People are sooooooo nice!

[Loves Vintage]

In a matter of a few minutes today, two random people were so nice! I was holding my baby (errr 27 pound toddler with two big bags), and a very nice lady went out of her way to hold 2 doors open for us. And, then in traffic, a nice driver helped me back up in traffic. I wanted to take a left, but went ahead too early, light turned red type deal.

I know these are are two really small things, but I often read people complaining on forums (not so much on PS, but elsewhere) about how strangers are so rude, unhelpful, etc. Sometimes, that is true. But, more often, it's not!

So, what nice things have strangers done for you lately?

 

[Missy]

Yay!! I love hearing nice stories! It sometimes feels like the world is changing and people are just not as nice but then when people are kind and helpful and just plain sweet it restores my faith in humanity (at least a bit)!

This happened this summer to me but it is funny and nice and pertains to your question so though it is somewhat outdated- I was walking up the escalator in the subway station and my shoe fell off haha and a nice gentleman (attractive too ) picked it up and put it back on my foot. And someone commented oh, just like Cinderella and Prince Charming LOL. Now you might think that's a once in a lifetime story but nope not when it comes to me and my shoes. That actually happened a few years ago too- though at that time it wasn't accompanied by the Cinderella comment. You'd think I'd learn but I like sandals and they don't always stay on.

Oh, another nice thing that happened more recently (a few weeks ago)...I was commuting to work in the AM and when I swiped my metrocard at the subway turnstile it was insufficient fare so I turned to go and purchase another and a nice young man said for me not to bother and he swiped me through on his card! Very nice and very appreciated as I wanted to get to work as early as possible. Though I was embarrassed and wanted to pay him back but he refused. So people can be very nice and I always like to pay it forward in any case. I think good manners are very important to the quality of life and the cornerstone of humanity.

 

[Puppmom]

Not too long ago, I went to visit a friend for a morning play date. I offered to bring breakfast so I stopped at Panera Bread with DS. I bought a dozen bagels with cream cheese and a fruit cup and orange juice. They bagged the fruit cup and orange juice separately. When I got to the car, I tossed the bagels in then put the fruit and oj on the roof while I buckled DS in. A swift wind kicked up and they fell off. They both splattered everywhere and the containers went rolling across the lot. I was ticked! I couldn't even make any attempt to clean it up because they were too far from the car for me to feel comfortable leaving DS buckled in while I cleaned up. So, I started to pull off...mad and embarrassed, when the manager came running out with a replacement fruit cup and orange juice. It seriously made my day!

 

[purplesparklies]

Sad that such simple kind gestures are notable because of their rarity. Glad you experienced a couple today. It truly does brighten one's day.

 

[stargurl78]

My story is from a year and a half ago but I'll always remember how nice this man was so I'll share. It was just a few weeks before DH and I were getting married and life was of course hectic with all sorts of things I had to get done before the wedding. Well I was just getting off the express way onto a major road when my car just dies. I am stopped at a stop light and I can not get it to re-start, I can't even get the hazards to turn on. Once the traffic light turns green people are honking and yelling at me like crazy and I was scared someone was just going to end up smashing right into the back of me. Well this older man ends up stopping and tells me to put my car in neutral and he'll give me a push into the gas station. Finally, we get over to the gas station and I'm all panicked and freaked out and I'm thanking him and I ask him if he wants me to pay him or if there is anything I can do for him and he says, "Please just say a prayer for me. You promise you'll do that?" and of course I told him I would. For some reason it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. I still pray for him every so often.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My story is from a year and a half ago but I'll always remember how nice this man was so I'll share. It was just a few weeks before DH and I were getting married and life was of course hectic with all sorts of things I had to get done before the wedding. Well I was just getting off the express way onto a major road when my car just dies. I am stopped at a stop light and I can not get it to re-start, I can't even get the hazards to turn on. Once the traffic light turns green people are honking and yelling at me like crazy and I was scared someone was just going to end up smashing right into the back of me. Well this older man ends up stopping and tells me to put my car in neutral and he'll give me a push into the gas station. Finally, we get over to the gas station and I'm all panicked and freaked out and I'm thanking him and I ask him if he wants me to pay him or if there is anything I can do for him and he says, "Please just say a prayer for me. You promise you'll do that?" and of course I told him I would. For some reason it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. I still pray for him every so often.

