FabSwingers.com forum: Kindness from strangers & to strangers

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Reading a thread about kindness to "friends" I recall the time, approx 15/17

years ago when our car got stuck in the snow.

It was a BMW 5 series auto and as rear wheel drive they hate the snow - we got stuck on a side road - a few people tried to help but car would not move then this man came out of his house and towed us to the main road about a quarter of a mile - I offered him a tenner for a drink he refused and said people have helped me in the past.

Since that time, I have helped several people that I may not have otherwise. EG, waiting in nose to tail traffic seeing a couple struggling to carry sofa to skip, pulled up and gave a hand. Couple at supermarket, flat tyre, chap could not undo nut i asked if he need help and undid the nuts - more recently, we gave a hitchhiker a lift from the motorway cafe that was going to Wakefield and us to Leeds, nice chap, we went out of our way to drop him off right outside his parents home - just a short detour

Have you recieved kindness and in return made you a more helpful person?

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By *lik and PaulCouple
over a year ago

cahoots

We are always kind,courteous and helpful as we see no reason to be any other way

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We are always kind,courteous and helpful as we see no reason to be any other way "

Threads about extra kindness someone really going out of their way.

What you are talking out is just being nice and polite like 50% of the population, EG say thanks, please hold door open, give way to others at junctions, say hi/moring to people you dont really know, hlp family and firneds - just being clear this thread is about extra kindness like the clear exmaple I gave. Thanks

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By *oinerbillMan
over a year ago

warrington

couple of years back i went to a old couple to look at a repair a door and lock

The old lady had dementia and the old guy was caring for her

Instead of quoting spent 3 hours there and repaired the door free of charge

The gratitude from the old guy is something i will take to my grave, he was almost in tears thanking me

It was worth more than any payment, and the feeling i got from helping someone in need gave me a wonderful feeling

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve changed more wheels for stranded grannies on the side of the road than I care to remember

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

There are lots of people like that. I know one or two myself and like to think I rise to the ocassion too hopefully. On the whole though sadly society has become a lot more selfish than ever imo, it realy has.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Kindness should be extended to everyone. I told a woman I loved her dress and that the colours are gorgeous on her the other day in a shop. She brushed it off and said thanks. Then came back to tell me it made her day.

I had a lovely chat with an older lady on a bench on Friday as I waited for someone. We spoke about her family, her life, she was lonely and so precious. I got as much from that in that moment as she probably did, though she would likely never know it.

I always appreciate the kindness others show to me too and I truly belive you get back what you put out there.

Its costs nothing to be nice and to be kind. It would likely change the world if everyone was.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"There are lots of people like that. I know one or two myself and like to think I rise to the ocassion too hopefully. On the whole though sadly society has become a lot more selfish than ever imo, it realy has. "

True re "selfish" and dmmn right igornant,

dont say thanks when you give way in a car or hold door open for them or press the lift button - often these jerks have a smirk on their round mush but often these types are ones I steer clear of

I think being polite is ingrained into people by their parents/family

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By *uckmonkeyMan
over a year ago

devon

I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed.

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By *hrek101Man
over a year ago

Herts

Yesterday teenager in front of me in Five Guys, didn't have enough money so I told him to order what he wanted and I'd get the rest. He was very grateful and I said just do the same for someone else. On his way out he thanked me again and said I will definitely do the same for someone.

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed."

That's great and you used to see a lot before and was thankful for that myself on many ocassions.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
over a year ago

BRIDPORT

"I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed."

Yeah, I bet you wait till they are just getting there and then accelerate away

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By *ORDERMANMan
over a year ago

wrexham

Kindness costs nothing but as indicated by many above the rewards are worthy..

What goes around comes around

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"Yesterday teenager in front of me in Five Guys, didn't have enough money so I told him to order what he wanted and I'd get the rest. He was very grateful and I said just do the same for someone else. On his way out he thanked me again and said I will definitely do the same for someone."

That's great, sets a good example and shapes the younger generation ss unfotunatelly they havevso many other not so great influences around them

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By *uckmonkeyMan
over a year ago

devon

"I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed.

Yeah, I bet you wait till they are just getting there and then accelerate away

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By *TG3Man
over a year ago

Dorchester

Yes my car hit a deep puddle and cut out couldn't restart, was with a female and a car pulled up helped me push car off the road and gave us a 30 mile ride to where we lived I've helped countless people since not because of that but because that could have been us stranded at an unearthly hour and it just needs somebody to have a bit of thought to help, a deaf and verbally impaired person who was a member of the AA broke down on a busy roundabout he was able to get across to me with his card and the telephone hand gesture what he wanted me to do so i phoned the AA but the person at the other end kept asking me to put him on the phone i had explained he was deaf lol but she couldn't seem to grasp it but eventually they sent a tow truck

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed."

Though I rarely use the bus now, I have noted more drivers are doing that, karma to you

Some great, nice posts here

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By *ilthycoupleabzCouple
over a year ago

Aberdeen

Actually, just recently Ive recieved kindness from a stranger on here.

They didnt need to be so thoughtful but it has helped so much that they were

MrsAbz

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By *wilightTeaseCouple
over a year ago

Nottingham

It was 1am and I saw a homeless man pushing his belongings on a broken kids-scooter up a very long hill. I stopped the car, put everything in the boot and gave him a lift to someone’s house he was staying at. He was beyond grateful. Hope the mrs never reads this comment as she’ll give me a lecture again about possibly getting murdered by a serial killer.

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By *wilightTeaseCouple
over a year ago

Nottingham

Forgot to mention that I used to love hitch hiking as those that would pick you up were always super extrovert and we always had a great time - so when I see someone needing a lift, sure, why not. Especially when people have just missed their bus in front of you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My favourite tale in this vein is long and more about my young sons reaction to it.

In short, there was a young woman of around 18 asking me for directions and clearly a nervous wreck.

She explained for was going for a job interview.

The place she was heading had moved, she had plenty of time to reach the original building but not for where it now stands.

I offered to pay for a taxi for her, suggesting she pay it forward in the way of another considerate act, though warned to b not put herself in a vulnerable position in doing so.

I spoke to the taxi driver and he assured me that £10 would cover it and he will drop her at the door in plenty of time and so I paid him.

My son who was about 8 then, said it was nice of me to do that, and I joked that it was his own £10 that I gave away, and apologised to him.

Technically it was, it was the only 10 in my wallet, though I would replace at the next cash machine.

He said to me, that's ok dad, I hope she gets the job.

I was like .... No, mate, I wouldn't give your money away, but he was insistent, so I jokingly compromised with him, suggesting we can both put £5 in.

He was fine with it, and I felt proud.

I didn't take anything from him though.

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By *ellinever70Woman
over a year ago

Ayrshire

dont say thanks when you give way in a car or hold door open for them or press the lift button - often these jerks have a smirk on their round mush but often these types are ones I steer clear of

Maybe they're just smiling their thanks

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"My favourite tale in this vein is long and more about my young sons reaction to it.

In short, there was a young woman of around 18 asking me for directions and clearly a nervous wreck.

She explained for was going for a job interview.

The place she was heading had moved, she had plenty of time to reach the original building but not for where it now stands.

I offered to pay for a taxi for her, suggesting she pay it forward in the way of another considerate act, though warned to b not put herself in a vulnerable position in doing so.

I spoke to the taxi driver and he assured me that £10 would cover it and he will drop her at the door in plenty of time and so I paid him.

My son who was about 8 then, said it was nice of me to do that, and I joked that it was his own £10 that I gave away, and apologised to him.

Technically it was, it was the only 10 in my wallet, though I would replace at the next cash machine.

He said to me, that's ok dad, I hope she gets the job.

I was like .... No, mate, I wouldn't give your money away, but he was insistent, so I jokingly compromised with him, suggesting we can both put £5 in.

He was fine with it, and I felt proud.

I didn't take anything from him though. "

That's another great story and a good example to show to youngsters the importance of caring and being kind

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

A nice Spanish man has just pushed me + my wheelchair suitcase assembly up a super steep ramp. He asked first, pushed second, which was appreciated. Another nice (and rather handsome) Spanish man is going to bring my lunch to my table, rather than me collect from the bar. I try to be helpful out and about, although my ability to physically assist is limited.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

dont say thanks when you give way in a car or hold door open for them or press the lift button - often these jerks have a smirk on their round mush but often these types are ones I steer clear of

Maybe they're just smiling their thanks "

Having worked in many public places private and gov, I know what is what and these people are as I said earlier.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"A nice Spanish man has just pushed me + my wheelchair suitcase assembly up a super steep ramp. He asked first, pushed second, which was appreciated. Another nice (and rather handsome) Spanish man is going to bring my lunch to my table, rather than me collect from the bar. I try to be helpful out and about, although my ability to physically assist is limited."

The handsomeness is a bonus

Enjoy your lunch

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By *aGaGagging for itCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

It happens here too. Yesterday I replied to a forum post on a delicate subject, giving advice, which I thought would be helpful.

Another forumite, who was unknown to me, had seen the thread and messaged me to 'just pass on my love to you for your lovely post', which was an amazingly kind gesture that made my day!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Glad to hear and enjoy your break

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

On another site I did a post about the issues in my life and head. Had a message from someone who read it and told me it helped him through a bad phase in his life.

When I had a serious crisis a few weeks ago I had some lovely responses from people on here

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I try to be kind.

People are rarely kind to me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve always had a real deep need to help people and often almost felt selfish when I have because it’s made me feel good about myself, I’ve done major work for friends as big as rewiring their houses or extensions and not taken a penny, some people would thing that’s just stupid but I enjoy doing it and as I say I almost feel selfish from the feeling of gratification when I’ve done it. If you see someone struggling with their bags offer to help, hold doors open for people, be more polite when driving “my brother calls me a knight of the road” haha. I looked into it and apparently I’m something called altruistic, I care far more about other people than I do about myself but I don’t see it as a bad thing. I’m not perfect nobody is but just try to help people and be happy in life and you’ll feel much better for it x

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

"I try to be kind.

People are rarely kind to me. "

That's sad, NC. I'd push you up a steep ramp. Well, I'd try

I had a jolly nice bocadillo, some eye candy in my line of sight and now on a train which has 4G reception, despite being in a tunnel under the mountains

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"I’ve always had a real deep need to help people and often almost felt selfish when I have because it’s made me feel good about myself, I’ve done major work for friends as big as rewiring their houses or extensions and not taken a penny, some people would thing that’s just stupid but I enjoy doing it and as I say I almost feel selfish from the feeling of gratification when I’ve done it. If you see someone struggling with their bags offer to help, hold doors open for people, be more polite when driving “my brother calls me a knight of the road” haha. I looked into it and apparently I’m something called altruistic, I care far more about other people than I do about myself but I don’t see it as a bad thing. I’m not perfect nobody is but just try to help people and be happy in life and you’ll feel much better for it x"

If it makes you happy and nothing is to your detriment, why not. Most people will be very grateful. Incidently, I jave lots of jobs doing at the house and struggi woth that, if you have any free time just say the word.

Seriously thoufh, well done to you.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I try to be kind.

People are rarely kind to me.

That's sad, NC. I'd push you up a steep ramp. Well, I'd try

I had a jolly nice bocadillo, some eye candy in my line of sight and now on a train which has 4G reception, despite being in a tunnel under the mountains

I'm sure you would

It's not sad really I think I give off a 'I don't need help' vibe. Also and I think you'll understand this albeit from a different perspective, people frequently patronise me in the guise of kindness because I'm not very tall and lately because I'm old.

You seem to be living your best life, I envy your bocadillo and 4G train. I have eye candy in the shape of Mr N

I'm learning Spanish and can confidently tell someone that my cat is fatter than their dog which I expect to come in very handy on my upcoming holiday

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By *uckmonkeyMan
over a year ago

devon

"I regularly wait for people running for my bus…..now that is rare indeed.

Though I rarely use the bus now, I have noted more drivers are doing that, karma to you

Some great, nice posts here"

Thank you and a nice thread…

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thank you mate

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This happened a few days ago but sat at the park and notice a small dog with it's owner running around. The dog went up to the this guy who was sat on the grass reading a book, they were about 25-30m away.

Dog got up in his face but the guy was obviously shook up about it went all tense and froze. Eventually the other guy got his dog without saying a word and carried on about his day. But the guy who was reading the book was still frozen and visibly scared.

Anyways, after being frozen for a few minutes he packs his stuff up and just stands up and waits there still upset.

I've got social anxiety but I thought this person isn't ok so I went and checked on him. He didn't speak great English but turns out he was attacked by a dog a few years ago. Walked to the ice cream van and got him a drink, chatted, made sure he was ok and then went out separate ways.

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