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Someone Asks People To Share Random Acts Of Kindness They’ve Received From Strangers, They Deliver (30 Tweets)
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We are all used to the people we love taking care of us or making us feel special and vice versa - but what about strangers. People we don't know have no obligation to love us or go out of their way to make our day better, which is why when they do it makes it all the more special. Someone on Twitter prompted people on the internet to think about these moments with a question about acts of kindness they had experienced from complete strangers and it led to a wonderfully wholesome thread.
The list below will is proof that you don't need to rescue people from a disaster or raise orphan children to be an everyday hero to someone you encounter. Simple things like standing up for someone getting bullied or giving someone coins to make a phone call might sound small but to these people, it made all the difference. Scroll down below to read the most heartwarming responses from this Twitter thread and don't forget to upvote your favs! (Facebook cover image: Daquella manera)
Nicole Cliffe is a TV and magazine writer whose wholesome Twitter question recently went viral
Image credits: nicoleec10
Image credits: Nicole_Cliffe
Cliffe asked the question "What is the kindest thing a stranger has done or said to you?" and began the thread with her own experience. The writer told of the time her baby got airsick and puked all over her pants and seat cushion: "they had to BRING THE PLANE BACK to replace the seat and seatbelt and everyone hated me," she wrote. Holding back tears, Cliffe said a kind flight attendant came to her rescue by taking her baby and lending her some yoga pants. She ended her tale by adding, "I firmly believe that she will go to heaven no matter what she may do in the rest of her life."
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We all know that being on the receiving end of generosity feels good, but did you know that studies show that we feel happier when we perform acts of kindness to not just out friends and families but for our communities as well. A study called Kindness Counts, done by University of British Columbia and the University of California, Riverside, observed 9-11-year olds for a month and had them record three acts of kindness per week. The report showed that performing these acts led to an increase in feelings of satisfaction.
Nice guys finish last is the saying but according to various studies they actually finish first. In a New York Times op-ed, contributor David Brooks looked at several studies about how evolution of the human involved our temperate. Unlike our primate relatives humans have evolved from a selfish nature into a cooperative one that allows for more harmonious communities.
It's all in your head. "In one essay, Keltner cites the work of the Emory Universityneuroscientists James Rilling and Gregory Berns. They found that the act of helping another person triggers activity in the caudate nucleus and anterior cingulate cortex regions of the brain, the parts involved in pleasure and reward. That is, serving others may produce the same sort of pleasure as gratifying a personal desire," writes David Brooks.
That's so sweet. I love the way they just gave up their coats to help someone they didn't even know in the middle of winter! <3
According to Dr. Ritchie Davidson , University of Wisconsin kindness is a teachable trait, "It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.”
Why do wholesome twitter threads about acts of kindness make us feel all warm inside? Well witnessing an act of kindness makes the body produce oxytocin also known as the 'love hormone.' Oxytocin can increase self-esteem and optimism as well as lower your blood pressure and overall heart-rate.
You can also roll up a bill and slip it to them, or into their pocket if you feel like they won't take it. Also, you can spot people in the aisles (especially in Walmart) with kids in the cart. This has been a hobby of mine for many years. Also, I'm on a campaign to get EVERYbody to tip in the drive thru line. Once a young man told me he had saved my tips to buy his son's Christmas. There is nothing you can buy for yourself that will make you as happy. I can promise you that.
In 2010 Harvard Business School conducted a survey of happiness 136 countries that found people who were all around altruistic: generous with their finances to charitable donations for example were overall happier.
This is heart-breaking. It must be absolutely devastating for a woman to have a stillborn. No man will ever be able to understand I guess. Of course, they suffer too, but in a very different way. If something grew up inside you, you simply can't compare it. I am glad for you, that the stranger were there for you in this, your darkest hour!
My brother has panic attacks and if u see someone having one don’t stair ask if they’re ok plz
Author of “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”, Christine Carter, writes generosity can increase your lifespan,“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.”
"sharply" ... arabic sounds sharp, even if they say nice things :) Just like german :)
When I moved to the UK many moons ago, I had to go to work by bus and I didn't know that they wanted to have the exact amount of money for the ticket (no bills, etc.). Out of a sudden an old gentleman appeared behind me, gave the money to the bus driver, gave me a smile and sat down again without saying anything. I thanked him and told him that I would give it back to him. A week later I met him again and did what I promised to do. In that moment it meant the world to me, as I was new to the town and country, with no friends at all. This small gesture made me feel welcome. I often talked to the man when we met at the bus station. And I will remember that small gesture for the rest of my life!