 

[Skippy123]

My story is from a year and a half ago but I'll always remember how nice this man was so I'll share. It was just a few weeks before DH and I were getting married and life was of course hectic with all sorts of things I had to get done before the wedding. Well I was just getting off the express way onto a major road when my car just dies. I am stopped at a stop light and I can not get it to re-start, I can't even get the hazards to turn on. Once the traffic light turns green people are honking and yelling at me like crazy and I was scared someone was just going to end up smashing right into the back of me. Well this older man ends up stopping and tells me to put my car in neutral and he'll give me a push into the gas station. Finally, we get over to the gas station and I'm all panicked and freaked out and I'm thanking him and I ask him if he wants me to pay him or if there is anything I can do for him and he says, "Please just say a prayer for me. You promise you'll do that?" and of course I told him I would. For some reason it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. I still pray for him every so often.

awww this is so beautiful!!! sob here too!



LV, awww I love that people are so nice!!!! Great story!

 

[Missy]

My story is from a year and a half ago but I'll always remember how nice this man was so I'll share. It was just a few weeks before DH and I were getting married and life was of course hectic with all sorts of things I had to get done before the wedding. Well I was just getting off the express way onto a major road when my car just dies. I am stopped at a stop light and I can not get it to re-start, I can't even get the hazards to turn on. Once the traffic light turns green people are honking and yelling at me like crazy and I was scared someone was just going to end up smashing right into the back of me. Well this older man ends up stopping and tells me to put my car in neutral and he'll give me a push into the gas station. Finally, we get over to the gas station and I'm all panicked and freaked out and I'm thanking him and I ask him if he wants me to pay him or if there is anything I can do for him and he says, "Please just say a prayer for me. You promise you'll do that?" and of course I told him I would. For some reason it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. I still pray for him every so often.

oh, that story is haunting. I do hope that man is OK...

 

[Anastasia]

My story is from a year and a half ago but I'll always remember how nice this man was so I'll share. It was just a few weeks before DH and I were getting married and life was of course hectic with all sorts of things I had to get done before the wedding. Well I was just getting off the express way onto a major road when my car just dies. I am stopped at a stop light and I can not get it to re-start, I can't even get the hazards to turn on. Once the traffic light turns green people are honking and yelling at me like crazy and I was scared someone was just going to end up smashing right into the back of me. Well this older man ends up stopping and tells me to put my car in neutral and he'll give me a push into the gas station. Finally, we get over to the gas station and I'm all panicked and freaked out and I'm thanking him and I ask him if he wants me to pay him or if there is anything I can do for him and he says, "Please just say a prayer for me. You promise you'll do that?" and of course I told him I would. For some reason it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. I still pray for him every so often.

oh, that story is haunting. I do hope that man is OK...

Ditto - a beautiful story, and I hope he is okay too.

This summer my family and I were visiting Penn State. I parked on the street, and got out to check the meter, it was a Saturday, and I wasn't sure if I needed to put money in or not since it was the weekend. A young man who was parked in front of me, told me that you had to put money in until 6, and went ahead and put coins in the meter for me. I had the money, he just went ahead and did it anyway. It made my weekend! It's amazing how such a little thing can mean so much.

 

[stargurl78]

I didn't mean to make everyone sad! His kindness and words just really touched my heart so I wanted to share. I was so thankful that he helped me and it made me feel like my crazy wedding tasks were a little less important that day...

Glad to hear everyone else's stories too. An act of kindness really can make a person's day.

 

[monarch64]

LV, that's great! My husband and I were out this Saturday running errands, and he had to stop in Kohl's for a minute to grab something. As I dropped him off in front of the store, a lady walked in front of my car at the stop sign and waved at us like she knew us, but we looked at each other and did NOT know her! My husband rolled down his window, and as she came around to his side of the car, she said, "Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!" We reciprocated, and had a nice moment talking about how nice a gesture she made. A little kindness goes a long way.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

My work mate got a flat tyre in one of our ford transit vans on the side of the freeway. She was on the side of the road waiting for the RAC for over an hour when a lady stopped to ask if she was ok. She said yes and that was just waiting. About half an hour later my friend was still waiting for a tow and the lady came back with a hot coffee and muffin for her. Seriously the nicest thing I've heard anyone do for a person in a long time.

 

[rosetta]

Mine's a biggie.

Picture this.

It's the day before my medical school finals. I've packed all my bags to leave for the summer. Ive cleaned my entire place. I haven't seen my family in a year.

Suddenly, I realise I haven't seen my passport for a while. I check my handbag. Nope. I open my suitcase and search frantically. Nothing.

I turn every single piece of furniture upside down. It's not there. My plane leaves tomorrow. I can't afford another ticket. my parents who live in a country where it's very difficult to obtain a visa.

