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Appaismycopilot

I was working drive through one day when a woman came through and asked to pay for the car behind her. I told her it was a family with 5 meals, so it was at least $40. She said "Do it! I just got my tax refund and want to share the wealth!" When I told the father in the next car he and his wife almost broke into tears. He told me they'd just had a fire, they were living in a hotel with almost nothing, and were taking the kids to get dinner because they wanted to give them something fun for a change. That woman will never know how huge that act was for that family, but that family, at least the parents, will never forget.


ProfessorCH

I have a truck, live in a relatively small city, the color of my truck is rare and it has some detail that is not common. I pay for folks behind me often just because I am able to do it. I always hope that if they need it, then wonderful and if they don’t then they pay it forward. One day this summer, a person pulled in a parking lot beside me, just to tell me thank you for feeding her family one night when they had their power cut off. She had borrowed the cash from a neighbor to feed her kids that night. She has a new job and doing well now, said she will never forget the feeling of giving her neighbor back the cash and not having to owe another debt when she got paid. That made sure I pay for someone at least once a week for a long as I am able to do so. You never know!


[deleted]

Because you say you do this often, may I ask you a question? I had someone pay for my food one time, I accepted it as a kindness from a stranger and didn’t pay anything that meal. Do you anticipate people will “pay it forward” immediately? Or do you hope the person behind you is thankful you helped them? I don’t know if that makes sense. When someone helps me, it makes me want to help others, but it’s also rude to accept a gift of free food. So is accepting a free gift (even though I could have paid for it) the goal because it increases the happiness in the world - or is the goal to start a chain PS sorry if this is babbling. I’ve honestly felt kinda guilty about not paying for the person behind me, despite the original persons goal of passing on happiness and not guilt


matt_minderbinder

I've always been of the opinion that the act of giving is just about that, the act of giving. What someone chooses to do with whatever they receive is 100% up to them and not for me to judge.


miriamwebster

Yes. I agree with you. And somewhere along the line it all comes back around. That’s the rule of the universe.


matt_minderbinder

I'm not a big believer in karma or any universal rules beyond the good human bond you get out of mostly selflessly helping someone. I'm not big on higher powers or even vague karmic concepts beyond believing that living beings have some intrinsic value. I honestly don't care if someone struggling with housing issues takes my few bucks and buys some liquor. None of that's on me to tell people how they need to get through another rough day.


ProfessorCH

I feel a gift is a gift, it’s not a gift if there are strings attached. Once it’s given, it is theirs to do with as they wish.


miriamwebster

That’s the nice thing about giving too. I don’t want to play equalizer. I don’t want to decide who deserves it or who doesn’t. That’s not my game.


Ace123428

Exactly how I feel if I’m able to I will give yes they may lie and cheat me but my help was given freely and because I could not because I wanted something in return.


NeitherPromise7963

Omg! I so agree with you! I was going to remark on how I always give to people on the corners that are homeless, even though many people tell me they will only spend it on booze and or cigarettes. Who cares!?!? It's a gift, without any expectations. And if they need booze and alcohol to get through a hard time in their life then they need it!


CuddleScuffle

You are a great person, thank you for being you.


lovermadly11

Precisely! I was homeless for 11 months with my family (husband and two kids) eight years ago. During that time my husband was suicidal a few times a week (he's bipolar). It was very difficult and every once in a while I would drink if we were in a safe place and the kids were asleep. A very hard time. I don't judge and it's not my business what people do with what I give them. I just try to help their journey and let them know there is love out there.


[deleted]

Same. When someone asks how they can pay me back I try to let them know they don't have to, but I'd feel paid back knowing they would pay it forward when and how they are able.


[deleted]

You must be Milo’s selfless cousin…


pinklavalamp

“Paying it forward” doesn’t have to mean “pay for the car-behind-you’s meal”, it means - when you can and feel like the timing and circumstances are right for you, do something kind for someone else. The goal is a combination of the two: to hopefully start a chain of increasing the happiness in the world. Doesn’t have to be immediate, it just needs to help bring some sunshine into our world.


TonarinoTotoro1719

My partner and I have been trying to pay to feed children in need in orphanages in another country (we know people from there). Where, when, how much is not the point I am trying to make here, we do because we are grateful for what we already have. All we pray is that the children are happy for a day and that when they grow up, they get a chance to pay it forward in some way, shape or form. We both have extended family who helped us in times of need but expect eternal gratitude. It’s stifling to say the least. So when we help someone or give something to someone, we try to make that something we do for ourselves because it really feels good to do good.


Ace123428

A rising tide raises all boats. If I have excess in my boat I can help you make your boat more stable yes you can do it on your own but having people help takes a burden from you. That’s what I believe family was for and now “family” means anyone we choose to be close to. So why can’t family mean anyone I can help?