I love that they let the dog out! So heartwarming to know that there are still good people in the world
These are wonderful... Once upon a time, I was sitting at a park, crying my eyes out. My father had just told me that he was about to get married - he had left my mum a few years before, but I knew she still hoped to get him back (even though he was the asshole and a cheater). How was I to tell her that he was now marrying a woman he had met 3 months ago? Not even the bitch he had left us for? A lady in her early sixties came to me and asked to sit on my bench. She smiled and said, "I don't know what it is that made you feel so bad, but remember, all things pass and all wounds heal." She sat with me for good 30 minutes, asked about my story and shared hers - she was a cancer patient in recovery, breast cancer. She said "I think I was just like you, worrying too much about others, taking things too much to my heart, that was the cause. Remember that other people are their own resonsibility. You need to care about Yourself first." she even gave me her number if I needed to talk again.
I try to remember her advice and on her behalf try even more to be there should a stranger need a helping hand...
My mother-in-law had a similar experience with her husband. He beat her up on a regular basis, ruined her relationship with her parents and then left her for another woman. The sad part about it is he left her with two small boys and pregnant with a third. She was running out the door after him begging him not to leave because she wasn't sure she could survive alone. Weeks later and he returned..AND SHE LET HIM COME BACK. When he left the second time, she went back to school, got a degree in mathematics and teaching. So when he tried to return..she told him where he could go... Years later, when I showed up married to her oldest son, I got to see the finished product of a very strong independent woman that raised three wonderful boys into very respectful and loving men. She passed in 2014 and I miss her everyday.
Your mother-in-law sounds like the perfect survivor, showing the strength we all hope to have in hard times...
Wow. I hope that your mum now knows she deserves to be treated better than that. Your dad does not sound like a good person to be in a relationship with.
Thank you, he really is not, and she had not wanted to marry him in the first place but he had talked her into it... Now I am afraid that she is still waiting for him, 10 years later, and it breaks my heart...
reading this almost made me cry thats so sweet
I left my extremely abusive (now ex) husband and was suddenly the single mother of an 8 month old and a 2 year old. I was young (22) and worried about how I was gonna survive. I had to leave town with nothing when my husband started lurking around my house at night with a knife and making me lose my job by showing up just to stare at me. He even suddenly appeared when I ran out of gas on the freeway late at night once. So, I moved in with my flaky sister a few hours away to pretty much hide out. I hadn't worked in years (until I kicked him out) since i was a stay at home mom so my job history sucked and I had trouble finding work in my new town. I was at a really low point and dealing with depression unmedicated because he cancelled my insurance. When I say low, I mean REALLY DARKLY LOW. But, I took the last bit of money I had and went to a relatively expensive buffet for Mother's Day. I wanted to try to cheer myself up & distract my girls from the recent upheaval in their lives. I dont know if they could tell I was going through a lot or were just nice people. An older couple at a nearby table paid for my check (with a generous tip) and had the waitress give me a note saying "You're doing a great job! Keep being the great mom you are. Happy Mother's Day!" I cried in my car and immediately worked my butt off to protect my kids & fix my life. That couple will never know that little note and act of kindness encouraged me to change my life for my girls. ♡ I wish I could thank them.
I hope life's working out for you and your kids. You're absolutely amazing, without a doubt.
You are in incredibly strong person! I hope you only meet the best life can give you from now on, because you have gotten over an obstacle most could not even imagine!
I am a divorced father to a 4 year old who is the light of my life. I have a very strong bond with the little guy, and try my best to experience the world with him in a way that opens up his horizons. I recently took him on a short cruise on a boat in Dubai Marina. And as is typical of a 4 year old, he asked about a million questions (all of which I patiently endeavored to answer), spilled the water, got ice cream all over himself and me. By the end of the cruise, an elderly Italian lady who barely spoke any English came up to me and said: "You are a great father". These are the best words I have ever heard, and every time I am with him, I remind myself that today, I want to live up to them. IMG_8416-5...40d0fb.jpg
You two look great and happy together! I wish you all the best!
Thanks Marc! We are indeed, and I wish you the same :)
As another single father (to a teen girl) somebody just acknowledging the work you are doing to be a good parent can make a huge difference. Good for you, man.
Thanks Richard! Its always a great reminder :) Good like with the teen years, I hear I'm in for a 'treat' Hahah!
Aww, you both look so happy and full of life. You sound like an awesome dad!
Thank you so much!
You seems to be a great father. I almost could feel the love and proud reading your story. He is a awesome boy.
He looks so happy. You are doing a great job. <3
If a person is the light of your life you will end up being let down.
I see how previous disappointments can shape your opinion, but choosing to see the best in people while at the same time keeping your expectations in check, usually ends up very well...