Then i get a horrible sick feeling. I run out the door to see the garbage truck at the end of the road.

I run after it screaming.

The nicest man in the whole world not only takes down the huge bin, but also helps me open every single garbage bag. In the pouring rain.

We find my sodden passport in the bottom of the last bag.

I am not ashamed to say that I burst into tears and threw my arms around him.

I don't think he realised much of a hero he was. To me.


PS and I still did pass my exam the next day!

 

[CharmedOne]

Lovely stories. Thanks for sharing

 

[HollyS]

I always hope people are nice. I never fail to thank someone for holding open a door for me; I always wave at the person who let me into a lane I needed in traffic; I'm always polite to wait staff or cashiers; I even smile, wave and say thank you to the guy who stops to let me cross the parking lot. And I always hold the doors, let the drivers in, stop for the pedestrians, and so on.

If all of us practiced, not just common courtesy, but unfailingly good natured courtesy every day, how much could we improve the lives of everyone . . . including ourselves? If you want to make your day brighter, be nice to someone who isn't expecting it. Their surprise and enjoyment will be all you need to lift your own spirits. Yesterday, I was walking out of Hobby Lobby, and held open the door for someone just coming up the walk. She was stunned, I could tell by the tone of her voice as she thanked me. Obviously, she wasn't expecting anyone to be kind, but she was delighted.

(And as a side note, 'cause this is beginning to really bug me: If someone helps you, of course you'll say thank you; but if you help someone and they say thank you, please don't say "No problem". Say "You're welcome". This whole "no problem" thing is becoming a problem for me. If it was "no problem" to help someone, you didn't exactly go out of your way to do so, did you? "You're welcome" says so much more, and with more grace.)

 

[Loves Vintage]

I always hope people are nice. I never fail to thank someone for holding open a door for me; I always wave at the person who let me into a lane I needed in traffic; I'm always polite to wait staff or cashiers; I even smile, wave and say thank you to the guy who stops to let me cross the parking lot. And I always hold the doors, let the drivers in, stop for the pedestrians, and so on.

If all of us practiced, not just common courtesy, but unfailingly good natured courtesy every day, how much could we improve the lives of everyone . . . including ourselves? If you want to make your day brighter, be nice to someone who isn't expecting it. Their surprise and enjoyment will be all you need to lift your own spirits. Yesterday, I was walking out of Hobby Lobby, and held open the door for someone just coming up the walk. She was stunned, I could tell by the tone of her voice as she thanked me. Obviously, she wasn't expecting anyone to be kind, but she was delighted.

(And as a side note, 'cause this is beginning to really bug me: If someone helps you, of course you'll say thank you; but if you help someone and they say thank you, please don't say "No problem". Say "You're welcome". This whole "no problem" thing is becoming a problem for me. If it was "no problem" to help someone, you didn't exactly go out of your way to do so, did you? "You're welcome" says so much more, and with more grace.)

Yesssssssssssss! Yes, to all of this (though I may be guilty of the "No problem" bit.) I feel like people complain a lot about people being increasingly unkind in day-to-day interactions. I completely agree! Be nice yourself and hopefully more niceness will follow.

Perhaps we should start a new thread with nice, random acts of kindness thoughts? Here's one thing I love doing. Sharing coupons! If I have extras or one that I'm not going to use, I make sure to pass it along before I leave. People LOVE this. I remember one year at Christmas time (it was a day or two before the holiday), I saw a dad fumbling around the juniors section of a clothing store. He seemed genuinely perplexed, haha. I didn't find anything, had a coupon, walked up to him and gave him the coupon. He was so elated! Oh, I should mention. I live in CT, so there's not a lot of walking up to strangers 'round here. I do it all the time, though. Love to chit-chat in lines with people, and they humor me. Anyway, I do this all the time. Sometimes I look for people with carts full of stuff, hee-hee. People LOVE it.

 

[Missy]

LV, that reminds me- I recently received coupons from a stranger when I was shopping at Macy's last month. She just walked up to me and gave me half a dozen coupons. I was very touched. Unfortunately when I got up to the counter to pay I wasn't able to use them because I do not have a Macy's charge card (and that was necessary to use the coupons) so I just passed them on to someone else who did! It was a lovely gesture from a woman I didn't know and I love to give away coupons as well. Totally forgot about this.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Missy - What a nice Prince Charming story! I have an escalator story too, but it was not so nice, so won't post about it here! Yay for nice metrocard guy!!

Puppmom - Yay for awesome Panera manager.

Purplesparklies - I hear what you are saying. I think that sometimes there are a lot of kind gestures out there, but we miss them, because they are small. I hear people complaining sooo much (and trust me, I'm a big time complainer too, maybe I'm reforming myself a bit though!), but I am noting the small gestures more and more.

Stargurl78 - Aww, what a nice story! I bet that nice man is ok. Sometimes, people just like a little prayer, even in good times. That's a really sweet story. Love when people just offer a helping hand because they can.

Anastasia - Exactly, sometimes it is just the little things! What a nice young man. And, so nice to see you here! I remember you from your avatar, hee-hee! Post more, post more!!

Monnie - Yay for random cheerful people! I love that!

HOT - Oh, that is such a sweet story. So nice to hear about the thoughtfulness of strangers. Thanks for sharing!

Rosetta - Wow! That is a biggie! How lucky you were to find your passport and to find someone who was so kind to let you check!

*****************
More stories please!

 

[Missy]

ooh LV, now I really want to hear your escalator story! Spill it girl!

 

[Loves Vintage]

LV, that reminds me- I recently received coupons from a stranger when I was shopping at Macy's last month. She just walked up to me and gave me half a dozen coupons. I was very touched. Unfortunately when I got up to the counter to pay I wasn't able to use them because I do not have a Macy's charge card (and that was necessary to use the coupons) so I just passed them on to someone else who did! It was a lovely gesture from a woman I didn't know and I love to give away coupons as well. Totally forgot about this.

Love sharing coupons! I only shop at Macy's with coupons! You have to get a card if you shop there often. I do try to limit my store cards because I try to put everything on a visa for points, but I can't pass up my 20% savings. lol. I love my bargains.

 

[Missy]

LV, that reminds me- I recently received coupons from a stranger when I was shopping at Macy's last month. She just walked up to me and gave me half a dozen coupons. I was very touched. Unfortunately when I got up to the counter to pay I wasn't able to use them because I do not have a Macy's charge card (and that was necessary to use the coupons) so I just passed them on to someone else who did! It was a lovely gesture from a woman I didn't know and I love to give away coupons as well. Totally forgot about this.

Love sharing coupons! I only shop at Macy's with coupons! You have to get a card if you shop there often. I do try to limit my store cards because I try to put everything on a visa for points, but I can't pass up my 20% savings. lol. I love my bargains.

It's funny because I haven't shopped at Macy's for years and years until last month when I just happened in there and saw so much great stuff that I ended up buying. For me and my nieces. It was a shame I couldn't use the coupons but I am trying to limit my charge cards etc in order to simplify my life a bit so even though I would have saved a good amount I decided not to open up a card there. What I discovered a few days after while browsing online is that Macy's has awesome savings that way too- I was able to purchase a whole load of stuff online there and save 20%!!! So, now I have way too much clothing from Macy's lol because I love saving too!!!

My dh's brother says he's going broke saving money at Costco and that is the line that comes to me whenever I shop at places where I get discounts lol because I totally spend more than I would have if I didn't have the coupons/online discounts! But I always think, hey, I'm stimulating the economy!

 

[Loves Vintage]

ooh LV, now I really want to hear your escalator story! Spill it girl!

Ohhhhhh, but is so not nice!! And, it happened in a Macy's!! Uggh, but it wouldn't be nice if I didn't respond, so what's a nice PS-er to do . . . I'll keep it brief, just because you asked so nicely.

I have escalator issues. I had a shoelace stuck in an escalator when I was like 5, and surely thought I was going under, so I've been traumatized, ok. So, now, it takes me a while to step on. Like 3 or 4 steps. I *always* look behind me, and casually let other people go before me (because I'm nice!) or if pressed, will just step on the darn step right away. Siggh. So one day, I wait like 4 steps, get on, about halfway down, this guy starts berating me for making him wait (I totally did not know he was there.) I won't quote him, but he was scary mean!! I looked back, fought back the instinct to correct his behavior, looked forward, he still kept yelling. Then as I was heading toward the door to leave, I looked back (to make sure he was not still behind me ), and he was leaning up against the wall at the bottom of the escalator. He wasn't even going anywhere, and he was yelling at me for holding him up!!

So yeah, sometimes people aren't nice. I was actually a bit shaken up by it, but I am old enough to know that I can't understand everyone's stories, so I'm generally whatever about that sort of thing, which is unusual, fortunately!

 

[Loves Vintage]

LV, that reminds me- I recently received coupons from a stranger when I was shopping at Macy's last month. She just walked up to me and gave me half a dozen coupons. I was very touched. Unfortunately when I got up to the counter to pay I wasn't able to use them because I do not have a Macy's charge card (and that was necessary to use the coupons) so I just passed them on to someone else who did! It was a lovely gesture from a woman I didn't know and I love to give away coupons as well. Totally forgot about this.

Love sharing coupons! I only shop at Macy's with coupons! You have to get a card if you shop there often. I do try to limit my store cards because I try to put everything on a visa for points, but I can't pass up my 20% savings. lol. I love my bargains.

It's funny because I haven't shopped at Macy's for years and years until last month when I just happened in there and saw so much great stuff that I ended up buying. For me and my nieces. It was a shame I couldn't use the coupons but I am trying to limit my charge cards etc in order to simplify my life a bit so even though I would have saved a good amount I decided not to open up a card there. What I discovered a few days after while browsing online is that Macy's has awesome savings that way too- I was able to purchase a whole load of stuff online there and save 20%!!! So, now I have way too much clothing from Macy's lol because I love saving too!!!

My dh's brother says he's going broke saving money at Costco and that is the line that comes to me whenever I shop at places where I get discounts lol because I totally spend more than I would have if I didn't have the coupons/online discounts! But I always think, hey, I'm stimulating the economy!

Oh good that you were able to save the 20% on-line! Yes, to Costco! I just joined another "wholesale club," and I see what they do there!! Each time I've gone, people are walking out with tvs. It's an insane assault of tvs when you walk in there. Those places are full of stuff you don't need, but they are great bargains! Fortunately, I'm pretty good about resisting a lot of it!

 

[Missy]

ooh LV, now I really want to hear your escalator story! Spill it girl!

Ohhhhhh, but is so not nice!! And, it happened in a Macy's!! Uggh, but it wouldn't be nice if I didn't respond, so what's a nice PS-er to do . . . I'll keep it brief, just because you asked so nicely.

I have escalator issues. I had a shoelace stuck in an escalator when I was like 5, and surely thought I was going under, so I've been traumatized, ok. So, now, it takes me a while to step on. Like 3 or 4 steps. I *always* look behind me, and casually let other people go before me (because I'm nice!) or if pressed, will just step on the darn step right away. Siggh. So one day, I wait like 4 steps, get on, about halfway down, this guy starts berating me for making him wait (I totally did not know he was there.) I won't quote him, but he was scary mean!! I looked back, fought back the instinct to correct his behavior, looked forward, he still kept yelling. Then as I was heading toward the door to leave, I looked back (to make sure he was not still behind me ), and he was leaning up against the wall at the bottom of the escalator. He wasn't even going anywhere, and he was yelling at me for holding him up!!

So yeah, sometimes people aren't nice. I was actually a bit shaken up by it, but I am old enough to know that I can't understand everyone's stories, so I'm generally whatever about that sort of thing, which is unusual, fortunately!

Awww, what a jerk that guy was/is! I'm sorry LV- that really was mean behavior on his part! I totally understand how crappy that made you feel. Big hugs to you!!! And remember, that guy is the jerk- you did nothing wrong at all! Oooh, people like that make me want to beat them up! I swear sometimes I want to do that to meanies! Not that I would because I abhor violence of any sort but I just like to imagine me beating them up.

(Sorry I made you relive that memory LV. )


ETA: That story reminds me though of the saying - be kind to everyone you meet because you cannot know what battles they are facing...or something like that and whenever people are not so nice I try and remember that I cannot know what struggles they are dealing with in their life so I try to be kind no matter what. I don't always rise above but I try.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Oh, it's no problem, Missy. I can honestly look back at it in a somewhat comical tone now, even though I was genuinely scared at the time. And, it's so true. My life is really good. I would never treat someone that way. But, for whatever reason, this guy had a lot of anger, and in a way, it's sad for him, but not for me to understand.

Ok, back to the nice people stories!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I had a nice experience this week at hobby Lobby. I go there to buy frames ready made. I called last week to make sure that a sale was on and arranged a ride to the store for this week. I had 7 frames that i needed. Lo and Behold, no sale was on. I had found the frames I wanted, and brought them up to the gal at the framing counter. When she saw my face and listened to my story, she told me Wait! She got the store manager and persuaded her to give me the sales price of last week. She was great. She even complimented my paintings(not mine) and saved me over $225.00. Now thats a sales person. I wanted to hug her.

So, this week, my favorite store is Hobby Lobby.

Annette