What do you love about everyday interactions? The little acts of kindness you see as you go about

[underahedgerow]

your life?

I like the occasional cashier who helps the little frail old man with shaking hands write his check, bag his groceries... I've seen them check dates on food for them to be sure they're not expired, or tie up the bag of apples. I like when they're more patient with our elderly people and don't rush them, huffing and stomping in frustration.

I like when people in line behind the little old man don't start huffing, grumbling and fidgeting while the little old man goes so slowly. When they realize it will be them one day.

I like people who smile and hold open the door, not as an afterthought, but just out of courtesy.

I like when people help a mom with a stroller and toddlers up or down the stairs without even thinking about it.

I like when teenage kids help a person with a heavy suitcase or large parcel up and down stairs or going through doorways.

I like when that guy doing 100 mph around the curve lets me in because my little car doesn't go quite as fast as his, without honking or blasting up my ass.

I like when people actually slow down at crosswalks to let people make their way. It's nice not to be run over!

I like when people come to a full stop at an intersection and look in all directions and let the other person go first, because you know, it doesn't really matter if I get there 3 seconds sooner.

I like when someone doesn't start grimacing and making faces and tsk tsk sounds when a toddler is acting up, because, you know, toddlers do. I like when a total stranger takes a moment to distract the toddler (in a cart, perfectly safe of course) from her tantrum with a smile or funny face or a simple 'hello baby!'

I like when people stop to help someone who's dropped something...

I like when the person with full shopping cart lets the guy on his short lunch break cut ahead in line with his sandwich and bottle of water instead of making them wait 10 minutes.

I like when strangers help someone looking clearly confused and lost, giving them directions.

What kindnesses have you witnessed that make you smile? What kindnesses do you practice every day?

[Tobin S.]

1. I like it when my co-workers help each other out when they don't have to.

We're truckers and most of us are kind of rough around the edges. They'll give each other a rough time in the break room and talk shit, but when someone needs a spotter or when someone could use some help with a tarp, there's usually someone helping out without being told to.

I like it when people help out people who are obviously making minimum wage and still working hard for them. My mother-in-law and father-in-law will sometimes tip $20 on a $40 meal ticket. If I knock something over in a store or decide I don't want something after I've taken it off a shelf, I always return things to the way they were and clean up after myself.

I like it when I see a cop on the side of the road helping someone swap out a flat tire.

I like it when my wife gets up really early when she doesn't have to but when I have to and talks to me before I got to work. I sometimes feel like I'm missing her early in the morning and it's nice to have her company then.

[jomin41]

2. Actually, this post is the first kindness of my day. Thanks.

[underahedgerow]

3. Wow, nearly 100 views and only ONE person can make a positive statement about the good things

they see in the world (other than this post).

What is wrong with this world? Do we as the human race really only interact selfishly and without regard for others? Or is it the USA? Are random daily acts of consideration and kindness so missing from the US culture that it's the exception to be kind rather than the norm?

All of the acts I spoke of were in France, btw, it's where I live, and for good reason apparently.

[Kali]

4. so because you didn't get a lot of replies you question whether it is the US

and declare France to be better? how kind is that? perhaps random daily acts of kindness are so normal and common here that nobody thinks it remarkable. who knows? you seem to make a fast judgement without thinking of other possibilities.

the lounge has slowed down quite a bit, but there is plenty of kindness just in the posts here - try reading some of the personal stories. I think people can act selfish and kind in different contexts.

I live in a rural area, just about everybody is kind and considerate to each other. neighbors help each other, people enjoy children, chat in store and bank lines, young people often help their elders and are patient with them.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. I have seen everything you listed happen here in the USA.

I've even done some of them, and some have been done for me.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. When total strangers help you dig out your car that's stuck in the snow.

Something that happens all the time during Minnesota winters.

[lovemydog]

7. I like when people help an older person in to a restaurant

or give them the better seat at the movie theater.

[Ino]

8. I'm always grateful...

when another shopper will reach something on a high shelf for me...
when I get a chance to reach something for someone even shorter than me!
when drivers leave a space to let others change lanes...
when stores let me return an item without a hassle...
that my hairdresser remembers exactly how I like my hair cut...

when someone says cheerily "No problem!" after I thank them.

[BlueJazz]

9. Almost all of my interactions on a daily basis are pleasant.

[LWolf]

10. I like it that the people in my neighborhood

smile and wave as we pass on the little county dirt road that leads us in and out of our seclusion, even though we don't know each other.

I like it when the sparse traffic pulls over to help whenever there is a horse, cow, goat, lamb, or whatever loose on the road. This is fairly common in my area.

I like it when someone's face lights up when they see me.

I like it when the deer decide to wait for me to go by. I liked it last month when they decided to hang out under my window while I was at the 'puter.

I like it when the horses are waiting at the gate for my attention.

I like it when the neighbor I DO know plows my driveway without my asking and brings me bags of the incredible produce he grows in his massive garden, and doesn't hesitate to ask when HE needs something.

I like it when my students, eyes twinkling, beg me for a "story," even though we both know they just want to delay the business of the day.

I like it when parents and I work as a productive team to make their kids' school experience positive.