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I've recently joined some online communities for people who have a chronic illness, some specific to fibromyalgia. Earlier I made a post asking for advice/support relating to something specific that I'm going through. Someone commented and explained that they've not been through any of the things I mentioned so couldn't offer advice but just wanted to send me well wishes and let me know that someone was listening.

I know this might not seem like a random act of kindness since it was on a platform that's centred around support, but I've only seen comments from those who can relate, and I thought it was so so lovely that they took the time to be kind and supportive despite not being in the same boat

I'm getting almost daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments for an illness that has affected my hands such that I haven't been able to drive for the better part of about six years, and not at all for about the past three (I'm 67). The same illness prevents me from being able to take the senior/handicap shuttle, because even though I qualify, the vehicles are generally very rickety and noisy, which my nervous system can't tolerate at the moment, so my husband has been taking me half an hour each way for months.

The schedule has really been getting to him because he exercises really hard and needs an afternoon nap but has had to miss quite a few cause of my schedule, so I arranged some rides with a local cab company.

A few weeks later my driver, the owner, told me she was having to close down the business, and she was charging me way less than any of the other companies I spoke to. A couple we know lives about 20 minutes from us, between our house and the doctor's office, and when they found out that it was going to be very expensive for me to take a cab with any of the other companies, they offered to help. They have very different work schedules so one of them has driven the 20 minutes all the way up to our house to pick me up, then drive the 30 minutes all the way back down to the doctor's office; an hour later his husband has come to pick me up and take me all the way home, then turned around and driven all the way back to their house.

They'll only accept a little bit of money from me even though I know they're having financial problems, and they insisted my husband call them when he schedules his blepharoplasty, getting his eyelids fixed because they're drooping so much it's affecting his vision.

(We've ordered our own HBOT machine so I can do my treatments at home, and it should be here in about two weeks.)

I’ve been working at an animal rescue for the past 5 years. It’s the most rewarding, amazing job I’ve ever had, what I believe is my purpose in life, and I would not want to do anything else. It is also heartbreaking, exhausting, and sometimes hard to go on. The amount of times I’ve cried over an animal passing away or hearing an animal’s story and how they were failed by the people who were supposed to look after them, is endless.

Yesterday I was having a bad day with my mental health. I was feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and irritated. This one woman, Alyssa (fake name), who comes in to visit the cats a few times a month, came in today with a bag of gifts. She said she knows how hard we work and wanted to make sure we knew how much we were appreciated. She gave me a cute pair of cat socks which I love but the more important gift to me was her kindness and appreciation at a time when I really needed to hear it.

I recently got into this new course for civil construction. I met this one guy in my class we’ll call him Q. Q and I didn’t talk much at first but he was still friendly. He’s like a big friendly giant. Second day we slowly talked and even though it wasn’t much it was still something. The third day we talked the most and it was nice talking to him. We both usually steal answers off of other peoples work books.

During our break I was just sitting down on my phone while Q went out to go somewhere. While I was still on my phone he came back with a bag of chips he got from the vending machine and tossed it in front of me on the table. I asked him if it was for me and he said yes. I was so damn surprised because I have never had someone who’s still a stranger to me do that for me. It really did make me feel happy because I have been at my lowest point recently and that act of kindness really warmed my heart.

I know it doesn’t seem much but these little things really do seem to make someone’s day no matter how small. So please, if you ever feel like making someones day no matter how big or small go for it. Because chances are they might need it.

Months ago, I was having difficulty loading my vehicle with heavy items. Given back problems, I couldn't lift another item.

A cute couple arrived near my car and put away every bag.

The guy was glad to extend himself!

And i thanked them both!

Then I cldnt believe I started crying, just from the kindnesses.

I really needed that kindness in my life that day.

My daughter stopped into a local liquor store. She was standing in the isle, trying to figure out exactly what she wanted and saw an elderly lady looking intently at the bottles of Grand Mariner. My daughter asked her if she was alright or if she needed help with anything. I lady picked up a larger sized bottle of GM and got really emotional saying, 'My husband bought a bottle of it every year for Christmas, but he's gone now. I was going to buy it for myself, but it's too expensive. I had no idea that he paid that much for it. I guess that time is over for me,' Then the lady put the bottle down and walked away from my daughter. My daughter picked up the same bottle, got what SHE went there for and proceeded to go to the register. She told the clerk that she was buying it for the lady in the back of the store, so that he wouldn't be accused of shoplifting when she left with it. She then too the bottle, in the bag, to the lady and told her that she's pretty sure that her husband would want her to have it and that her husband is still watching over her. The lady was shocked and so touched by the kindness that a stranger would do for her. My beautiful daughter is my greatest gift. I'm so proud of her.

I was in parking lot trying to load my vehicle. I just cldnt get everything inside bc i hv back problems.

A cute couple arrived at their car and I asked for help.