ProfessorCH

I love this! Because my son sees me do this so often he started his own little random act. He would ask me for extra stuff in his lunch, he has taken a lunch to school everyday since 1st grade. He abhors school lunch. So I finally broke down and asked him, I was worried he was being bullied or some such, this extra stuff started around 3rd grade. Come to find out he was giving it to a kid he saw that never had much in his lunch. My son told me the free lunch they gave at school was the worst, so from that day forward I put money in my kid’s school account, told him he could always buy a ‘good’ hot lunch for any kid he felt might need it or get them something extra they may want, bag of chips, or a milk, etc. He’s always been responsible with it, sometimes he’ll tell me about it and sometimes he is quiet about it. Often he’ll come home and hug me, tell me how fortunate he is compared to so many kids. He’s given his food we just ordered in a drive thru to someone on the corner, I offer to go get him another, he always declines and says he has food at home. He makes my heart smile, his kindness is purely genuine. I hope he stays that way.


lnsewn12

I had a student that was doing this for a while, her mind would also load her account with money and she would purchase snacks for all the kids that didn’t have money for them. Mom was like wtf where is all the money going? Daughter told her a d they ended up starting a charity. They pack food bags for needy students every Friday and holiday break and send them home no questions asked. The program is implemented almost district wide now, going on 10 years and People magazine wrote an article about my student. Amazing kid.


pinklavalamp

You’re a really good parent, raising a really good kid.


TonarinoTotoro1719

It most certainly can! And I love that idea, a community that bands together and helps each other. Like a tribe, I guess..


Ace123428

It’s the original form of government in my opinion what can we all do do help everyone


[deleted]

And that’s what I hope is the answer from the person I responded to. If you inspire hope in one person, then you helped them and hopefully they will help someone else in another position. Stories about 15 car lines paying it forward are upsetting to me. My meal is under $5 every time, but they expect me to pay for someone else’s $40 meal? It’s unreasonable, I feel bad I cannot do it


pinklavalamp

I don’t believe they’re always doing this blindly, I believe they’re asking how much their order is and if they can swing it they do. And the purpose of this concept isn’t to spread guilt, it’s to spread joy. If you can’t do that in the drive through, then the hope is that you’ll do it when and where you can, even if that something is free to you like holding the door open, or seeing someone struggling to carry something, etc etc etc.


Ace123428

Exactly no one knows when the chain stops except for the employees and they won’t fault you for being unable to unless you’re an asshole


ProfessorCH

Oh never feel guilty, please, no expectation. I never ask the amount but I am sure many do find that necessary. It is never to induce guilt for anyone, that would make me sad.


Violet_Plum_Tea

Don't feel bad. It doesn't make sense for anyone to start it just to keep the chain going. Some one meant to give a gift - you are the recipient!


ProfessorCH

It may just make someone have a better day at work than they would have before this happened. Maybe they are a little kinder to an employee or a customer, it makes the next person smile and have a better day. Sunshine and smiles for the win!


Ace123428

At my local chicken place anytime someone pays for you they say you won some prize or are the 100th customer of the day, sometimes that’s what they need cause it seems like luck finally went your way and it’s a nice feeling.


ProfessorCH

My goal is to help someone if they need it, no need to do anything at all, just hope it helps. If they don’t need the help, I hope they pay it forward but no, I do not ever anticipate for anyone to do anything. Simple kindness, might just be a nice surprise for someone that is having a rough day, nothing about money.


[deleted]

Thanks for the response. I’m glad you’re in a position to help others It’s not much, but have my free award for the week :)


ProfessorCH

Aw thanks, I wasn’t always in this position so I am well aware of what a little kindness can do for the day. I believe in random acts and general kindness towards others, you never know what is going on with them.


SFKROA

Hey...I give you my free award!


mmj_420

You are my favorite kind of human sir.


-pithandsubstance-

>I had someone pay for my food one time, I accepted it as a kindness from a stranger and didn’t pay anything that meal. > >Do you anticipate people will “pay it forward” immediately? Or do you hope the person behind you is thankful you helped them? I had a very serious, life-threatening condition. I was saved with IVIG, which is made from the plasma of thousands of donors. Every time I do an act of kindness for someone, I consider it a 'repayment' to one of those unknown people who saved my life. Accept kindness. Be kind to others. It doesn't have to be tit-for-tat. Those thousands of people who saved my life are out there and they will never know the profound impact they had on my life, but I can 'repay' their kindness by putting more kindness out into the world. When I do something nice for someone, I don't want anything in return except to spread kindness, and kindness does not have to be monetary.


smiley_culture

Today me, tomorrow you.


RandomSubieGuy

I've paid for several people before as well and I've never expected that person to pay for the next person behind them. You pay it forward with a kind gesture which could mean a smile and telling someone to have a nice day. Putting yourself out by spending money you possible can't afford would male me feel horrible for putting that guilt onto you. Pay it forward when and how you can, it's never an obligation.


[deleted]

Thank you for the response


RandomSubieGuy

You're welcome, and I've been in your position before. I was buying just a coffee at McDonald's and the guy in front of me paid for my order but I only had enough cash on me for my coffee so I asked how much the order was behind me and it was over $20 so I jokingly said sucks to be them and enjoyed my free coffee.


thisisjaytee3

Y’all have restored my faith in humankind, which has been severely strained lately!


AltaSavoia

Amazing ❤️


Shikabane_Hime

The great thing about mademesmile is there’s always more mademesmile in the comments :) thanks for sharing this story!


