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Default Dec 27, 2018 at 05:56 PM
  #21
I was looking through some books at a store one day. When I opened up one of the books there was a brightly colored post-it note that said:
"I believe in you! Have a great day! "

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Default Jan 02, 2019 at 12:35 AM
  #22
My S.O's car wouldn't start and a stranger went out of his way to help jump-start it and also gave him a few useful tips for the future
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Default Jan 03, 2019 at 12:09 AM
  #23
When I was much younger and first starting out in corporate America and going to school at night I lived in a rough part of town because it was all my then husband and I could afford. There were gangs around.

One night coming home late from school my car broke down on an exit right in the middle of gang territory. I was about to get out of my car (there were no cell phones then) when I noticed the gang approaching rapidly. They surrounded the car and started tapping on the window. I was terrified and reluctantly put my window down. They said let’s get you away from this dangerous intersection and they pushed my car all the way to a gas station. They then made sure I had money for the pay phone to call my husband to come get me and quietly disappeared.

I’m still not sure to this day whether that was indeed the gang or a bunch of angels.
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Default Jan 03, 2019 at 02:58 AM
  #24
[QUOTE=Jennifer 1967;6388047]

Wow Jennifer! Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I've been feeling awful yesterday and today...depression is gnawing at me. I came home and logged on and read your story and thought: "Come on Hope...you can do better...don't be so sad."

Whether they were gang members or angels, I am grateful that they were good to you when you needed help. I hope they have help when they need it.
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Default Jan 03, 2019 at 08:42 PM
  #25

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Default Jan 03, 2019 at 09:17 PM
  #26
A man who works at my local store recognizes me by now. Every time he sees me he says: "Hey there, it's good to see you again! How you doin' today my friend?" It's not so much his words as the bright, sincere warmth he emits to everyone around him. He is such a wonderful person. Even on my heavy depressed days, as soon as I see his warm smile I feel more human.
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Trig Jan 03, 2019 at 09:57 PM
  #27
A long time ago, I was mugged on my way home from work. It happened so quickly. My arm suddenly felt twisted and I landed hard on my back in the middle of the street. Then I saw the mugger running off with my bag along with my keys and phone. I was terrified that the mugger would follow and attack me again. You are probably wondering why this story is on 'The Kindness of Strangers' thread. Well, there was a store nearby where I often shopped. I used to chat with the owner, a quiet and respectful man. He was an immigrant, working hard to support his family. The only thing I thought to do after I was mugged was to run to that store. The owner knew something was wrong right away. He closed his store, drove me to my home, then waited to be sure that my roommate let me into the building. "Don't worry, I not go nowhere...you check...I stay right here...you safe now." I hope that he and his family are safe and well now wherever they are. And I hope that the young guy who mugged me eventually found a different path in life. I hope he is safe and found peace.
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Default Jan 04, 2019 at 03:43 PM
  #28
Beautiful!

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Social Anxiety and Depression. Cluster C traits.
Trying to improve my English. My apologies for errors and mistakes in advance.

Mankind is complex: Make deserts blossom and lakes die. ( GIL SCOTT-HERSON)
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Default Jan 04, 2019 at 05:00 PM
  #29
today in the shop I couldn't find something

I kept walking around the store, but couldn't find it

eventually a woman walked up behind me, sttopped me and goes... here, I think I picked up the last one. you have it.

how sweet
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Default Jan 04, 2019 at 10:31 PM
  #30
I remember when I used to live in this small town I live in now, years ago, while I lived in college. There used to be this small cafe that everyone loved to go to in front of the public library, across the street from the college. Well, I used to go to that cafe a lot. she was so sweet. I always ordered the same thing.

Well, I moved away after college, then me, my mom, and my sister moved back into this same town and I wanted to visit this cafe again. Little did I know it would be my last time doing so. But this same lady remembered me and my order and she told me "Don't ever change, you have a good heart". I don't think I've changed much since then, well, maybe a little. But I will always remember that little cafe.

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Default Jan 05, 2019 at 06:40 AM
  #31
once in a cafe a woman next to me noticed I didn't have a drink and asked me if I wanted one.

I told her I didn't have money so couldn't get one
awkward silence for a moment..

then she goes

oh, no... don't be daft, I was offering to buy you one

oh, right..... I see

I ended up saying thank you and she got me a coke
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Trig Jan 05, 2019 at 06:43 AM
  #32
the woman I knew nothing about who took me to her house when my mother abandoned me at a train station

she didn't have to, she could have just left me on the platform but she didn't
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Wink Jan 05, 2019 at 12:23 PM
  #33
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Originally Posted by HopefullyLost1211 View Post
Hello folks,

I know that many of us feel isolated and very lonely when we are depressed. I though it could be helpful to recall and reflect on times when strangers have shown us empathy and compassion. This also helps to remind us that the world is not full of bad, destructive people. Ten minutes of watching "The News" can quickly give that impression. Are there some awful things happening in the world? No doubt. But there is also a great deal of goodness.