He was glad to extend himself.

I thanked them both.

Then I cldnt believe I started crying, just putbof appreciation!

I really needed that kindness in my life that day.

Ever since I’ve experienced a great loss. I’ve been wanting to visit nursing homes so no one feels alone and without love/care. I have several nursing homes around me, I’m just unsure how to contact them and ask them in an appropriate manner.

After Seeing Other Beautiful Stories Here, I Wanted to Share Mine and Offer Some Encouragement

A few weeks ago, on a cold winter day, I decided to take a little detour and explore an area I’d always passed by. Honestly, I’d been feeling pretty low lately, so I thought a change of scenery might lift my spirits.

I’d always noticed this cozy café but had never stopped in, and it felt like the perfect time to check it out. I ordered a big coffee, feeling good about my little adventure.

Then, when it came time to pay, my card didn’t work—no tapping, no swiping, no inserting. Suddenly, I was in that awkward spot, wondering how I’d figure it out. That’s when the waitress surprised me—she pulled out her phone and paid for my coffee through her app, just like that. No questions, no hesitation.

I was a complete stranger to her, yet she stepped in with such kindness, asking for nothing in return. It hit me harder than I expected, especially after a tough year—my mom’s arrest and her ongoing struggles with alcoholism, feeling defeated after being told I was only suited for admin roles in a high-pressure medical job, and struggling with my confidence and feelings of inadequacy. On top of all that, I’ve been helping my dad with his ongoing legal battles, and in a few days, I’ll be supporting him at his court hearing.

That simple, unexpected act of kindness reminded me of something important: even when life feels heavy, good people and small miracles can show up when you least expect them. It lifted my spirits and gave me hope to keep pushing through. 💖

I’m so grateful to have found this community. Hearing everyone’s stories has been truly refreshing, and I’d love to know if any of you have experienced something similar (no pressure!). Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025! Sending blessings to all of you. 🎄✨

Yesterday, something truly special happened that reminded me of the goodness in the world. I was at McDonald’s here in Waxahachie, Texas, ordering my meal when a local officer stepped into line behind me.

As I reached for my wallet to pay, he stopped me and said, “Oh, don’t worry, I got this.” 🥹 I was honestly taken aback and said, “You don’t have to! But thank you so much!!”

He smiled and replied, “My wife and I follow your videos, and we love what you’re doing for our community, so please, this is the least I can do.”

Y’all, I almost cried right there. 😭 He told me he recognized me when he walked in and had even texted his wife a picture, saying, “Isn’t this Julio?” She responded, “YES, and please pay for his meal!” 🥰

I was so nervous and caught up in the moment that I forgot to ask for his name, but to that amazing officer—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your act of kindness reminded me why I do what I do and filled me with so much gratitude.

Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that have the biggest impact. Let’s all take a moment to pay it forward today in any way we can—big or small. ❤️

Stay kind, everyone. 🙌

—Julio

My law firm (5 of us) helped the local Boys and Girls club with the annual dinner and passing out gifts. It really made me appreciate what I have now. All of the kids (my table was six 9-10 yo boys) were so amazing. At the end of the meal one boy was taking all the left-over butter cups (you know those single ones for rolls) and putting them in his pocket. I made sure to pass him the extra I found from further down the table. I also made sure he got the extra cookie. It made me wonder if this is all the butter this family will get this month.

He was so polite. Said please and thank you. He was just so excited to get even 1 gift for Christmas.

Remember to be thankful for what you have, and Happy Holidays to everyone!

A group of friends and I go out every other Saturday evening to places around our community. We take a hot meal and several cars filled with supplies like blankets, coats, gloves, hygiene supplies, etc. This week we will also be taking gift bags to give out. These bags were decorated and filled by the kids at our church. The kids were so excited to decorate the cards that went in each bag!

I'm going through a really bad breakup right now. don't want to put too many details to identify myself, but, I thought I would be sharing my life with this person; I knew without a doubt they were the one for me. and in the end, as they have decided before, maybe the grass is greener on the other side, maybe I wasn't the one for them, and now I'm the one heartbroken after they made their decision.

so it's been really hard to interact at all in public. I know that people can see the sadness written all over my face and my voice- I can't hide it. but I made a decision to still show my love by buying some small gifts for them. my favorite chain discount store was so crowded, I just wanted to check out as quickly as I could.

the cashier, a middle aged lady who had been gossiping and talking smack with her coworker, suddenly really noticed me as I had at first asked to put back an item that I'd found for myself- a bargain giant plush toy, to feel less alone. after seeing the discount applied to my total, saw that I could actually afford it, and asked her to include it for me again, please. she said something to the effect of "I hope you have a very happy christmas" and, I started losing it. started choking back tears as I admitted, "no, it won't be. I'm going through a bad breakup and here I am, still buying gifts for them because I still love them.."

her entire demeanor changed as I started crying, and she grabbed my hand to tell me, "oh Honey, it's going to be okay. YOU'RE gonna be okay!" and here I am just crying in front of everybody. I could barely squeak out a "thank you" and started crying harder so I was practically running to the exit through the crowd. I hate for anyone to see me cry.

once Memaw and I got out and to the car, I sobbed. the kindness of that lady, to see me hurting, and offering kind words and gestures as I've never felt so alone... it meant so much to me. I'm truly grateful for her kindness, and I hope, if I ever run into her again, that I can tell her thank you, for giving me one small comfort while I'm struggling to get through the days.