So much for being human 🙄
These are wonderful... Once upon a time, I was sitting at a park, crying my eyes out. My father had just told me that he was about to get married - he had left my mum a few years before, but I knew she still hoped to get him back (even though he was the asshole and a cheater). How was I to tell her that he was now marrying a woman he had met 3 months ago? Not even the bitch he had left us for? A lady in her early sixties came to me and asked to sit on my bench. She smiled and said, "I don't know what it is that made you feel so bad, but remember, all things pass and all wounds heal." She sat with me for good 30 minutes, asked about my story and shared hers - she was a cancer patient in recovery, breast cancer. She said "I think I was just like you, worrying too much about others, taking things too much to my heart, that was the cause. Remember that other people are their own resonsibility. You need to care about Yourself first." she even gave me her number if I needed to talk again.
I try to remember her advice and on her behalf try even more to be there should a stranger need a helping hand...
My mother-in-law had a similar experience with her husband. He beat her up on a regular basis, ruined her relationship with her parents and then left her for another woman. The sad part about it is he left her with two small boys and pregnant with a third. She was running out the door after him begging him not to leave because she wasn't sure she could survive alone. Weeks later and he returned..AND SHE LET HIM COME BACK. When he left the second time, she went back to school, got a degree in mathematics and teaching. So when he tried to return..she told him where he could go... Years later, when I showed up married to her oldest son, I got to see the finished product of a very strong independent woman that raised three wonderful boys into very respectful and loving men. She passed in 2014 and I miss her everyday.
Your mother-in-law sounds like the perfect survivor, showing the strength we all hope to have in hard times...
Wow. I hope that your mum now knows she deserves to be treated better than that. Your dad does not sound like a good person to be in a relationship with.
Thank you, he really is not, and she had not wanted to marry him in the first place but he had talked her into it... Now I am afraid that she is still waiting for him, 10 years later, and it breaks my heart...
reading this almost made me cry thats so sweet
I left my extremely abusive (now ex) husband and was suddenly the single mother of an 8 month old and a 2 year old. I was young (22) and worried about how I was gonna survive. I had to leave town with nothing when my husband started lurking around my house at night with a knife and making me lose my job by showing up just to stare at me. He even suddenly appeared when I ran out of gas on the freeway late at night once. So, I moved in with my flaky sister a few hours away to pretty much hide out. I hadn't worked in years (until I kicked him out) since i was a stay at home mom so my job history sucked and I had trouble finding work in my new town. I was at a really low point and dealing with depression unmedicated because he cancelled my insurance. When I say low, I mean REALLY DARKLY LOW. But, I took the last bit of money I had and went to a relatively expensive buffet for Mother's Day. I wanted to try to cheer myself up & distract my girls from the recent upheaval in their lives. I dont know if they could tell I was going through a lot or were just nice people. An older couple at a nearby table paid for my check (with a generous tip) and had the waitress give me a note saying "You're doing a great job! Keep being the great mom you are. Happy Mother's Day!" I cried in my car and immediately worked my butt off to protect my kids & fix my life. That couple will never know that little note and act of kindness encouraged me to change my life for my girls. ♡ I wish I could thank them.
I hope life's working out for you and your kids. You're absolutely amazing, without a doubt.
You are in incredibly strong person! I hope you only meet the best life can give you from now on, because you have gotten over an obstacle most could not even imagine!
I am a divorced father to a 4 year old who is the light of my life. I have a very strong bond with the little guy, and try my best to experience the world with him in a way that opens up his horizons. I recently took him on a short cruise on a boat in Dubai Marina. And as is typical of a 4 year old, he asked about a million questions (all of which I patiently endeavored to answer), spilled the water, got ice cream all over himself and me. By the end of the cruise, an elderly Italian lady who barely spoke any English came up to me and said: "You are a great father". These are the best words I have ever heard, and every time I am with him, I remind myself that today, I want to live up to them. IMG_8416-5...40d0fb.jpg
You two look great and happy together! I wish you all the best!
Thanks Marc! We are indeed, and I wish you the same :)
As another single father (to a teen girl) somebody just acknowledging the work you are doing to be a good parent can make a huge difference. Good for you, man.
Thanks Richard! Its always a great reminder :) Good like with the teen years, I hear I'm in for a 'treat' Hahah!
Aww, you both look so happy and full of life. You sound like an awesome dad!
Thank you so much!
You seems to be a great father. I almost could feel the love and proud reading your story. He is a awesome boy.
He looks so happy. You are doing a great job. <3
If a person is the light of your life you will end up being let down.
I see how previous disappointments can shape your opinion, but choosing to see the best in people while at the same time keeping your expectations in check, usually ends up very well...
So much for being human 🙄