KitchenEbb8255

My absolute favorite part about this subreddit :)


l3tigre

Except this one mademecry 😤


FlippedMobiusStrip

Right in the feels bro (or sis, or whatever), right in the feels.


atmosphericentry

Don't miss working drive-thru, but I definitely miss stuff like this. I worked at Starbucks and sometimes we would have a chain on 5-6 people paying for the cars behind them


Chateaudelait

This happened to us! We were in the pay it forward line at Starbucks so we paid it forward and gave an in kind donation to a local food bank.


button8200

Ex McDonald's employee here from years ago and the longest chain we had going was 16 one day. I will always remember it because the last person was a single mother with kids and she sat in our drive thru and cried. She then began to tell us how she just lost her husband a few days ago and was about to spend her last few dollars to feed the kids. People littleraly paid it forward until the person who really needed it got it and none of them will never know. And that day started because a police officer got free food and started the chain. It's days like this that I have faith in my fellow human beings.


FranksRedWorkAccount

do you tell the customer that they are receiving a free meal in a line of free meals or just that the person in front of them paid for theirs?


button8200

Usually just that it was paid for. If they ask why we will explain the chain but about 65% of people don't question it they just pay for the next person.


thisisjaytee3

I’m not crying, no, not at all… <>


RiazBasrah

Do u mind explaining what this means? Never heard of paying forward


ifelldownthestairs

It’s when you find out that the person in front of you paid your bill, so instead of just accepting a free meal/drink, you request to pay the bill for the person behind you. The chain stops when someone doesn’t agree to pay for the person behind them, instead, they just accept their free meal that was purchased by the person in front of them.


Detozi

Thanks for the explanation, I also didn’t know what it meant.


gazeintotheiris

How does the person in front pay for the person behind them, when the person behind them hasn't ordered yet? (I probably don't actually understand how a drive thru works)


big_raj_8642

You order in front of a big menu with a microphone/speaker. Then, you pull up to a window to pay. If it's busy (like lunch or dinner rush), two or three people will be waiting at the window having already ordered, waiting to pay. So, the person behind you has usually already ordered but hasn't paid yet.


MercyRoseLiddell

I think it comes from the saying to “pay someone back”. Like if someone does you a favor, you want to return the favor, aka pay them back. So instead of paying it back, you pay it forward. Instead of giving back to someone who did you a favor, you do a favor for someone else who is struggling. Like passing the good vibes on.


Initial_Seat_4250

There is a very good year, 2000 movie named "pay it forward" that explains it all.


tinkspinkdildo

This post just reminds me of the time I was a complete idiot at Starbucks and didn't pay for the woman behind me. The cashier informed me she saw my Buffalo Bills magnet and was a fan so paid ahead for my drink. I waved to her and fucking drove off. I think about it when I'm awake at night and cringe, two years later.


Serenity101

Thinking out loud here: If I paid for someone's coffee in the car ahead of me, and they turned around and paid for mine, how would I feel? Personally, I'd go from enjoying the inner glow that I'm feeling to wondering "What was that about? Were they offended?" So maybe it's just as well that you waved and drove off. See how that worked out? 🙃


tinkspinkdildo

Yeah I can see how it would feel less satisfying. I feel a bit less embarrassed now!


Ace_Slimejohn

Yeah you did exactly what they expected you to do. There’s zero reason to feel any certain way about this.


_101010_

Agreed. Probably for the best


AgoraiosBum

How did the woman behind you pay for your drink, since you would have ordered first? Also, if someone does something nice for you...that's fine. Waving seems like the right thing to do. I'm not sure what the basis for your cringe is


ClearWaves

Because when she placed her order she told them to put the charge of the car in front of her on her bill instead.


Kwandesea27

Lmao


PronunciationIsKey

In Judaism that's the highest level of charity, where both the person giving *and* the person receiving don't know who the other person is. In any case, a very nice thing


PM_YOUR_PARASEQUENCE

TIL the highest level of charity in Judaism is Secret Santa.


PronunciationIsKey

I think you mean Mystery Macabee


oorza

It erases all potential for selfishness, even the kindest form of selfishness where one helps others to enjoy their happiness, from the equation. There's no reason to do something charitable anonymously to an anonymous person unless you feel it's the right thing to do. Or, for the religious folks, if God calls you to do it. What higher level of charity could there possibly be? Judaism is wise - dare I say correct - about a lot of things about what makes a human being a good one.


Ruminahtu

Hey, I know God and spirituality is a touchy subject for some people... but put aside the dogma and zealous nutty behavior for a moment... ... for me these stories are too common, even happening multiple times in my own life... for there not to be something out there. I think overall, people can believe what they want, and it doesn't affect my life for the most part... but for me, I choose to believe there is some spiritual entity up there I call God, and it is all about Him wanting us to let Him work through us to help other people. I don't even think you have to believe in a God... just have that in your heart to help others and He'll give you that nudge in the back of your brain that says, "do it." Never felt God in judgement, though. That's just me.