I’m a cashier at a Shaws and today I was ringing people out. Almost done with my eight hour closing shift when this lady comes through with gift cards and a lot of cans for a pantry.

For background this year has been so shitty, my ex cheated and I have to live with him until I find a place but everywhere is so expensive. Plus major family fall out too.

Anyway, this lady asked her friend what gift card from the stand next to me looks nice. Then asks for my opinion so I’m like, ok cool she just needs help. I mentioned loving soup so I said Panera or Olive Garden. She ends up picking a $50 Olive Garden gift card and when I finished cashing her out she hands it to me with a big smile and goes, “this is for you!”

I just stood there in shock and went “really?” And she nodded and left after I thanked her.

Luckily I had my break right after her so I cried in the break room. People can be so nice and I’m so happy to have witnessed it up front.

The village I used to live in (and my youngest still attends school there) has a fantastic community group that organises all sorts of fundraisers and get-togethers, like Easter, summer and Christmas markets, Halloween trails around the village, litter picking excursions, etc.

Of course I go to support all of these things and donate to the fundraisers, but one of their organised events always make my heart melt every year.

I also run a Girlguiding unit in the village, so I’m often approached by the community group for the girls attending the Girlguiding unit to donate their time. Unfortunately due to the age of the girls and other activities often they can’t attend. I, however, can, and this is how I got involved with the Christmas events.

Over Christmas every year, the community group raises a call for donations and volunteers from local ventures and packages the donations up into gift bags consisting of food hamper items, like jams and chutneys, sweet and savoury pies, cakes and choc.

I, and sometimes my youngest, donate our time to deliver these goody bags to the elderly in the village. It brings warmth to my heart to see the granny and grandad’s faces, some in sheltered/assisted accommodation, and their genuine gratitude just for me dropping off a little bag of yum scrum.

Often we will dress up as elves or just a festive hat, my youngest occasionally gets a cuddle from a random stranger (and once a kiss on the cheek!)

The elderly may be lonely over Christmas if their friends or family have moved on, and although I can’t offer any more than an hour or two on a Saturday morning distributing care packages, I hope that the organising of these gift bags by the community group, and the brief interaction I have with these people, brings a little bit of sunshine to these people in an otherwise dull and possibly lonely holiday.

Years ago I was addicted to playing claw machines and got good at them. I saw a young family leaving the store with a toddler having a meltdown due to wanting a toy from the machine. While they tried to calm him, I went and won a toy from the game. I walked up and asked their permission to give the toy to the child. They smiled and said yes. The toddler stopped crying and happily took the toy. I walked away before they could thank me.

We were out and having dinner and just chatting when a waitress came up to us and interrupted us to tell us that someone had just payed for our dinner. The person was already gone and neither of us saw who it couldve been. It was such a nice and kind gesture! It made my day :))

In 2020 I was entering my last leg of senior year two days into January my father slipped on ice and ended up going Into a coma which he didn't come out of till March anyway my librarian mr.frost knew me pretty well as I had been his library assistant and in there quite often due to only have two classes each tri he made me a private room where I could go cry and scream and no one would see or hear me he also bought me a book set I'd been looking into getting worth a bit of money...he doesn't know it but he kept me alive through that time and I don't think i could ever repay him

I was having a mass rechecked today to see if it has grown. While waiting for the doctor to read my scans, another lady came into the waiting room while she waited on the doctor to read her results. She was visibly distraught and tears welling up in her eyes. Hands wrenching in anguish and couldn’t sit still. Trembling like a leaf. She sat a few seats down from me…just the two of us in an otherwise empty waiting room. It’s a room just for waiting for results. Such a scary lonely room. After I saw how upset she was. I got up and sat next to her to hold her hand. And told her I’d pray for her and she started crying. I learned her name is Kay. She had beautiful turquoise nails and a pink sweater on. Such a kind soul. But she was so scared. The nurse came back for me and I had to leave to go get another test so I don’t know the results she had. I hated to leave her. I thought I’d sneak back out after my test was done and find her. But I couldn’t find her. She had told me she had a rash on her breast (that’s a big deal in the breast world). She was just so scared. There was this scared little girl inside her and my heart broke for her. I can’t stop thinking about Kay. I hope I gave her some comfort but I wish I could have done more. Oh how I wish I had a way to find out if Kay is ok tonight. If you are the praying type…please pray for her. If not send good vibes her way. I just don’t know how to go on not knowing how her life turned out. That waiting room is such a pivotal place in life.