So, I will start the thread by recalling a kindness shown to me by a stranger:

Many years ago, I had a case of shingles. I had never had it before. I lived alone at the time and did not have any close friends. My family lived far away and they are not the type of people I turn to for support. I had recently survived a major trauma in my life. The shingles appeared to be getting worse and I was frightened. I went to the ER because I knew that shingles can be dangerous if not kept under control (can spread to the eye etc).

I was sitting alone in the ER waiting room. The physical pain, nausea, and dizziness were intense and I was anxious about what was happening to my body. But the worst part was my feeling of deep loneliness. I had my head down because I was sobbing...as quietly as possible...I try very hard never to cry in front of others. But those tears kept coming because I was overwhelmed. After only a few minutes in the waiting room, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.

I looked up and saw a woman with a kind and concerned face. She handed me a box of tissues and quietly asked: "Is there anything I can do for you, honey?" The tears kept rolling down my cheeks. I took the box of tissues and said: "would you mind sitting next to me for a minute? Could you hold my hand?" She immediately did what I asked without a word. No judgment. No unsolicited advice. No prying for information.

We sat like that until my name was called to see the doctor. It turned out that I was having a bad reaction to my shingles medication and needed a new one. The ER doc resolved that quickly after giving me a few condescending comments and zero empathy. Who do you think really helped me most that day? The stranger who was under no obligation to help me at all. But she brought a box of tissues and compassion.

I didn't give you folks all the details of my life back then (too sad) but I felt like I was alone in hell. And then this wonderful stranger showed me a kindness which I have never forgotten. To this day, years later, I am grateful for her...she gave me hope and comfort when I was frightened and alone. May she always have the help she needs...wherever she is now.

Would anyone else like to share a story from a kind stranger?

Peace and love to all
This is such a beautiful story. I’m probably reading it much later than you posted it but thank you so very much anyway. I hope you’re on the mend now.
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Default Jan 05, 2019 at 07:36 PM
  #34
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This is such a beautiful story. I’m probably reading it much later than you posted it but thank you so very much anyway. I hope you’re on the mend now.
Thank you very much Mopey! That day was a very long time ago in my life; I am much better now thanks I mentioned it here because I love to remind people of the good acts of others. Your kind reply is much appreciated. I hope you are well too
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Default Jan 05, 2019 at 11:18 PM
  #35
I was shopping at a store and couldn't find a particular item they usually carry. While I was searching for the item, a sales associate gently approached and asked if she could help. This naturally evolved into a conversation about the brand's efforts to help folks who are struggling in other countries. I really enjoyed the exchange of ideas. Then the associate commented that she loved my necklace and found it very striking. How kind! We were interrupted by another associate...no problem...they were busy. The original associate later returned and thanked me for the chat. She was a genuine and warm person and a complete stranger!
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Default Jan 06, 2019 at 12:02 AM
  #36
I've been shown a fair amount of kindness over the years, but now, even a smile or a 'hello' or a car stopping on the street to let me cross the road, gives rise to a sense of gratitude within me that never used to be there before. I think having been on my own for so long has made me aware of the subtleties of kindness.
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Default Jan 06, 2019 at 12:20 AM
  #37
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I've been shown a fair amount of kindness over the years, but now, even a smile or a 'hello' or a car stopping on the street to let me cross the road, gives rise to a sense of gratitude within me that never used to be there before. I think having been on my own for so long has made me aware of the subtleties of kindness.

AGREED! The smallest connections or courtesies can go a very long way. You sound like a very mindful person
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Default Jan 06, 2019 at 02:31 AM
  #38
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Originally Posted by HopefullyLost1211 View Post
AGREED! The smallest connections or courtesies can go a very long way. You sound like a very mindful person
Thanks, HopefullyLost1211. I try to be :-)

I really like the threads you've created in this forum, as well. Positive self reflection and healing. Very, very important on many levels, and that's a reflection of your own compassion and kindness, too.

Keep up the good work, HopefullyLost1211.

Thank you!
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Default Jan 06, 2019 at 03:07 AM
  #39
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Originally Posted by mote.of.soul View Post
Thanks, HopefullyLost1211. I try to be :-)

I really like the threads you've created in this forum, as well. Positive self reflection and healing. Very, very important on many levels, and that's a reflection of your own compassion and kindness, too.

Keep up the good work, HopefullyLost1211.

Thank you!
Thank you very much Mote.of.Soul. I wanted to create threads which would encourage myself and others to be positive even in the midst of our struggles. It makes me very happy to learn that you find the threads useful. Much appreciated feedback. By the way, you are welcome to call me Hope if you like. Some folks on PC call me that for short
Take good care of yourself.
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Smile Jan 06, 2019 at 04:23 PM
  #40
Someone saw with carrying several heavy grocery bags and held the elevator door for me. Then I got a big warm smile and a "have a great day!"
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