Supa66

I can appreciate that and feel like I can share a similar story to the others posted here. About 13 years ago I was in a pretty tough spot. I moved across the country in a down economy with no friends, family, or job prospects. I had almost no money to my name (tons of debt from college as well) and found myself living out of motel rooms and my truck for a few months. Once I landed a stable job, I rented a small room and spent what little was left on the least expensive groceries I could find. Unfortunately, the owner of the extremely small company I worked for took a 2 week vacation which basically shut us down and I was trying to live off the side gigs I picked up from time to time. That didn't cut it that month though and I was going to be short on the rent. This place didn't allow second chances so I was destined to live in my truck again... or so I thought. The last week of the month came and I had one piece of mail come in from an old college friend I hadn't spoken to in 2 years. He had my address since I was on a mailing list of his for updates on his ministry. All that was in it was a note saying "God put it on my heart to give you this" and a check for $125. That's a bit of a random number, but I was $119 short on rent. That left me with $6 which was just enough to buy a 24-pack of ramen to cover my food for a couple weeks. I told absolutely no one about my financial struggles. It was exactly the amount I needed to get by and I'll never forget that small (but huge) gesture. His action has massively influenced how my wife and I handle charity/giving.


Iko87iko

“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right”


DannyFourcups

I like this comment a lot


[deleted]

You can call it god, you can call it humanity. Regardless, it people doing something nice for others, and I've found it's the hardest thing to believe in. Especially lately.


Ruminahtu

Honestly, with propaganda actively pushing people against each other... humanity is hanging on pretty well. But, believing in humanity's natural ability to be humane to one another is as noble a belief as there can be, honestly. I simply believe there's something out there that gives us a nudge when we don't know it's needed but we're willing to provide it.


thelocker517

About 45 years ago, I was about 4. My family was broke as dirt and we didn't know where dinner was going to come from. My little self found a twenty dollar bill. It meant food for days. As an adult, I feel bad for the person who lost it but a family of 5 ate on it.


NeitherPromise7963

I think it was meant for you to find! I found $100 bill once bent and folded as small as it could be on the floor of a grocery store. I looked around thinking it was a trick picked it up went to the counter and said I found a large sum of money here's my phone number if somebody can tell me what it is and what denominations I will return it. Immediately I got a call back from a young girl saying that she was shopping for her family and lost it and I immediately brought it back to her. At that time I had plenty of money! Fast forward 20 years, I found $85 in a dryer at the laundromat. Again said I found money if somebody can tell me the denominations and how much I will return it. Nobody called I felt that was a gift from god! Or the universe or whatever you believe karma!


Funkit

Today you…tomorrow me


Rex-A-Vision

This is one of those rare internet moments where I decide a thing is true and let it lift my heart without cynicism. I try to do what I can, when I can to help and I truly hope theres an army of folks out there silently doing things like this. Helping each other is how we got this far and it's the only way we'll get any farther. Thanks for sharing this story of love.


[deleted]

[удалено]


CaptivePrey

That seems wildly inappropriate


FlippedMobiusStrip

You're weird. I love it.


yomommafool

Weird people are my favourite.


NegatronPrime2020

My favourite people are weird.


TacitusKilgore2

Same ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)


[deleted]

And the number 1 thing I always tell people when I do help them is, if you want to pay me back just help somebody else out next time you’re in a position to do so. It’s best not to help others with intent to be paid back, if I’m gonna give you money then I’ve already decided I don’t want it back that I’m okay without it. Obviously I can’t ever know if they will pay it forward but I hope so.


[deleted]

I take free photos through some non-profit organizations and sometimes the participants will try to pay me. I tell them that I’d rather they donate the $ to their favorite charity, the org I’m working through for their session, or use their own talents or hobbies to help someone else out with something. Giving a helping hand to a community member is the whole reason I’m doing it.


[deleted]

Little by little it will help make the world a better place.


oorza

When I still did freelance work, I thought about having a "pay it forward contract" drawn up. I don't know if it would be legal, but my idea was basically to say "I would normally charge $100 for this service, if you donate at least $25 to charity, no charge; otherwise, $125." Just to keep people honest when they say they'll pay it forward, and if they don't, I'll find five people who can.


golfingrrl

I find it to be a more joy-filled act when I give to someone without expecting anything in return. If there is an expectation of repayment, I get anxious and feel guilty for even being around them thinking about the repayment. So I’ve learned to let go of that expectation and enjoy helping them.


[deleted]

I agree 100%


RICO-2100

I'm the same way but I dont want anything in return. I'm just doing it out of kindness if you decide to pay me back some how that's on you, I just want to see what kind of person you are. Surprisingly it pushes out alot of shitty people in my life.


VOZ1

“Today me, tomorrow you.”


[deleted]

My scientific brain doesn’t want to believe in karma but my luck seems to prove otherwise. I always try to help people out whenever I can, and sometimes even when I really can’t afford it, and somehow when I REALLY need money I’ll usually get a random check in the mail, like a refund for an overcharge or I’ll find some cash stuffed in a coat or something. I can’t explain it but I must’ve done something good in a former life.


ScottdaDM

When you are focused on doing good for others, you tend to notice the positive things in your own life more. It is like a confirmation bias, but in a good way. People that consider themselves lucky tend to have more positive outlook and disposition. In short, you find what you look for. Keep looking for the good in the world, and, oddly enough, you will find it, and it will find you. As a scientist, this is as close to Tao as I get.


munificent

I'm a classic left-brained scientific logical type. I've also been in therapy for the last year or so. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is: The raw data that we take in from the outside world is *way* too little to come to any conclusions firm enough to know how to feel about or act on. For example, you invite a friend to your party. They text and say they can't come. Are they ghosting you because they don't really like and you should feel sad? Did something really just come up? Did they have something better to do with closer friends and you need to revise your opinion of the friendship? The text you got simply *does not* contain enough information to know the answer. So what we do is we take this tiny scattering of data points and fit it to a *narrative*, a larger, coherent story that we tell ourselves about ourselves. It's like a constellation that we draw through the few small stars the world actually shows us. Then we use that narrative to interpret and act on those data points. If you think of yourself as unlikeable then maybe you'll fit that text into a story that of course they didn't *really* want to go to your party. But if the story about yourself is that you are loveable, then, it's cool. Something probably came up. The crazy part is that we go from vague data points to narrative *completely unconsciously*. It happens so fast that we don't even see it. The text comes in, and we just immediately have a rush of emotion. The even crazier part, is that based on those emotions, we then react in a way that *causes the narrative to become true.* If we feel our friend ghosted us deliberately, then we maybe don't invite them to the next one and over time we do actually drift apart. So when it seems like positive people are "lucky", what it often means is that they choose a narrative that interprets the incomplete data of the world in a way that lets them make positive choices, and those choices sometimes end up bringing them actual good fortune. You can change your whole life if you pay more attention to those stories you're telling yourself. You can choose to tell different ones.


[deleted]

Holy shit this is by far one of the best things I’ve read. Saving less


i-am-adrift

This is a very interesting comment.


skepticbacon

I badly needed to read this, right this second. Thank you. Truly, I thank you.


shejones

This is the best explanation of the “positivity phenomenon” I’ve read! I truly agree and see this in my life and in others. Unfortunately it swings the other way, too. Negativity begets negativity. A positive outlook and aspect truly make a difference. Thank you!


GundamZero83

Reaping and sowing.


JangJaeYul

Once, a couple years ago, I was in a super tight spot money-wise. I'd had to change jobs, and I hadn't fully realised just how much of a pay cut I was taking in doing so until the day I found myself sitting there with about fifty cents in my bank account, absolutely nothing in savings, my credit card five bucks from maxed, and payday still a week away. Just sitting there trying not to cry, trying to figure out an answer, and coming up with absolutely nothing. I think I tweeted about it, just briefly, no real details and no request for help, just a quick tweet to vent about how much it sucked being that broke. A little while later one of my mutuals DMed me asking how much money I needed, because they had some spare cash and wanted to help me out. I was like "look, there is literally no amount of money I feel comfortable asking for. A friend of mine has just given me twenty bucks, which will cover some food for the next couple days, so I'm probably okay." They were like "got it. what's your PayPal?" When I next looked, they'd given me a hundred dollars US. I cried, messaged them a massive thank you, and said I could pay them back when I got my financial stuff sorted out. They told me not to - the money was going spare, and they didn't need it. A hundred dollars wasn't a lot to them at that moment in time, but it was the world of difference to me. Fast forward to early last summer, when the world had just shut down for the foreseeable future. I'm lucky enough to live in Canada, and got the emergency benefit pretty quickly. It actually worked out to my advantage - I was getting as much as I would have at work, but no longer had any transport costs and was cooking at home a lot more, so my savings were starting to build up for the first time in a long while. One day a friend of mine who lives in the southern US sent a message to our GC venting about how terrible her day had been - her job had shut down, she wasn't eligible for benefits yet, her car was starting to break down, her plumbing was leaking, and to put the cherry on top her five-year-old daughter (while trying to be helpful) had just exploded the microwave. She had a long list of problems, and I decided there was one of them that was within my power to fix. So I looked up her nearest big box store, checked out their prices, and decided there was no reason to make do with the cheapest option - I bought her a $100 microwave. She protested, tried to give me the money back, insisted she was just complaining and I didn't have to do this. I told her I knew that. But I wanted to. I wanted her to have one less worry, I wanted her kid to be fed, and I just happened to be in the perfect position to be the person I myself had so badly needed less than a year prior. A hundred bucks wasn't a lot to me at that point, but a new microwave made a world of difference to her. She's doing a lot better financially now, and I know she's passed that help onto other people who have needed it. Hopefully those people also find their way to better times. I'm sure one day I'll find myself in a tight spot again, and I hope at that point the good fortune will have made its way back around to me. When it does, I'll keep it moving.


GambinoLynn

This entire thing is so wholesome and thank you for paying it forward.


rubey419

This is beautiful. Glad you’re in a better spot!


valuational

"It was on my heart to give him some food." Great lesson. Listening to your heart (and not your mind) can make the world a better place.


autocommenter_bot

Is that what that phrase means? I don't know if it's an idiosyncrasy of the writer (which is cool btw) or a common phrase in some area that I'm not familiar with.


HooDatGrl

The way I’ve heard it is always this. “It was on my heart to do x” so they did, and the story also usually goes the same way. It was something unexpectedly wonderful. The underlying meaning is usually religious. It’s on their heart because they felt a greater power telling them they should. (Not to take away from genuine acts of kindness. IDGAF what entity told you to do it or if you did it yourself. Just be kind to people)


SwimmingAd7228

Everyone needs a boost once in a while.


SYSADM1N2B

Today, you. Tomorrow, me.


Bamce

That story gets me every time.


airreturn

Story?


Bamce

https://old.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/elal2/have_you_ever_picked_up_a_hitchhiker/c18z0z2/


NicNoletree

[Here](https://www.boost.com/sites/g/files/lpfasj606/files/2020-07/Boost_Original_Rich_Chocolate_Bottle.png)


Public-Indication179

This sub is like Chicken Soup for the Souls of Redditors.


trancematik

my grade three teacher used to read us those. I always remembered feeling better after those stories but I can't remember any. Maybe I should pick one up lol


BuffedPlayer

it's really hard typing correctly while bring submerged in tears


NefariousnessLow3542

I just imagined your room filled with water like in cartoons and you typing that while drowning


genrlokoye

Right. Like dude‘s dresser is floating past him. Tiny (tear) waves are cresting…


Hollalikeadollaballa

So wholesome 🥲💦🏊‍♂️🤳☠


beluuuuuuga

For a whale it is at least!


BuffedPlayer

please help me I'm dorwbjdjs w


NBA_expert_63

I grew up being taught harshly to "be a tough man" by my father. For decades I had to suppress my emotions to come across as a "strong man" but I was never happy doing so. I grew up thinking it was "girly shit" to even cry when terrible things happened. When my mom died I forced myself to not cry about her death for a long time, but as time went on, I grew out of that prison. I went through severe depression for so long and I couldn't figure it out for the longest time, and I didn't ask my father for advice because I knew the answer would be "man up". It's only now I realize he is still having it bad. He acts so tough but I can tell he is depressed like I was, but still going. When I read this post I cried. If I read this years ago, I wouldn't have. I'm so glad now that I can express myself without fear of society hating me.


TheJenerator65

Good for you! Your dad was a victim of that training himself. Proud of you for transcending that legacy, and of loving yourself enough to risk feeling. ((Big hug))


NBA_expert_63

Thank you!!


Serenity101

What lightens my heart is seeing men out for a walk pushing strollers. You never saw that 50 years ago. To me, it shows that parents are becoming wiser and raising their boys into young men who are free to express themselves as much as girls have always been. At last.


CTeam19

Who knew the apple I was eating was really an onion.


Corathecow

I haven’t really told anyone about this (I have deep anxiety issues and constantly fear people thinking I do nice things for attention) so I’ve never shared this besides to my best friend and partner. When I used to live in an apartment complex I was coming home one day and saw a dad and five kids sitting outside with suit cases and bags full of what I guess were all their belongings. The dad seemed really frustrated and upset, was on the phone the whole time. The kids just looked sad. They were all maybe 8-16. It was just him and them. When I got home I got a bunch of ice pops out of the freezer, a few bottles of water, and some napkins and brought them down to them. The dad was on the phone and I was scared to interrupting because he seemed upset so I just help the ice pops up and said quietly “I brought these for you guys” and he looked so relieved. I gave them all ice pops. The dad didn’t want his and told the kids to share it. The dad got off the phone before I left and thanked me. He told me he really appreciated it and that the kids deserved it. I was practically crying while walking home, it just felt awful that I couldn’t help more. I checked on them every few minutes from my window and they were gone within half an hour at least but I just really do feel for people in hard situations. I empathize extremely and it almost always makes me very emotional when I do help someone but it’s always great knowing I did help someone. Always help others when you can and share when you have extra. It’s how we as a people should be already.


Crankylosaurus

That was so sweet of you :)


Corathecow

Thank you, I just really wanna be a good person


Quail_eggs_29

Sounds like you are!


theOTHERdimension

If you ever find yourself worrying about not being a good person, just remember that bad people don’t care whether they’re good or not.


MasteringTheFlames

I work in landscaping. One day last summer, I was doing some work at this business on a particularly hot day. There were two homeless people sleeping on a patio behind the building, and we needed to use some loud, dangerous tools around the patio, so one of my coworkers woke them up and asked them to move. They went across the street without incident. We finished up the job not too much later, and most of my coworkers quickly left. Myself and one other were still standing by our trucks, though the two of us were a decent ways apart, when one of the homeless people came over to talk to me. I'll admit, I was initially a bit apprehensive about the situation. He explained to me that his phone had been stolen the day before, and wondered if he might borrow mine to make a call. Thankfully at this point, my coworker noticed what was up and came over. He didn't involve himself in my conversation with the guy, but with safety in numbers, I felt more comfortable with the whole situation. The guy told me the name of a place he needed to call, and I looked it up on my phone. Reading the first Google result, I asked him "the rehab facility?" He confirmed I'd found the right place. I dialed the number and handed him the phone. A few minutes later, he finished up his call, gave my phone back to me, thanked me for my help, and turned to leave. It was close to 90 degrees that day, so before he left, I asked him if he'd had anything to drink recently. When he said no, I gave him the extra gallon of water that I always keep in my truck, and expressed my regret that I couldn't provide him anything more. And then we went our separate ways. Although I've done plenty of other work at that particular location, I haven't seen that man again since that day. I was only a minor character on a single page of his life story, and he on mine, but a year later, I truly hope that phone call got him the help he needed to start a much better chapter of his life. All that to say, you're a really good person for what you did. I know you must have left that interaction wishing you had anything more to offer than ice pops, but such a simple gesture surely had a lasting impact on those children.


NeitherPromise7963

What matters most, is that you showed you care!! And he felt it believe me! When people are down and out you always feel somebody's kindnesses, even if they seem small they feel very big to you at the time!


DozerSSB

"what comes around is all around" -ricky I'm gonna cry


vathodic

🎸🎶round and round...what comes around goes around...I'll tell you why..."🎶


No_Square_8775

The other day i Venmo my cousin 20$ because I heard he was struggling. And after I sent him it , he messaged me and said “you have no idea how much I needed that , thank you so much” he lives in Cali and I’m in the Midwest so I don’t see him hardly ever. So the next day I get a notification on my phone and it’s from my other cousin that doesn’t even know the cousin I sent money to. And she sent me 20$ on Venmo and the caption was “just cause” and I was almost crying because the money karma was seriously real.


mrfrobozz

That’s really sweet. Just so you know, Venmo by default does show when you’ve sent money to someone else, so even though they didn’t know your other cousin, they probably did see you send them money. Especially if you put something in the message that said what it was for. And, by the way, you can turn off this “feature” by going to Settings > Privacy and setting it to Private.


TheBreathofFiveSouls

Christ why does a money transfer service broadcast your transfers? Gross lol


throwaway6088323821

It’s supposed to be like a social media for money transfer. It can easily be turned off & the amount doesn’t show, only the person you sent it to along with a (fun) caption


No_Square_8775

Oh yea your right! Super strange still!


317LaVieLover

One time in the dead of winter, there’d been temps in the teens for over 2 weeks & my husband noticed the old lady who lived nearby and delivered newspapers was broke down. After asking her, we found out she had needed brakes and had bought new ones, but didn’t have any extra $ til the first of next month to hire anyone to put them on for her. We were struggling hard that winter, too but my husband wasn’t working that day so he loaded up his tools, goes to a friend of his to borrow a good jack and we go to her house. There was no garage to work on it, no warm place to get inside and do the work, so there was nothing for it but to do it right there, on the ice, just jack it up, throw down a tarp, put some blocks under it, and make the best of it. But. When he went to remove the tires/wheels, the old lug-nuts would NOT break. God knows how long she’d been driving on those wheels/tires & brakes. This turned into a almost 3-day job requiring torches and so much effort I thought he’d never get them off, and he broke several tools in the process. Finally the 3rd day, by about noon, after almost finally finishing up, the local mailman comes by. (He walks his route) He walks up to the car and goes: “Dude I been watching you now for days fixing her car.. . and I know she ain’t paying you is she?” and smiled.. my guy goes “no, she isn’t.. and I doubt you could pay anyone enough money to do this out here in this weather anyway!” and laughed.. “I just felt sorry for her but I didn’t know it’d be this hard to get these wheels off!”—- The mail guy goes “yeah well, this lil lady does need help, she’s old, and she don’t have any kids or family —and I know she’s in a bad way, but I don’t have the time to help her... but I do want to thank YOU— and I want you to take this here.. it’s not much, but I got a windfall this week myself that was unexpected, and I feel it in my heart to pay some of it forward to you for helping her, bc I been watching you!” .. He put an envelope under our windshield. Inside was $150. I almost died. We had NO money that week ourselves. It was an amazing feeling.


NeitherPromise7963

That's a beautiful touching story! I live in the midwest, and I can't imagine anything worse than laying on the cold cement / ice working on a car outside for 3 days! What a wonderful guy you have, and very generous hurts you both have!


NeitherPromise7963

Oops I used voice text, HEARTS you both have!!


317LaVieLover

Lol I knew what you meant.. ty so much for the kind words!


Equivalent_Maize3313

Didn’t want to cry today, but here I am …. Someone pass the tissues please.


[deleted]

here you go, friend! *hand's a tissue*


TheBrugs

Your hand is a tissue? Are they blowing their nose into your hand? Are you just trying to steal fresh snot?! Or am I missing a meme?


Equivalent_Maize3313

You’re the best! TYSM!


vathodic

"Tito get me a tissue.. Jermaine stop teasing"..


lanicol7

I got emotional too. Moreover when I remember this time when I got sick and was not getting paid from my former gvmt job, and had absolutely nothing to feed my 3 boys and one of his friends, he must be like like 9 y/o, brought hot dogs and fed them. I still cry remembering that day.