Anyway, maybe this will inspire more people to hold strangers hands while they cry and wait on results. We are all struggling in this life in our own ways. If only we held each other instead of murder each other I think life would be more bearable. 💜

Kay, if you find this, I will never stop praying for you.

Made quick friends with a man in line chatting about the holiday cookies he planned to make.

When my card didn't go through I told the checker to please put my items aside and I would be back with another card. (I had accidentally grabbed the expired card)

The man insisted it was too far pf a walk to take with a baby and swiped his card.

It was only 9 dollars but it meant so much, he was so kind.

I received $100 from my company to “pay it forward”. Does anyone have any good/creativr suggestions to get the most good out of this $100?

Title is your TLDR.

So I just got out of work, and I went to Chipotle because I’m going to spend the night with my date. I asked her if she wanted me to bring her a plate. I’m not hungry anymore but I did promise food when we originally made plans. Chipotle was her answer and she texted me her exact order. Cool.

I’m not hungry because I had a massive lunch at work, thanks to a holiday party I was unaware of. Turns out I wasn’t included in the mass email that detailed everything. Either way, it was a pleasant surprise.

But the pleasant surprises didn’t stop there. I got out of work early today. Normal schedule since everyone has their early day throughout the week. But I get to Chipotle, and it is surprisingly not busy. There is only one Chipotle in my town so it gets super crazy busy at times. My date even sent me a backup order option in case Chipotle was too busy. Not worth a 45min wait.

Before I walk in, I can hear someone walking behind me. I don’t feel threatened but it’s obvious we’re both going to Chipotle lmao. So I open the door and let him know he can go first. We start chatting because he notices my work shirt. We talk about my job and he mentions being a business owner. I have entrepreneurial experience and currently work in sales, so I mention how I mainly care about the Golden Rule. I love my job when I get to treat people well. I hate my job when everything is focused on the bottom line.

Anyway, we place our orders and continue to chit chat. This guy looks so familiar but I can’t remember from where. I never find out, spoiler. But it’s a small town. I’m sure I’ve seen him around before. Dude paid for “my” stuff before I finished my date’s order.

I’m usually on the giving side of this equation and I don’t know… felt really nice to be on the receiving end of someone’s kindness. My date is also a genuinely kind person, so I’m sure she’s going to love this story.

Now I feel like a dummy because I didn’t pay it forward. But I did have a chance to thank the guy because he sat down to eat his burrito bowl. I recently did some holiday charity stuff so it really feels good that the holiday spirit is still alive & well. The winter blues were starting to settle in so the gentleman’s kindness invigorated me.

I was at target today and I was trying to buy my little sister her favorite box of chocolates (the Lindt ones) I am a full time college student and I work two jobs but it’s barely enough to pay bills. My parents are not in the picture so it’s just me and my little sister. As I was buying the chocolate my card declined and I was super embarrassed. I was walking out of the store when the guy that was in line behind me ran after me and insisted on buying them for me. I declined and thanked him but he INSISTED and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I was so happy I could’ve cried. So Joshua the U.S marine if you somehow see this thank you so much again. 🥺🥺

EDIT: Grammar police in the comments!! My apologies for use of the word I instead of My. I typed this really quick in the target parking lot and didn’t have time for a second draft so please excuse me.

my college has a coffee shop on campus and i wanted to get a cup before my final. i guess i wasn’t paying close enough attention to my bank account because my card got declined along with my other one. i was super embarrassed and told the barista that i just won’t be getting one, but they just told me it’ll be coming out anyways. i’m super grateful that the people working there (usually students too) are so understanding and kind, especially during the last final day before break

My sweet partner is usually coming up with either new ways to show me his love, or he does little things like around the house or in his everyday things that put a skip in my step! I do things for him, too... I'm not all the time sure if he will like them. But trying to pay his love and kindness as forward as I can -

● For instance, I've been really burnt out lately. He not only folded the towels in our dryer, but he did another two loads of laundry! This helps me so much, as it's the time of year when I seem to have more laundry to do!

● He stops by our local bakery a lot lately to get some treats --

● He keeps me updated on the latest antics with Jesus (the sweet grey tuxedo kitty at our local hardware store, not the 'big guy').

● He does dishes sometimes right after we have finished eating.

● He offers help on meal preparation ALL the time... like peeling garlic and chopping it, washing and cutting our vegetables, cleaning and putting potatoes in the oven to bake and starts that... and there's still sooooo much more!

I'd LOVE to hear some other stories or ideas of what activities your wives/husbands/children do that you adore them for! Or, what y'all like to do for them, too: