we'll help you.
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K Sarfo 3 years ago
This is true, at least mostly, and should not be ignored ❤️
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Makajha Banjjjak 3 years ago (edited)
Wouldn't touch a sick person on a flight, sorry but did covid teach us nothing? Plus there are no 14h flights from Europe to US
#5
Once, when my dog was just a few months old, we were out for a walk and we passed this guy on the street who was just leaning against a wall. My dog stopped, and refused to budge. She looked at me, looked up at the guy, then looked back at me and wagged her tail a little. So I said, "Do you want to say hello?" And she turned to the guy and put her paws on his knee. Just for the record, my dog doesn't like people — she's really shy and doesn't approach strangers — so I was kind of surprised that she wanted to interact. The guy bent down and petted her for a minute or two. Then, he stood up, looked at me, and said thank you. The look on his face was so vulnerable, like he was about to cry. That was over a year ago and I think about that guy once in a while. He was so grateful to just pet a cute puppy for a few minutes, and my dog just seemed to know that he needed it.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
We don't deserve dogs but we deserve dogs. That's all you need sometimes, a doggie, a smile a "hello".
Scagsy 3 years ago
You're right! The world be a horrible stressful place without our doggos. They bring such joy.
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Tamra Stiffler 3 years ago
In the deepest depths of depression, I've had a dog put a paw on me and look at me, and that was enough to make me genuinely happy, if only for a moment. They are magical creatures with pure souls.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
When one of my cats went missing I was very worried and tried to find her but no joy. I was sitting in the garden and my other cat was sitting next to me and I said “I’m really sad” and she peeeeeeped and jumped on my lap. The other cat came home that evening.
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Tamara Kroonen 3 years ago (edited)
Could be very well the guy was on the verge of taking his life and you saved him with your dog.
#6
I was in Manhattan and I had bought a bunch of otc pills to try to commit s**cide. I stepped outside the pharmacy and opened one of the bottles, but I dropped it and the pills went all over the sidewalk. A homeless woman came up and somehow knew what was happening. She grabbed me and kept saying "don't you take all these pills. Don't do this" etc etc. She had me give her the pills and she threw them in a dumpster. I have no idea how she knew what I was planning to do but she probably saved me that night
Caro Caro 3 years ago
or clothing or looks, whatever. Could be you or me one day!
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Allan Breum 3 years ago (edited)
She could tell by the face. Once you decide off yourself, you get a sort of eerie serenity, and it shows in between the anguish.
The Angry Crow 3 years ago
It's almost disturbingly easy to tell when someone's just about made up their mind on it. It's hard to explain, extremely so, but it's one of those things that you can look at somebody and just sort of know.
“Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, can help to put things into perspective and make you feel more positive. There is some evidence that being aware of your own acts of kindness, as well as the things you are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism, and satisfaction. Doing good may help you to have a more positive outlook about your own circumstances,” writes the Mental Health Foundation.
Furthermore, acts of kindness are contagious. Well, in a way. We’re far more likely to be altruistic ourselves when we witness kindness or are on the receiving end of it. In short, kindness begets kindness.
#7
When I was like 10 or 11, I was outside playing in the sprinklers with my little brother and sister. There was a car crash right in front of our house, women in a yellow VW Bug got t-boned on the driver side.
Her collarbone broke and was sticking out, and had cut an artery. I ran out to try to help (cub scouts I guess, not really sure what I thought I could do at this point.) And she was obviously very distraught and grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. I watched her bleed to death while holding her hand, and never knew her name.
Florida, but without the beach 3 years ago
How is this not higher up? I cannot imagine a more intimate moment with a stranger than holding their hands as they left this life.
Andrew Betts 3 years ago
The trauma you must have gone though, being at that age and watching someone die. But you stayed there to comfort her and help her know she was not alone. You did a better job at that age then what I could do right now at 40.
Efia 3 years ago
I'm always "fascinated" and worried, how quick and "simple" you can die. I mean she could've been uninjured on her whole body, but that one broken bone, one of so many in the body, managed it to cut an artery, out of thousand different positions it could've stuck. That's so sad and tragic
#8
It was at my year 11 inter-school dance. I had what I can now say was a panic attack and retreated to the bathroom. My best friend tried to get me out, but I couldn't leave. I told her to go back out and I would be fine.
A girl from another school came in and saw I was obviously distressed. She didn't ask me what was wrong or if I was okay. She said she loved my dress and asked me about it. She then told me about hers and we started talking about school and what we wanted to do when we graduated. Her friends eventually came in and found her and she said goodbye. I felt so much better so I went out and joined my friends.
I never got her name and don't remember which school she went to, but I am so incredibly grateful to her and I hope she is having a wonderful life.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
It sounds like she knew what to do. Maybe from experiences herself or someone in her family or circle of friends. Sweetheart.
Beth S 3 years ago
Caro Caro, just wanted to say I really enjoy your comments on posts. :)
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Lisa Simpson 3 years ago
That's very sweet! I hope OP has overcome panic attacks. Unfortunately I can relate.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
Have you overcome panic attacks or do you still have them?
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#9
On a cold winter day, there was a homeless man sitting on the front steps of the church where I was music director. As I unlocked the door to enter the building for practice, I noticed the man was shivering and looked especially destitute. So I invited him inside and fixed food for him in the parish hall kitchen. I noticed a profound difference after I fed him some food, coffee, and cookies. Also, the church's rummage sale had a heavy winter coat and hat that fit him perfectly, so I gave that to him. As he departed, the man gave me a warm smile, followed by a bear hug — a moment I'll never forget.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
Never pass a homeless person without doing something. You can say something nice, give them money, if you feel chatty and safe you can have a chat, whatever. Just don't ignore them, they are people in need.
Mazer 3 years ago
There are two exceptionally best practices for gifting the homeless. Socks. New socks don’t cost too much and they are the number 1 most requested item. You can easily fit a pair in a pocket/pack or purse. Second try to refrain from giving money, it can put a person who is on the edge of recovery in a bad place. Just ask them if you can get them anything from a nearby business. It’s best never to assume that person wants or likes what you do.
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Katy McMouse 3 years ago
My mum went to an elementary school run by the Josephites, a catholic order of sisters. Her school was combined with the mother house, so there a lot of sisters who lived there. Mum said it wasn't uncommon for them to see poor men and women looking for a meal at the door of their kitchen. The sisters always fed them because it's what religious orders did as an act of compassion, but also because there was a legend that said Joseph (father of Jesus) liked to return to earth as a beggar in order to see if people were fulfilling their moral obligations to the poor. I always got a kick out of thinking those sisters doing their damndest not to get on the wrong side of St. Joseph.
Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
And that is what churches are for. People should be able to find refuge there
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
We had a guy for a year or two come to our church. We weren't able let him stay inside (I assume because of insurance) but he stayed around the back. This meant he was not seen from the street, which meant the other homeless people in the area who had been hassling him couldn't see him and nor could the cops. There was an awning out the back to keep some rain off him and I think we left the toilet (one which you didn't have to enter the church to get to) unlocked for him. We also got him in touch with someone who could give him food vouchers. I often think about him and wish we could have done more.
Load More Replies... kim morris 3 years ago
I keep extra umbrellas in my car. When it's raining, and I'm about to pass someone walking down the road, I open the window, hand it out to them, sometimes they take it, sometimes they don't. It feels good.
Tamra Stiffler 3 years ago
These are the stories people need to hear. Spread some love, kindness, and hope.
J Baker 3 years ago
This reminds me of the best tip I ever got from a visitor during one of my guided tours. It was from a man, late 30s, with autism. His special interest was planes and he legit quoted the serial numbers off the DC-9 in the hangar. He ate up every word and every story I had, and the whole group was buoyed by his enthusiasm. At the end of the tour, he stuck around, wrapped me in a bear hug, and said, "this was the best tour ever!"
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
This man experienced Christ in action that day. As the Lord said, "As you do this to your fellow man, you are doing it to me."
Psychotherapist Silva from the United Kingdom explained to Bored Panda that human beings have two opposite instincts within themselves. One of them is directly linked to kindness and altruism. The other relates to survival and the desire to protect ourselves.
In other words, we’re constantly balancing the pros and cons of whether or not we should lend a helping hand (because we fear it might backfire on us in some way).
#10
I was at a bus station a few years back. A girl I didn't know was being bothered by some guy. He was being very pushy and she had a hard time telling him off. I walked up and acted like she was a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. She immediately went with it, and we walked away from the guy but he hovered. So we kept up the act, and we had a conversation as if we were old pals catching up. I learned so much about this girl and her life in those 10 minutes we spoke. I made sure she got on her bus, and the guy disappeared. I never saw her again, but I hope she's still doing well.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
You must have been very relieved that some kind person helped you. What was your age?
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Riley Quinn 3 years ago
This is a much better method. Direct contact with the abuser could easily have gone sideways endangering everyone concerned. This was perfect.
blankman 3 years ago
Student days - two of us had decided to take in a movie in a nearby town - we got there a little early so we sat on a bench in the small park across the road. A few minutes later a young lady (late teens?) sat on the other end of the bench - she was being hassled by three teenage boys so it wasn't clear to us if she thought they'd leave her alone if she was sitting on a bench with two guys. Anyways I looked at my buddy and said "Hardly seems fair does it? After all, it's three against two." He picked up on the cue and replied with "Your absolutely right" and just as the three guys started to smirk he continued with "Which one of us sits this one out?". Took a few seconds for the guys to stop smiling and leave.
#11
I was in a long line at a 7-11 and and old black lady behind me started braiding my hair and humming. When she was done, I said thank you and left with my purchase.
Antoine Gagnon 3 years ago
That's just weird... i wouldn't want anyone i don't know to touch my hair...
Tracey Taylor 3 years ago
maybe she thought it was her child or something. never know
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deathrose 3 years ago
I'm Latin American but I appear white to most people. I have really curly hair, like natural cork screw springs. So many strangers have just come up and touched my hair and I hate it. Like could you at least ask before you yank at it please. I'm glad it worked out for her though.
Niall Mac Iomera 3 years ago
I wonder what your reaction would have been if a white man did it
CultOfBambi 3 years ago
Well that would probably be creepy! Old ladies (of any colour) are usually harmless. Can't say the same about men, sadly.
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Rocky Mom 3 years ago
Just how it is man... it paints a much better picture to idealize her background, culture, give reason for why she would/could do something so. It isn't always offensive. At all.
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Rocky Mom 3 years ago
Come on, all depends on the approach. It isn't always like this, where all people treat one sex with prejudice and bias. Why do you choose to just think one way, as was told to think? All. People. Give. Different. Vibes. And not every situation is the same as the other.
Load More Replies... #12
I accidentally made eye contact with another Londoner on the underground once.
I haven't felt so guilty and ashamed in my life.
2x4b523p 3 years ago
A friend of mine accidentally made eye contact with another driver in London traffic jam. The other person got out of their car, walked to my friend’s driver’s side and licked her window all the way from bottom up. Then returned to his car and continued on his merry way.
kim morris 3 years ago
I'm having a really horrible awful day. I hate the world from top to bottom, inside and out. Everything is wrong. Thank you for making me imagine this weirdo licking a window, from the inside of a car, and smiling at the image.
Load More Replies... Andy Acceber 3 years ago
In Chicago, there are little heat lamps over some waiting areas for the L (elevated streetcar). In the winter, six people may squeeze into the little 2 ft. by 3 ft. space under the lamp, but we definitely won't speak to each other and will all do our best not to make prolonged eye contact. Grunts and head nods perhaps, but absolutely nothing beyond that even though we look like pigeons on an exhaust vent.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I was born and raised in the SF Bay Area, and I remember how at least once each winter there would always be one shot on the weather report of people in Chicago standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus you just know is never going to arrive, and wondering how they were able to even get out of bed in the morning. It just looked so miserable!
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G R 3 years ago
I was on the Overground Line once and a guy started crawling around on the floor licking people's shoes. No one acknowledged it or made eye contact with anyone else.
just cruising 3 years ago
I feel you and i feel sorry for you. Indeed, rule Number one in tube- No eye Contact
Auntriarch 3 years ago
That poor traumatized person is probably even now shocking London Pandas with their story of someone who MADE EYE CONTACT!!?
The therapist listed a number of reasons why being kind and altruistic benefits us and why we’re driven to these behaviors.
“Being kind is good for us because it gives us a sense of purpose, it raises our self-esteem, and it releases feel-good brain chemicals,” he told Bored Panda.
#13
I dropped my keys on the way to my car once. I had just begun to retrace my steps when a dude walked by on the sidewalk. He gave me a small 'Hey' to get my attention, and without hesitation, threw my keys over to me. Mid-flight I said, 'Thank you,' and in one fluid motion, I caught the keys and sat down in the drivers seat. It was so smooth and effortless. Good on that guy, my hero.
Tami 3 years ago (edited)
Oh man, I was riding my bike one day, turned onto a very long hill, went all the way to the bottom, then started up another hill, and near the top I hear behind me, "Hey, ma'am! Hey wait!" I stopped, looked back, and a young man on BMX bike pedaled up to me, nearly out of breath, said, "You dropped your keys!" and handed them to me. I'd left my bike bag open and they'd fallen out when I turned to go down the first hill. This kid stopped to get them, then chased me all the way down the hill and up the next one. Super cool guy!
#14
I'm a dude in my mid-twenties and I drive for Uber/Lyft. One time, on a really busy night, a young woman got in my car while I had my Guardians of the Galaxy Pandora station playing. We were exchanging simple pleasantries when "American Pie" came on. Now, I don't really sing along with my passengers, or sing in general on account of the fact that I'm not good at singing. But this young woman in my car just started singing along to the song. After a verse or two, I decided to join in. She then started to harmonize with my off-pitch singing. The song ended right as I pulled up to her hotel, we exchanged minimal pleasantries again, and went on our separate ways. I don't even remember her name or face, but I definitely remember the random jam session that was good enough to join in on.
Oopsydaisy 3 years ago
Haha. That's great. I once did a duet to a frank Sinatra song with a taxi driver. And once outside a club in Harlem I sang Maria with a guy I's never met before to a woman I'd never met before who was called Maria. The bond between smokers!
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy 3 years ago
I love that song. It was popular the year I graduated. I can still sing the whole long version. I'm 67 now. Good song to keep the dementia away!!
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I was in Phnom Penh, had just finished checking into a room at a cheap (but very clean) hotel, and went out for a walk around the block just to get my bearings. There’s a table with six or seven Khmer men drinking Korean ginseng brandy, and they motion for me to join them and I think “Why not? I’m on an adventure and this looks like a new form of adventure.” So I join them. I speak zero Khmer, they speak weird random words of English as they think of them. After 20-30 minutes I’m worried that I’ll be too drunk to make it back to my room, so I stand up, belt out Cole Porter’s “Too Darned Hot” and leave to tumultuous applause.
DumYum 3 years ago
When I was in Jamaica I went on a tour of a cave. We came to a cool place where the local guides started playing the stalactites and singing. I started dancing, having studied Haitian and African dance. They were so excited. “She can dance!” Music and the arts have the ability to bring us all together.
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#15
Not quite a stranger as I'd seen this guy around my college. But one day I was waiting outside the classroom between lessons and I was wearing a ring on a strap around my neck that looked kinda like the one ring from Lord of the Rings.
This dude walks past, does a double-take at the ring, looks at it and says "One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them."
Instinctively, I replied "One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them."
He high-fived me and carried on walking. My friend who was standing next to me at the time called me a f**king dork, but I think he was just jealous.
This was also circa 2002, so before pretty much the same thing happened in Clerks 2.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I've bonded with a lot of people over my Doctor Who tardis necklace. But living in the US before the show got popular a lot of people asked me why I had a necklace of a porta potty!
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
This story reminds me of when I was still working a couple of my colleagues were talking about Dr. Who and I had no idea why they just kept going on and on about it. Of course, once I got an iPad and was able to watch it myself, I understood.
Load More Replies... Tami 3 years ago
I was looking at fake Christmas trees in a thrift store, and there was a guy there looking at them too. He started parting the branches of one tree to look at the trunk, and I yelled, "Squirrel!!" We both cracked up and he said his family had just watched that movie the night before.
Kady LaHaie 3 years ago (edited)
I am Queen of the Geeks. I make witty pop culture references in less than a second. It happens automatically, but I'm completely quiet otherwise. Last week at my sons karate class someone said, "Red five standing by!" And I said, "COVER ME PORKINS!!" People don't expect chubby middle aged women to say those things. I had a Lord of the Rings themed wedding so if I was there, I'd have shown you my Evenstar necklace and my elvish script tattoo.
Petra, princess of Brigid 3 years ago
Haha, that's awesome! If I were your friend, I'd be jealous too.
“It [kindness] is also good for others, obviously. So kindness is actually something that we, humans, are naturally driven to be,” the expert shared how we’re hard-wired to act kindly towards others.
However, there is a catch. While we do tend to want to help other human beings, we’re also wary of strangers. “The sense of kindness is in competition with our survival mode, so, as human beings, we tend to live in contradiction, between kindness (opening our arms) and protection (closing our arms),” he said.
#16
I’m not sure how much this counts but I had lost my passport in China and I met this Chinese girl halfway through my day of mad searching. I spent the rest of my day with her, she told me everything about her really, and she stayed with me for at least 8 hours translating to police for me, calling them and staying with me when we ended up in a police office. She even bought me food because I’d lost all my money as well and insisted I have something. When I finally found my passport and everything at the end of the night I burst into tears and hugged her so tightly and she was just comforting me, telling me ‘Didn’t I say everything would work out? Didn’t I say so?’ She was without a doubt one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve ever met. I bought her a drink, shouted her a snack and walked her home. I never saw her again. Probably never will but I hope she’s well. I also had a Russian guy help me out that day but I’d know
#17
I once sat next to a middle-aged lady on an airplane. It was her first time flying and she was freaking out. I held her hand and arm through takeoff, landing, and during the slight turbulence during the flight. Normally I'm not a touchy person, but this felt natural.
Adam C 3 years ago (edited)
Same here. LA-Amsterdam, Before take off this lady gave me a letter and a photo of her child.
EEF🤓 3 years ago
I need more information. Why did she give you a photo of her child?? :o
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Robert T 3 years ago
Reminds me of a flight I took returning from Brussels. Plane was rather empty and the pilot decided he needed to redistribute the weight and moved us all around. I finished up right at the back with a girl who didn't like flying. It turned out to be the roughest flight I have ever been on. It was just a little turboprop plane that seated about 50. It was tossed about like a cork in a storm. Now I'm a reasonably frequent flyer and I didn't much like it. Poor girl was scared half to death, and to be honest it actually did me some good to be trying to comfort her, as it disracted me from the rollercoaster ride we were on. I almost kissed the ground when we landed, especially after the violent lurch sideways on landing in a crosswind. I was still green whilst I was waiting for my bags. Talking to someone outside about how windy it was and he says "oh yeah, they've been going around all evening" - as in aborting landings, going around and trying again.
King Joffrey 3 years ago
Exactly the same thing happened to me. I had a connecting flight in Rome and was sat next to an elderly Italian lady. I didn't speak a word of Italian and she didn't speak a word of English but I noticed she was petrified of flying and grabbed my hand just before take-off and sort of cuddled up to me. I just let her (same for landing) and the flight attendants started talking to me in Italian as they thought she was my grandma. They were quite shocked when I told them she wasn't and I didn't understand a word she was saying...
lazy panda 3 years ago
The first time I flew, I was 12 years old and didn't have my parents with me. The guy I was sitting to sensed I was nervous and started explaining what would happen as we took off. It turns out he was an Air Force pilot and just loved talking about planes. It's been 16 years but I think about him a lot. He helped a nervous kid fall in love with flying.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
I was on a long flight, and my seatmate was a priest who had never flown. I kept him talking before take-off, but when those engines roared to life, he got very nervous. He had his rosary in the same hand that was wrapped around his cross. He asked if I would hold his hand until we were off the ground. I took his hand. He then said the hail Mary. I wondered if this man of God was so scared, should I be.I wasn't. When we reached altitude, he thanked me and released me....fast forward to landing. We held hands again. As we departed the plane, he just looked at me, and said, "God be with you."
#18
Saved a girl from a creep on a bus. I was inside at a gas station and I saw that He was hitting on her at the bus stop right outside, obviously getting too close and she wasn’t into him at all. When the bus came, I walked out and boarded with them. He made sure to sit down right next to her lol. I walked and pulled the old “ oh hey (insert made up name here), how are you? Etc. etc.” then I asked if the dude would mind moving so I could sit next to “my friend”. I’m a pretty big dude (6’6” 340lbs) so I can be pretty intimidating when I want to. He moved and I stayed with her till he got off the bus. She thanked me and then I just rode the bus back to the gas station so I could drive home in my car. Never seen her since
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
Once when I was riding a city bus and there was a woman with an infant in her arms and a creepy-ass dude sitting next to her who keeps leering at the baby in a decidedly pedophilic way. I just sat across the aisle and kept my eyes on him. He kept encroaching on the woman’s space, so I finally shout out loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear “Keep your filthy disgusting hands away from that woman’s baby, you pervert!” He glared at me all the way to the next bus stop, where he got off. That’s probably the most disgusted I’ve ever been.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
Awesome individual! And you never know he could have saved her from more than just aggravation.
Human beings aren’t the only ones capable of altruism and kindness. There’s a case for biological altruism that doesn’t even require a species to have the same level of consciousness as human beings do.
Or, in other words, altruism doesn’t necessarily need kind intent to be altruistic. However, complex social structures seem to lead to more instances of kindness.
#19
I was walking down the street when this white-haired hippie woman looked me up and down and said, 'OK, now I'm going to hug you.' And she did. It was a strong, loving hug. Then she said, 'A lot of people need you to be strong for them. So keep on keepin' on.' And off she went to run her errands. As it turned out, my family went through some rough times soon after, and I was there for them all, though it was a struggle. And now, years later, everyone's doing just fine.
Caro Caro 3 years ago
WOW. It seems to me that some people have this instinct or sixth sense or something and know when someone needs a hug or some sort of encouragement. She was probably an Auntie too :)
Béla Kun 3 years ago
Ppl are not so good in hiding their emotions as they think, and having a generous helping of empathy helps to.
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~Th3lostHaven~ 3 years ago
That's kind of how I was when I was really little. Once, my aunt who was struggling with her mental health came over to my house. I was in the kitchen and she walked in, and out of the blue I just said she needed a hug and gave her a big one. Later, she told me that right at that moment she was about to cry and was feeling terrible, so when I hugged her she kept telling herself not to cry. Probably one of the most heartwarming moments I've ever experienced.
#20
Back in highschool I was on a school trip in a downtown city. I was lighting up my last smoke I had when suddenly a hand tapped me on tbe shoulder. As I turn around I see some 6"5 300 pound black man leaning over me with tears in his eyes. Through a crying stutter he asks in the politest voice ever "excuse me sir could I trouble you for a cigarette".
At this point I tell him I literally just lit my last one and he gives me an understanding nod and walks off. Seeing his sad face broke my hoeart so I tell my friends to give me a smoke each and I run probably 2 blocks away to catch up with this dude. Immediately this man erupts in a smile and thanks me over and over after the warmest hug ever. I have no idea why he was crying but I know we both had a great appreciation for each other that day.
H Edwards 3 years ago
Obviously, but this guy was in distress so at that moment it was the right thing to do.
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#21
Former EMT here. I remember crying with a family whose grandfather got his pulse back after five minutes of me giving him CPR. Unfortunately, he didn't survive the brain damage, but they were so grateful to me for giving them a chance to say goodbye.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
An ex-beau of mine was an EMT for a goodly number of years but quit after starting his day with a four-year-old girl who had been killed by a hit-and-run driver.
Lantana Howell 3 years ago
My best friend's mom passed out in a large home improvement store and their policy was(and still is) NOT to TOUCH the person at all! She laid there with a TBI(traumatic brain injury) and bleeding for 30 minutes before EMS arrived. They then performed CPR for over 50 minutes before getting her back. She lived another couple of years and had no long term brain damage from that event. Over an hour of no pulse or respiration and she survived.
“Vampire bats regularly regurgitate blood and donate it to other members of their group who have failed to feed that night, ensuring they do not starve. In numerous bird species, a breeding pair receives help in raising its young from other ‘helper’ birds, who protect the nest from predators and help to feed the fledglings,” the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy shares some examples of altruistic behaviors in animals.
“Vervet monkeys give alarm calls to warn fellow monkeys of the presence of predators, even though in doing so they attract attention to themselves, increasing their personal chance of being attacked.”
#22
I got into a car with a stranger who was asking for directions so I could show him the way — in hindsight, a little naïve and would not recommend. We ended up spending the entire day together. I talked about all of my problems, including my inferiority complex, with him. He had a degree in psychology so he gave me some useful tips. Afterwards, we became kind of friends. It's crazy how sometimes a complete stranger can care about you more than some of your 'friends.'
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
This is similar to an experience I had. I was driving in a part of the country I wasn't familiar with so I stopped to ask this old man on the side of the road. So he said he's going that way and can show me...so I told him to hop in. When I got to his destination and he finished giving me directions he was like "son, you shouldn't just be picking up strangers like that, it isn't safe" and he got out. Still makes me think and laugh to this day.
Robert T 3 years ago
About a quarter of a century ago, I encountered a young girl who was wanting directions to a student halls of residence to see her friends. It was probably 5 miles away and she was on foot. I could've pointed her to the bus stop, but it would have been difficult for her to get the right bus and know where to get off. I was just on my way back to my flat to pick up my car keys to go out, so I said I'd take her in the car, which I did. In hindsight, it was not wise of her to accept a lift from a complete stranger that she just met on the street. On the other hand, she was safer with me than if I'd let her walk (this was Manchester city centre!). At that time, I'd only be a few years older than her. I wouldn't even suggest it now, unless I really thought someone was in danger, and even then I think very carefully about it first.
Tamara Kroonen 3 years ago
That's because with strangers there's no further expectations or attachments. Contact is still pure and unconditional.
#23
Went to a wedding the weekend just gone. Spot a guy across the room at the start of the evening do and felt something I haven't felt in a very long time. At some point get talking to him and we end up spending the whole evening laughing and we go back to his room. Now I haven't slept with anyone for over 2 years and am currently in psychosexual therapy because I've been too frightened to have sex due to past trauma. I basically prattled off with my whole life story and it ended with me feeling comfortable enough to sleep with him. Anyway it was a one night stand and I doubt he felt the same way I did about the evening and night. He'll never know how much he helped me in a single evening. It's been such a long time I've felt intimate with anyone. It was a pleasant reminder of what it's like and how good it can be.
#24
I used to live abroad a couple of years ago and when I came back to my "new" country after being home for Christmas I was waiting for the airport bus to go into town.
While I was waiting there a woman my age (~20) comes up and asks me if I know the way to the airport bus and as I did we ended up waiting together there and then sat next to each other on the bus. She was so easy to talk to. The bus was about 50 minutes and we got talking really deep and it felt super natural. Then we got to the main station in town and we looked each other in the eyes and kissed before wishing each other well and going on our separate ways. I'm thinking of her quite often still, years later and it pains me that I didn't take her number or anything - just her name, Katja.
However I feel that maybe this is what made it so special, 2 strangers in a random country sharing 1 hour by destiny while sharing intimate stories and feeling connected in a way that I have not experienced before or after. Maybe she was my soul mate but in that case I'm sure we will meet again.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
That’s because you’re an emotional cupcake, not a passive pancake!
Load More Replies... Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
It’s easier to open up to strangers about some things because they have no emotional investment in the outcome.
This altruistic behavior extends to insects, too. “In social insect colonies (ants, wasps, bees, and termites), sterile workers devote their whole lives to caring for the queen, constructing and protecting the nest, foraging for food, and tending the larvae. Such behavior is maximally altruistic: sterile workers obviously do not leave any offspring of their own—so have personal fitness of zero—but their actions greatly assist the reproductive efforts of the queen.”
#25
Apart from being groped by hands elderly women, the most interesting moment was when I met a drunk one sad saturday a few years ago. I was depressed and just milling about downtown. Stopped to have a beer and this drunk guy walks up to me, completely unfiltered. He goes "I got fired and none of my friends came to cheer me up. Wanna chug a beer and complain?". I agreed, being depressed myself. Turns out this guy knew bartenders all around town. We went from bar to bar and got all kinds of preferential treatment. Free drinks, great seats and plenty of freebies. Turns out this guy was a local sports personality. Assistant coach, I think? Note; I'm an unappealing fat dude. This guy was married with kids. There was absolutely no romantics involved. He just needed a bro to talk to. We hung out all night, and he actually gave me good advice. We had a surprising amount of common interests and talked about everything. At the end of the night, we exchanged numbers and said we'd do it again if he didn't have to move to get a new job. Sadly, I never saw him again. I hope he's okay. There's just another type of intimacy meeting a new friend and immediately dropping all filters. It was unique.
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
You sound very appealing. Skinny guys aren't for everyone. Not fun to dine with, either!
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
True Dorothy. I like my guys with some meat on their bones.
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Mazer 3 years ago
It’s amazing how wonderful fat unappealing people can be. I have never judged people on their appearance since no amount of plastic surgery can help my cause, I get it. I accept people for who they are and how they treat others. I have met some drop dead gorgeous people who were so shallow and vain that they couldn’t hold a small talk conversation with anyone but their reflection in the mirror. We all have our gifts, some are just not as obvious to others
#26
When I was 11 my dog got hit by a car the dude kept going but this very nice woman stopped and got in contact with my parents and made sure I was okay. I was crying so hard and she just let me cry into her shoulder till my parents got there
Caro Caro 3 years ago
Aaaaaw, the poor child having to see this. Thank God the nice woman stopped and held the child until the parents came.
Devil's Advocate 3 years ago
Could have been worse, the guy could have stopped and blamed the kid...in the UK certainly, if a dog is hit then the owner is actually liable for damages
Load More Replies... #27
Once when I was in a public bathroom, a very pregnant lady was there with her two young daughters. Neither of the girls could reach the sink to wash their hands, and the mom was too pregnant to be lifting them. I'm a mom, so I offered. I held the girls up one at a time while they each washed and dried their hands and then sent them back to mom.
Andy Acceber 3 years ago
I was in an elevator with a women in a wheelchair and her son. The son wanted to press the button but couldn't reach. I felt weird lifting a stranger's kid, so I knelt down like I was proposing, helped him climb onto my knee, and let him push the button.
Summer Mason 3 years ago
When I was pregnant with my son I dropped my keys and couldn't see them (huge belly) and a kind stranger picked them up for me. Thank you stranger.
britainknee 3 years ago
When my son was a baby he pooped all up his back/blew out the onesie & there was no changing station in the bathroom. I had one of those pad things with the diaper bag but still, baby on the floor... Some lady helped hold him up and we navigated the change together & I still remember that 8½ years later.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
Ah yes, the explosive baby poop. I'm not sure there's a mom out there who hasn't experienced this. You were unfortunate to experience it when out and about. LOL!
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Sofia Gonzalez 3 years ago
I once did something like this. There were a bunch of girl scouts in a public bathroom trying to wash their hands, but they couldn't reach so I picked them up to help. I still don't understand the next part but when the lady watching them got out of the bathroom she scolded me and told me that if I was done I should leave. It was pretty confusing as I was about 7 or 8
Anne Mitchell 3 years ago
I have done that as well as keep my eye on little kids while mum is using the toilet. I keep asking the little one/s harmless questions such as names of pets, toys etc so mum can hear then and know they are ok.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago (edited)
I was waiting in a very full doctor's waiting room in a large practice, when a young mom came in with a 3 yr old, a 2 yr old and a 6 wk old. the 3 yr old sat and played in the corner with the toys provided but the little 2 yr old hellion ran around trying to get into everything. Everyone just sat there looking straight ahead, ignoring her. As she raced past me, I quickly asked if I could help, and she practically tossed me the newborn and carried on running after her toddler. So I sat for ages quietly cuddling this little wide-eyed creature wondering who I was, until mom was called into her doctor's area, and then I called into mine right after. She was SO grateful for the help. I don't understand why people spend so much energy trying to ignore others when they're having some difficulty. I had 3 children 4 and under myself so I understood what the poor woman was going through.
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#28
I was on a ski lift with a total stranger. For whatever reason we started talking about our respective faiths almost immediately, but in a totally chill kind of way, without any weirdness or awkwardness. The dude then admitted he was going through a pretty rough patch and was doing some soul searching as a result. I offered my consolations and encouraged him to open up if he wanted to, which is out of character for me since I'm an introvert.
So then this dude, who I had just met as we sat down on a ski lift, opened up and told me all about his struggles. I won't repeat what he said, as almost all of it was deeply personal, but he really did have it rough. Some of it was his fault, he acknowledged, but most of it was out of his control. He started tearing up at the end and had to remove his ski goggles just to wipe away the tears. As we neared the top, he thanked me for listening and gave me a coupon for a free hot chocolate from a restaurant on the slopes.
I wished him the best of luck with what he was going through and told him he seemed like an outstanding guy who had it in him to make it through this. He thanked me again, then we both parted ways. I never saw him again, but I truly hope things got better for him.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
Yes, when upset, emotions get in the way of clear thinking. Sometimes having someone to explain things to puts the issues into perspective to ourselves and we can think more clearly.
Load More Replies... smugdruggler 3 years ago
Confidentiality is a great thing. Love the fact that OP kept this stranger's secrets, even on a virtually anonymous board.
Emerald Ocean 3 years ago
Sometimes we need that one person to open up to and feel safe and content with
Tamra Stiffler 3 years ago
One thing I've found to be almost universally true: at some point everyone just wants to feel heard, to be seen. It's a true gift if you can give that to someone.
#29
When I was about 14, I was at a road-stop restaurant with my family, and from the moment we entered, I made eye contact with this girl about my age at another table. Our eyes just kept meeting while we were eating and I couldn't really focus on what anyone in my family was saying. When we left the place, I looked over my shoulder outside, and met her eyes one last time. I held it for a good 10–15 seconds before my mother called me over to the car. I still think of her sometimes.
bxttery_bxby 3 years ago (edited)
I was just thinking "Wait was this the girl at that restaurant I saw one time?" But we only made eye contact outside the place. Still, this is kinda crazy how similar this is to my story. Edit: It was in TN, in a place I'll probably never be to again, but still
RoseAnne Hutchence 3 years ago
Does anyone else think reincarnation is a distinct possibility? And that we sometimes see / recognize people we knew before?
Tracy Shaw 3 years ago
Have you read the Celestine Prophecy? If not, go get it!
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#30
A homeless woman in front of a Wal-Mart asked me for a dollar because she was trying to scrape up 10 dollars for food I think but I gave her all the physical money I had on me which was 7 dollars. She was happy that she received so much from one person and extended her arms out for a hug. I gave her a hug and wished her luck then went on about my day. It makes me sad to see homeless people living the way that they do so I try to help out wherever I can.
Andra Barnette 3 years ago
I had a class in grad school with “Bob.” We chatted. He seemed nice. Don’t remember seeing him again, but on our last day he joined me on the student lounge couch and silently held my hand for a minute and then got up and walked off. One of the most romantic moments in my life. I was married. A whole conversation occurred without words.
Mark Howell 3 years ago
A store near me had a homeless guy come outside just before the 1st lockdown in UK, anyway the staff and regular customers managed to get him help from the local agencies/charities. He now has a small flat which was furnished by local people and his problems, mental and physical, are now being dealt with. One local photographer has made a calender of homeless people which this guy sells to raise funds for a local homeless charity. My thanks is to all the people who helped even though we will never know who you are.
Chris Zaydel 3 years ago
People will tell you that those people will just use it for drugs or drink. Probably true, but you did something out of honest goodness, and made someone's day, so good job.
RoseAnne Hutchence 3 years ago
I often wish I could hire them for a few hours here and there: the best feeling in the world is earning.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I often ask if I can buy them something while I’m in the store...crackers, juice, etc.
#31
Normally I just lurk on here, this is my first post and it will probably get buried but this event really changed my outlook on life so I wanted to share it with you all. During my first week of uni I was super excited to meet new people and make best friends. I'd had a very traumatic experience that summer and so was looking forward to a new start. I'd always been sociable and never had trouble with this but for some reason I just didn't click with anyone I met in my halls. I felt completely out of place and combatted this by throwing myself into any social activity I could. But it didn't work. I felt like it was my fault, that I wasn't fun or interesting or likeable enough. At pre drinks I felt completely invisible, I remember thinking that noone would make eye contact with me. It's hard to convey over this post, but I felt desperate, and the most down I had ever felt in my life. After another cr**py night where I had gone out and felt so our of place that I just walked home alone, in the morning I sat outside and called my mum, and just broke down in tears about how lonely I felt. After a few minutes this lady came up to me, handed me a note, patted my shoulder and left. The note simply said that she hoped I was ok, with her name and where she worked in the university, and to go and see her if I wanted. I went to see her and, although she was a total stranger, opened up to her about everything. She was so incredibly kind, and shared her own difficult experiences with me too. I went to see her a few more times, and although I ended up dropping out of that university after things just didn't improve, I will never forget her. She gave me hope when I had absolutely zero self esteem, and has inspired me to do the same whenever I come across people who seem sad. Whenever I feel like my small actions don't have an impact I remember her, and how her small action that day changed my life for the better :)
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
I wish that had happened for you too, and for my daughter as well.
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#32
Hugging the mother of one of my U.S. Marine brothers at his funeral after he committed suicide. I had never met her before but her son was my brother.
#33
Not sure how intimate you consider a club to be, but I was on the dance floor when a woman in a red dress made eye contact with me. We smiled at each other, she came over. No words were exchanged, we just start dancing on each other. She ends up in my arms, and I feel every inch of her curvaceous body as she reaches up to caress my face. Eventually in what I can only describe as dumbfounded ecstasy, I ask what her name was.
"It doesn't matter, we won't see each other again."
In that moment while she's looking at me process her answer, I get hit with a realization to enjoy this moment for the fullest while I'm still in it. We smile at each other as if she knows exactly what I just thought and we dance for a few more songs. Her friend comes over and says something, and she turns to me and whispers "You're great. I loved that but I have to go with my friends". In a room where I can hardly hear people shouting directly in front of me, I heard that clear as day. She kissed me and sure enough, just as she disappeared into the crowd, I never saw her again. Still think about her from time to time.
Nathan Pogorzala 3 years ago (edited)
I saw this beautiful and smiling woman on the side of a dance floor. I, a young man wearing jump boots and a green mohawk on a ship, slowly danced over to her. We danced without speaking for hours. The music stopped and we started to talk. She spoke very little English and I ok French. well, blah blah blah 20 years and 2 kids later.
#34
Was on a plane on my way to work (worked overseas for a few years) in Barcelona, this older woman kept telling me it was her first time on a plane and looked clearly nervous, so I told her the take off was the worst part, after that, just take a nap or watch a movie, she asked me if I could hold her hand, I saw no harm and agreed, she didn't let go of my hand for the rest of the flight, I held hands with this stranger for longer than I did with all my Exes combined.
#35
Once while in Amsterdam, late in the evening I decided to try hitchhiking at the bicycle lane. A cool guy stopped and rode me to my hostel 30 minutes away. Great guy, a surgeon at a hospital, coming back from his night shift. It was a nice chat we had. :))
#36
I politely said to a man in the post office “excuse me sir there is a line,” he replied “f**k you, you stupid b****” I broke down in tears after he left, I was having a very very bad day. The lady in line in front of me turned around and hugged me while I cried, told me he was mean and that it would be ok. I still get a little choked up thinking about her kindness in that moment.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
I love when other customers stick up for you! I try to do it for cashiers that are getting a hard time.
PurpleDoople 3 years ago
Please don’t downvote me but this is kinda seeming untrue. No matter how pissed off someone is, they won’t just curse you out. I get f**k you, or f**k off, but adding ‘you stupid bitch’ seems really unrealistic. I’m sorry just my pov.
juice 3 years ago
don't apologize for your opinion! i don't know if this story is true, but i'd like to say i have known certain people who would absolutely curse out anyone who even slightly pisses them off. it's not as unrealistic as you think.
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#37
After college, I spent a year in Japan teaching English as a second language. On some time off, I went to see the city of Nara. At the train station, I was asking for directions at the tourist information kiosk, and before I knew it, they'd hooked me up with a volunteer tour guide...a service they provide. We wound up throwing out the designated tour that she was supposed to take me on, and we wound up just goofin' around Nara for the day.
#38
Today is the 24th anniversary of me forgetting to do my taxes on time. I ran with my documents to the downtown Denver tax office and found a crowd of equally irresponsible people. Once the crowd and I had acquired the forms we needed, we scattered off to fill them out. I found myself sharing a pen with a young woman, doing our taxes together, on the hood of her car. We helped each other, line by line, go through our pathetic financial documents. We parted ways and I never talked to her again.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
One year I had been working as a contractor rather than an employee, so I wasn’t able to submit a 1040EZ form, as had been my practice up to that time. What I did do was to try to figure it out on my own, and I encountered a situation where I had two options and so filed two tax returns and sent a check with the form that had the lower figure. I never heard back from the IRS, so after a couple of years I finally stopped worrying about owing them money and the attendant humongous fees.
#39
I was on a country rail trip when this woman next to me who looked like she hasn't slept in a week fell asleep on my shoulders. I didn't want to wake her up but I was in a weird position that put strain on my back and neck. But I endured a painful hour and a half because I'm guy who respects a good nap.
#40
A customer went to give me a fist bump; I went for a high five. We just stood there for a moment, me holding his fist in my hand
James Tartaglione 3 years ago
I usually just shake their first with my hand. gets a few laughs
#41
I remember the time I ended up sharing a hotel room with three other strangers. When I was in law school and was flying back to New Orleans, my flight got diverted to Birmingham due to fog. We had to stay overnight and no one really knew what to do. I found myself in a hotel lobby with three other student-aged people — two guys and one other girl — and we decided to bunk together to save money. It wound up being a fun night — we drake booze, ate food, stayed up talking, and then we all went to sleep innocently enough. The next morning we got on our flight and I never heard from them again.
#42
I just spent 5 days in NYC for vacation. At a bar on Fridaynight before my friends and I attended a show in Williamsburg we stopped in at a random bar, where I started chatting up the cute hostess. We had good chemistry and continued to talk while my friends enjoyed their drinks. As we left, I got her number. We met in Soho on the first 70 degree day of the year, not a cloud in the sky. After going into too many stores we couldn't afford, we meandered our way to Washington Square, where we spent our last 2 hours together laying in the sun and talking about our dreams, lives, and aspirations and we laid side by side while she read me her favorite passages out of the book she was almost finished with. Then I walked her to her train and kissed her goodbye. It's possible, if not likely, that we may never see each other again, but I'll never forget the way the sun felt on my skin and the way her soft reading voice made it feel like we were the only two people in a crowded park on a beautiful day in New York.
#43
Endoscopy. Had a chat with a chap about Game of Thrones who was looking at my intestines through a camera shoved up my ***hole.
kim morris 3 years ago
When it's shoved up your a**hole, it's a colonscopy. When it's down your throat, it's endoscopy. You'd have a hard time talking about Game of Thrones, or any other game if that's what you were having.
Meghna Mohan 3 years ago
My dentist removed 5 permanent teeth over two days (for giving me braces, no space for all of them teeth) and he chatted all the way through. I could garble, mumble at everything he said but it sure made it easier and less painful. He spoke to me about me my plans for college and how i needed to follow my dream and not that of my strict dad. Funnily it gave me the strength to do just that.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I was given drugs for my colonoscopy! What I hadn’t realized until they told me, was that I had been awake for the whole process, but had been given some sort of “forgetting drug” shot once they were finished. I could feel the experience disappearing from my mind, and a few moments later it was as if I had been asleep the whole time.
#44
I'm a guy in my early 20s. I was at a bar and someone stole my jacket during the winter in Chicago. I was standing at the train stop freezing in -5 degrees F and a started talking to a girl standing next to me that went out without her jacket and was also freezing. We ended up riding the train together and she told me she wasn't from Chicago and was staying with a friend. She ended up spending the night but we didn't do anything sexual. Just chatted about our lives and fell asleep. She woke up and had to get back to her friends to catch her flight later that day. I still think about it as a random intimate experience
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
Yeah it doesn't require sex to be intimate. Actually some of my most intimate experiences have not included sex.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and I can remember watching the weather roundup of temperatures around the country—New York City, Chicago, Miami, Houston, LA—and the film (pre-video days) of people standing out in the endless snow of Chicago waiting for a bus that will probably never arrive made me so grateful I was a Californian.
#45
i was on the subway & some girl who seemed to be from a 3rd world country seemed curious so when i was putting my earphones on, i gave her an earbud & we listened to my music together
Meghna Mohan 3 years ago (edited)
I used to be offended to be called as a person from a third world country - India, till I read this. "The term "Third World" arose during the Cold War to define countries that remained non-aligned with either NATO or the Warsaw Pact. ... The Third World was normally seen to include many countries with colonial pasts in Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Asia." Makes me proud that my country doesn't believe in wars and violence with the outside world. Inside we have hoards of problems but we try to make right.
#46
I had a man pull me aside at an agility dog show (I was a 'leash runner' volunteer) and asked me if I would run his dog, as he had an injured knee, and felt bad that his dog wasn't able to run to its content. His willingness to throw the competition to make sure his dog could have fun, and a newbie could get some experience melted my heart. We were only one point away from qualifying :3
#47
When I was a kid, maybe 9 or 10, my sister and I were walking through Harlem (the nice part) and I had completely tripped and fell on the sidewalk, busting my lip. I started to bleed and my sister only 17 at the time started to panic. A woman passes us by and asks if everything is okay, and eventually helps us. Luckily she lived in the basement apartment of the brownstone I had fell in front of. She and her husband who was home with their 3 year old proceeded to bring out a first aid kit, and even a glass of lemonade. We thanked her profusely, and went on our way home. Still warms my heart to this day.
#48
At a free improv class, a warmup exercise where you had to add on to a chain of sound effects and hand shakes with your partner repeatedly, in rhythm. Required a lot of eye contact, and a surprising amount of vulnerability, because it was rather silly. Also a ton of laughs. Dancing Dan. If you're out there, I wish I knew your real name.
#49
Went to get a couple slices of pizza from the place close to my house. The dude repeated "2 slices for you, right?" and i just nodded then saw him put 4 slices in the bag and handed it to me. So yea, got 2 free slices when we both agreed i asked for 2.
Who Panda 420 3 years ago
My great-grandmother almost got fired for giving a customer an extra Danish because they baked particularly small that day. The a**hole customer actually turned her into the boss for giving her an extra.
Xenon 3 years ago
Damn, that's nasty of the customer. Geez, reporting someone for getting something for free? Unbelievable.
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#50
About ten years ago or so I got happy drunk with one of my roommates and we hung out on the porch. A couple guys passed by and we started talking to them because one looked familiar (they lived nearby so I'd seen him walking home before). They were headed home for some drinks so we stupidly joined these random strangers that we'd been having conversation with and they made us grilled cheese (I think? Maybe it was Mac and cheese) while we drunkenly discussed things like religion and Jesus and ourselves (I'm not really religious, just grew up that way and like listening to what people believe). And then we went home. It was nice.
#51
Flying home a few years back we land at Newark only to find out the final leg of our trip was cancelled due to weather. We were only about 200 miles from our destination which would have been about a 45 minute flight. The weather was fine at the moment and we probably could have made the flight just fine but the airline wasn't taking any chances. Since the flight was cancelled due to weather they wouldn't give us hotel vouchers. We were re-booked onto the flight in the morning. I didn't want to spend 15 hours in the airport. I decided to go rent a car and just drive home. I'd get my checked luggage tomorrow since it would be put on the re-booked flight. I was on the phone with my wife telling her what I was doing when I noticed this older lady quite upset about the situation. I'm not usually one to speak to strangers or go out of my way to help someone I don't know. But something about the situation sparked something in me. I told her I had rented a car and had space available if she wanted to ride with me. She was really grateful and said yes. Then, as we're headed out of the airport we see a couple that was on our previous flight just sitting on the ground looking totally defeated. So we offered for them to join us, which they accepted. The 3+ hour drive home was r
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
Let me finish this for you: “The 3+ hour drive home was really amazing and now we all meet up once a year and have become long-distance friends!”
#52
The summer before middle school I was at a friend's party and it went on for a while and near the end I was outside by the fire laying on a hay bale and this girl a grade below me I knew her name but never talked to before just came over layed down next to me grabbed my hand and we just layed there looking at the stars it was amazing. Thinking logically it seems pretty weird she'd do that but for some reason it felt super comforting.
#53
I once got stuck in an elevator for 4 hours with 3 other people. It was a tiny elevator as well with standing room only. By the end of it we were all leaning on each other in a big circle holding each other up.
#54
There's this thing called "eye contact experiment", which is getting more and more popular the last few years. Mostly events conducted on squares where lots of people are present, just to sit down and share eye contact. It's only an "experiment" in view of the fact that you hold eye contact with the other person (in that case complete strangers also attending the event) over a prolonged period (a minute is always recommended just as a guideline, but of course it can be any duration. my longest shareed session was about 30 minutes). Aside from that, eye contact is one of the most primal, natural and intimate means of communication, which is what makes prolonged eye contact so special. What starts to happen can be quite unbelievable. First of all, due to focussing and holding one's view on the same spot, mild hallucinations can occur, for example seeing animals' faces or fictive creature's faces in the facial expression of the other person. At the same time, through the constant exchange and reaction microexpressions in the face and the body posture (or vibes if you will) of the person you're facing, interpersonal communication is enhanced to an enormous extent, as if the energies on multiple levels between you and the other become increasingly synchronized. The boundaries between your personalites blur, and facets of your ego even are dissolved temporarily, the more intimacy one allows in sheer eye contact. Just like in meditation (but with it's positive side effects scaled up multiple times), you start recognizing and feeling patterns (of thought, emotion, behavior, etc.) as a shell covering yourself, while at the same time your perspective on the human counterpart becomes more and more open, non-judgmental, empathic, etc. Knowing when to stop occurs at a sudden moment, and always consensually. I've had about 20 of these experiences with complete strangers by now, and every time it was beyond intimate. It would be great if more people would be aware of the "concept" and the benefits of eye contact, and if it wouldn't appear creepy to just walk up to somebody and ask to share some eye contact.
Francesa Miller 3 years ago
I started a game in high school. I'd make eye contact with random people passing and smile. If they smiled back, I won. I still "play" the game, but now it's to spread happiness.
leia's emotional cupcake 3 years ago
omg. my boyfriend and I often stare at each other, in a non-awkward way, and I totally love it. I'll be sending this post to him!
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
🎶 This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, the Age of Aquarius. Aquarius...Aquarius! 🎶
#55
I went to NY for New Year's and forgot to pack my anti-depressants. I was there for 4 days. On the way back home, I decided to watch The Color Purple on my phone. I was already a bit on edge having not had my meds, and I was just openly sobbing, watching the movie. The woman next to me kept silently reaching over and patting my hand. It was so sweet!
#56
Was on a plane, the turbulence was getting pretty rough, plane dropped a little bit. The left arm rest was already occupied by the passengers hand but I grabbed it anyway out of fear. It stayed that way until the turbulence stopped which was like two seconds and then I immediately took it away. She didn't say anything and neither did I.
#57
I already posted this to a different thread... I ran out of money and walked into a bakery and pretend I don't speak English... it was late and I was hoping they'd have some leftover food.... asked in a very bad English if they could maybe give me something to eat (I had some change in my pocket so I gave her)... the girl that was working was really cute and just smiled at me and gave me the best slice of pizza I've ever had.
#58
I got into some girl's car by accident. I was driving a rental and she had an identical car parked in the same lot. She immediately saw the problem and was cool about it. That lead to a 15 minute convo.
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
Your keys opened her car’s door? That’s just wrong! Don’t use that agency again.
#59
I was at a mixed nude sauna across from Amsterdam Central Station at night,and went out to the roof top patio when it was snowing. It was quiet,above the crowds, and a slender Dutch girl came out next to me. We were both warm and steaming from the saunas,looking down. We never said a word. Also,at another mixed sauna there,walking through the showers a fit girl got hit with burning hot water and she jumped backwards and we bumped bare butts. I kind of whispered "sorry". Sounds like a sexual fantasy until it happens IRL.
#60
A woman wearing Completely white makeup with black lipstick gently caressed my arm as i passed her on the street. Not sure if i should be freaked out or simply ok with it lol.
#61
A theatre exercise in which one person lies on the floor looking up, and the other kneels near the first's head and touches their forehead/face. You then have to keep eye contact for a full minute. Also, upopular opinion: one night stands are not intimate in the meaningful sense of the word.
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
Agreed. Not one bit. Great line from The War of the Roses: Kathleen Turner's character says to Michael Douglas' character after they were intimate "If we end up together this was the most romantic evening of my life. And if we don't, then I'm the world's biggest s**t."
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
When I think of Kathleen Turner, I think of “Body Heat” and William Hurt being taken for the ride of his life.
Load More Replies... #62
Once I was waiting for a bus to take me from home to university and there was this older guy at the same bus stop. For whatever reason the app which tracks the bus location in real time wasn’t really working so the both of us kept sitting there thinking it would arrive any moment (it didn’t show up for at least 40 mins). While waiting we struck up a conversation and he said he had never seen me around the area before (I had just moved to that suburb about a month prior). He told me he’d been living there his whole life and when he found out how old I was, casually mentioned that a few years before I was born, some guy sneaked a machete and some guns into the local shopping plaza and went on a murder spree before holding a gun to a woman’s head and forcing her to escort him out of the area in her car. By the end of his rampage the police had started to arrive and when he realised there was no way out of the plaza without getting caught, he simply apologised to the woman, stepped out of her car and shot himself in the head in front of her. Turns out the woman was this bus stop guys school teacher and he knew a few of the people that died. He told me the entire aftermath of the police investigation into the killer and a bunch more testimonials of people he knew that witnessed it first hand. Almost felt like I was there too with the detail he went into. It seems somewhat odd because in the twenty something years since this horrific event, the suburb has become increasingly more Korean in population and is now more known for froyo chain stores and kbbq that imagining a white gunman here is so out of place.
#63
Talking to this girl at a music festival. It was sunrise and everyone had been up all night. Someone was playing s**tty cover songs around the bon fire. We didnt know eachother but we were talking about love and other silly stuff. At one point she let me take a deep smell of her hair. It was intimate.
#64
New year's about 8 years back I think. In the city beyond pissed fireworks are done and gone people are just walking around singing and hugging each other. I lose my friends as I got distracted I fall in with some people they are really nice and help me get to the train station where I was meeting my friends again.
#65
Gay male here, kind of NSFW-ish, but i was at the subway and it was super crowded, and i had this man right in front of me, and whenever people went to pass, he moved his body all over mine, and kept staring right at my eyes, no faces, no moaning, not a single word, just him (every now and then) pressing his body to mine and looking right at my eyes. I felt a strange connection with him, but he got off the subway and i never saw him again.
What do you think ?
KombatBunni 3 years ago
Way back in the mid 90s, I’m walking back from one club to another with a friend after dropping in to see her boyfriend at work, I’m all dressed up in black, full goth makeup, she’s dressed up in pants, shirt and vest, we have a stretch limo pull up and a group of guys tell us we look good and would we care to take a drive around the city with them? We look at each other thinking wtf and then why not, probably our one chance to experience a limo ride, so we get in and there’s about 6 guys all in their 20s, drinking and listening to good music, and not one of them lays a hand on us, just asks us how our night is, offering us drinks and telling us how cool is it to have a ride in a limousine? We ride around for about half an hour and then they offer to drop us off at the other club and damn me if I didn’t feel like a freakin rock star with the driver opening the door for us, offering a hand to help us out, right by the club’s front door! Best night out :)
Jaaawn 3 years ago
That sounds super fun! I wanna ride in a limo one day, never been in one :(
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GirlFriday 3 years ago
I was receiving an award and my boyfriend had decided at the last minute not to come to the ceremony with me so I was alone that night. I was in the bathroom and nervous and upset and I was going to have to give a speech in a few minutes. I was trying talk myself into being confident and this older lady came and used the restroom and when she came out of the stall and washed her hands, she came over to me, straightened my dress a little around my waist and shoulders and put her hands on my face, looked me right in the eyes and said, "You are beautiful and you are going to be great at whatever you do. Now take a deep breath and do what you have to do." I immediately felt all of my stress leave my body as I exhaled. I don't think I would have made it through the rest of the night if it hadn't been for her and her motherly, pure kindness towards me.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago (edited)
At the end of the 80's I went through a "wild phase"... something between goth and punk I would say. I had missed the last bus. So there I was standing in the cold November rain. Drenched, freezing, in a long black coat and high boots, with mascara stray... trying to hitchhike, hoping not to miss the last train home. I had no hope that anyone would stop... I probably wouldn't have stopped either. Then this fancy Jaguar pulled up, with an elderly lady at the wheel... and she told me to "hop in". At first I didn't want to, because I didn't want to ruin the beautiful leather seats... but she insisted. She drove me to the train station, gave me a towel to at least dry myself off a bit and turned on the heat... to stop my teeth from chattering. While we were talking, she told me that back in the 60's, she was "a wild bee" herself... which I undoubtedly believed, given the fact that we were listening to a Clash album. I still remember her face and the beautiful earrings she wore ... and the smell of that car was just something else.
James Phetteplace 3 years ago
About 2 years ago, I was in an airport for a layover. In the middle of the crowded gate waiting area, there was a man in his 60's rolling on the ground in pain. His language was Mandarin, and I only speak English. I used my phone to translate/communicate with his spouse (?). I managed to notify airport staff that he needed medical attention, and then consoled him as much as possible until help arrived (about 20 minutes later). As he was about to be carted away in a wheelchair, he made a point to come back to me briefly to say thank you with a strained smile and a wave. I knew what he was trying to say. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Kendra Miller 3 years ago
I use to do tech help for seniors at the library. One day I had an old lady come, she was trying to learn how to use her new device. In particular she had been spending a lot of time on pintrest. Well somehow a bit of porn ended up in her feed and she freaked. She'd swipe it trying to make it go away. Unfortunately not understanding how the swiping was a way of saving... well it wasn't long until her feed was chock full of gay man porn. She was distraught. I picked a private corner and we huddled over her tablet as I explained how this happened, I carefully reported each nude and soon they were gone. She was so relieved and kept thankingme. It's funny that porn in the library is usually a banning offense 😅
Jaaawn 3 years ago
Oh my lord...please tell me people haven't attempted to access that in a public library?!
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Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago
I'm an atheist, but grew up in the Bible Belt in the US. I understand how important religion and faith are to many people. I witnessed a pretty bad car accident. Called for help and then went over the the victim (the guy who caused the wreck was on his own, as far as I was concerned. Horrible.) The victim was an older man. He got out of his van, shaking, and I led him over to the curb, where I sat with him. He started to cry. Eventually he told me he had just gotten out of prison, didn't have a license, the van was his mother's and he'd just brought her to the hospital, where he didn't think she was going to make it. He also turned to me and told me he'd understand if I didn't want to stay there with him. He broke my heart. I took his hand and told him I wasn't going anywhere. He was panicked about the poluice arriving and I kept assuring him that I was a witness. I would make sure the police understood. I couldn't control the "no license" part. But I would do what I could.
Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago
He kept shaking and crying. And suddenly, inspiration struck. I asked him is he would like to pray. He nodded and I led him in a prayer... the best way I knew how. He visibly relaxed. Stopped crying. I don't believe, but he did. And it gave him comfort. I gave my statement to the police and went home. I hope everything turned out ok for him.
Load More Replies...
Fatima García Soto 3 years ago
I gave a small speech at my previous boyfriend's funeral, when I was 21, he was 23...there is ways a nurse in the graveyards when they are having funerals in case something happens, after my speech( I was crying of course) this nurse comes crying at me with some water and hugs me, telling me how sorry she was. I've never thought someone could be so empathetic to total strangers.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
In medicine, the intimacy is not always great stuff, but... I was walking down a street, an dthis teen girl was saying "Help me?" and nobody was hearing her but me somehow. I guess b/c she wasn't able to yell. Turned out she had a horrible gash down her arm and was shocky etc. So I sat with her in my lap and arms, until EMS arrived, and to this day I don't know her name. I just know I was her "mom" for thsoe minutes. (Also did first aid, o bvs.)
Agnes Jekyll 3 years ago
such a lucky girl. Glad you heard her and helped her. Poor, poor girl. You came along at just the right time.
Load More Replies...
Bobby 3 years ago
This just makes me wonder. What have I done that I think is small and inconsequential but meant the world to someone else. All the kindness I've received from strangers, did it even cross their minds how much I needed that right then?
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Yes. As a recipient of random kindness, I can tell you that it has saved many a soul. Thank you on their behalf. And mine, ni case it was me!
Load More Replies... Xenon 3 years ago
I'm a white woman with really long silky hair. While waiting in KFC one day for an order, this tiny little adorable elderly African American woman quietly whispers to me asking if she can touch my hair. I said "Of course!" and then laid my hair all across her hands. She stroked it a bit then thanked me. Made my day.
KombatBunni 3 years ago
Way back in the mid 90s, I’m walking back from one club to another with a friend after dropping in to see her boyfriend at work, I’m all dressed up in black, full goth makeup, she’s dressed up in pants, shirt and vest, we have a stretch limo pull up and a group of guys tell us we look good and would we care to take a drive around the city with them? We look at each other thinking wtf and then why not, probably our one chance to experience a limo ride, so we get in and there’s about 6 guys all in their 20s, drinking and listening to good music, and not one of them lays a hand on us, just asks us how our night is, offering us drinks and telling us how cool is it to have a ride in a limousine? We ride around for about half an hour and then they offer to drop us off at the other club and damn me if I didn’t feel like a freakin rock star with the driver opening the door for us, offering a hand to help us out, right by the club’s front door! Best night out :)
Jaaawn 3 years ago
That sounds super fun! I wanna ride in a limo one day, never been in one :(
Load More Replies... GirlFriday 3 years ago
I was receiving an award and my boyfriend had decided at the last minute not to come to the ceremony with me so I was alone that night. I was in the bathroom and nervous and upset and I was going to have to give a speech in a few minutes. I was trying talk myself into being confident and this older lady came and used the restroom and when she came out of the stall and washed her hands, she came over to me, straightened my dress a little around my waist and shoulders and put her hands on my face, looked me right in the eyes and said, "You are beautiful and you are going to be great at whatever you do. Now take a deep breath and do what you have to do." I immediately felt all of my stress leave my body as I exhaled. I don't think I would have made it through the rest of the night if it hadn't been for her and her motherly, pure kindness towards me.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago (edited)
At the end of the 80's I went through a "wild phase"... something between goth and punk I would say. I had missed the last bus. So there I was standing in the cold November rain. Drenched, freezing, in a long black coat and high boots, with mascara stray... trying to hitchhike, hoping not to miss the last train home. I had no hope that anyone would stop... I probably wouldn't have stopped either. Then this fancy Jaguar pulled up, with an elderly lady at the wheel... and she told me to "hop in". At first I didn't want to, because I didn't want to ruin the beautiful leather seats... but she insisted. She drove me to the train station, gave me a towel to at least dry myself off a bit and turned on the heat... to stop my teeth from chattering. While we were talking, she told me that back in the 60's, she was "a wild bee" herself... which I undoubtedly believed, given the fact that we were listening to a Clash album. I still remember her face and the beautiful earrings she wore ... and the smell of that car was just something else.
James Phetteplace 3 years ago
About 2 years ago, I was in an airport for a layover. In the middle of the crowded gate waiting area, there was a man in his 60's rolling on the ground in pain. His language was Mandarin, and I only speak English. I used my phone to translate/communicate with his spouse (?). I managed to notify airport staff that he needed medical attention, and then consoled him as much as possible until help arrived (about 20 minutes later). As he was about to be carted away in a wheelchair, he made a point to come back to me briefly to say thank you with a strained smile and a wave. I knew what he was trying to say. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Kendra Miller 3 years ago
I use to do tech help for seniors at the library. One day I had an old lady come, she was trying to learn how to use her new device. In particular she had been spending a lot of time on pintrest. Well somehow a bit of porn ended up in her feed and she freaked. She'd swipe it trying to make it go away. Unfortunately not understanding how the swiping was a way of saving... well it wasn't long until her feed was chock full of gay man porn. She was distraught. I picked a private corner and we huddled over her tablet as I explained how this happened, I carefully reported each nude and soon they were gone. She was so relieved and kept thankingme. It's funny that porn in the library is usually a banning offense 😅
Jaaawn 3 years ago
Oh my lord...please tell me people haven't attempted to access that in a public library?!
Load More Replies... Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago
I'm an atheist, but grew up in the Bible Belt in the US. I understand how important religion and faith are to many people. I witnessed a pretty bad car accident. Called for help and then went over the the victim (the guy who caused the wreck was on his own, as far as I was concerned. Horrible.) The victim was an older man. He got out of his van, shaking, and I led him over to the curb, where I sat with him. He started to cry. Eventually he told me he had just gotten out of prison, didn't have a license, the van was his mother's and he'd just brought her to the hospital, where he didn't think she was going to make it. He also turned to me and told me he'd understand if I didn't want to stay there with him. He broke my heart. I took his hand and told him I wasn't going anywhere. He was panicked about the poluice arriving and I kept assuring him that I was a witness. I would make sure the police understood. I couldn't control the "no license" part. But I would do what I could.
Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago
He kept shaking and crying. And suddenly, inspiration struck. I asked him is he would like to pray. He nodded and I led him in a prayer... the best way I knew how. He visibly relaxed. Stopped crying. I don't believe, but he did. And it gave him comfort. I gave my statement to the police and went home. I hope everything turned out ok for him.
Load More Replies... Fatima García Soto 3 years ago
I gave a small speech at my previous boyfriend's funeral, when I was 21, he was 23...there is ways a nurse in the graveyards when they are having funerals in case something happens, after my speech( I was crying of course) this nurse comes crying at me with some water and hugs me, telling me how sorry she was. I've never thought someone could be so empathetic to total strangers.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
In medicine, the intimacy is not always great stuff, but... I was walking down a street, an dthis teen girl was saying "Help me?" and nobody was hearing her but me somehow. I guess b/c she wasn't able to yell. Turned out she had a horrible gash down her arm and was shocky etc. So I sat with her in my lap and arms, until EMS arrived, and to this day I don't know her name. I just know I was her "mom" for thsoe minutes. (Also did first aid, o bvs.)
Agnes Jekyll 3 years ago
such a lucky girl. Glad you heard her and helped her. Poor, poor girl. You came along at just the right time.
Load More Replies... Bobby 3 years ago
This just makes me wonder. What have I done that I think is small and inconsequential but meant the world to someone else. All the kindness I've received from strangers, did it even cross their minds how much I needed that right then?
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Yes. As a recipient of random kindness, I can tell you that it has saved many a soul. Thank you on their behalf. And mine, ni case it was me!
Load More Replies... Xenon 3 years ago
I'm a white woman with really long silky hair. While waiting in KFC one day for an order, this tiny little adorable elderly African American woman quietly whispers to me asking if she can touch my hair. I said "Of course!" and then laid my hair all across her hands. She stroked it a bit then thanked me. Made my day.
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Larysa Perih
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