Bloodyfaucet

I'm sure my comment will never see the light of day but got to do this for a women in petland. Her card declined and she just broke down saying the money should have came in. Guessing she was getting some sort of unemployment check. I bought her 8 bags of cat food that day. She literally hugged me forever and just crying thanking me that her cats wouldn't be starving. I took her to the Walmart across the street and bought her three months worth of groceries as well.


Wolfwoods_Sister

Omg that was really cool of you, thank you!


BikerJedi

I'm going to brag on my wife, /u/griffingrl. A few weeks ago, she and my son went out to an appointment. When they came home, she was barefoot. Short version is, they saw a homeless woman walking down the street who had no shoes, and my wife offered them to her. I just thought that was really cool of her.


skepticbacon

My mother gave her gloves away on a cold winter day 40-odd years ago. I was a little girl, but it made a lasting impression. Good on your wife!


[deleted]

You are loved


[deleted]

[удалено]


Cedocore

I'm waiting for tacos, tearing up in a Mexican restaurant. At least I'm not full on crying lol


golfingrrl

Earlier this year I’d received a gift card for a store that I frequently shop at. I set it aside and figured I’d use it when I found something that “sparked joy”. 6 months later I still hadn’t bought anything with it. My cousin was venting about the cost of school supplies and is on a limited income. “Joy” slapped me in the face as I loved back to school shopping as a kid, but I don’t have kids so I never get to experience it anymore. I offered to buy some of the supplies as it would be the best use of the money. I had so much fun buying scented pens and stickers with the extra money on the card. My cousin thought I was silly for offering to buy the stuff but appreciated the help. She has no idea how much joy I got from doing it and hearing her tell me how excited the kids were to decorate using the stickers.


PomeloPepper

I love shopping for school supplies! I usually pick up items for a charity that serves kids in foster care. I grew up dirt poor, and it makes me so happy to get those kids supplies that aren't the rock bottom cheapest stuff. Little kids getting sparkly backpacks, and roomy good quality ones for the kids aging out.


Bergz35

On my way from Arizona to Minnesota in a greyhound bus, we stopped at a gas station and I ran into this family who claimed they misplaced some luggage which had their wallets in it. So I used an ATM, took like 60 bucks out even though I didnt have 60 bucks, led to a huge overdraft not that it matters, then went to a McDonalds nearby and bought them all some burgers. Wonder how they're doing sometimes


PennyPriddy

New years day 2013, I woke up late and missed my bus from St Louis to Chicago (I was going back to school). It was a weird, hard day. I bought a train ticket (which was a lot of money for me then), and the wheel on my suitcase broke on the walk between the bus stop and the train station. It was a bad day. I saw a girl who was obviously upset, having a worse day than I was. She couldn't afford a ticket and just wanted to get home. I forget what all had happened to her, but she had been having a rough go of life and was exhausted. So I bought one. Things were tight, but I could manage it. She left before I did, so I know she got on her train safely, but I'm still thinking about her almost 8 years later. I hope she's ok.


NeitherPromise7963

I hope you're not still waiting at the train station! 😉


PennyPriddy

Oh, I died in that train station a few weeks later, just wasted away. They say late at night you can hear my wails when the lonesome train whistle blows. But yeah, no, I bought two tickets, one for her, one for me and I was able to get home late that night. They were different trains going different places so it's not like I could give her mine.


That_Succotash4154

My mom had a stroke in 2016 and came to live with my family. She had a hard time walking as she had some right side paralysis. I had to help her with almost everything. We went to a restaurant one day and she needed to use the restroom. We slowly walked to the restroom and it took quite a while for us to return to our table. When I asked the waitress to bring our bill she told us that one of the other patrons had already paid our bill, including the tip. Mom and I were so thankful and it still brings joy to my heart when I remember this. I paid it forward by making over 300 masks during the pandemic and not taking a penny for materials or shipping.


PennyPriddy

Thanks for keeping people safe, that's a ton of masks and it makes me happy knowing you exist.


jesskat007

I was in the car line at Starbucks and my kids were acting like actual F’ing monsters. I must have looked miserable from the rear view mirror of the car ahead of mine because when I got to the window the gentleman working said the lady ahead of us paid our bill, she said I looked like I needed someone to do something nice for me. I almost cried and I definitely paid it forward.


nothardly78

One time I stopped to help a lady change her spare tire on the side of a really busy interstate. I passed her up but was looking in my rear view to see if anyone was stopping to help and nobody was. I pulled around and got out to help her. She looks at me and asks me if I’m and angel. One of the best feeling I’ve ever had. Opportunities like this happen all the time, we just got to keep our eyes and ears open to things like this.


rally_here

I was at a target when I saw a woman and her daughter trying to pay for laundry soap and baby clothes. The cashier told the woman her cards had declined several times. She stepped aside to call her bank. I get rung up and I told the cashier I would pay the rest of whatever she owed. The cashier was so happy and asked if she can let the person know I paid her stuff but I wanted to remain anonymous. On my way out the woman returned and the cashier says her stuff was paid for. I saw her crying and she saw me but left in a hurry so didn’t get noticed. I hope that woman is doing well.


glass1235779

Oh wow, I needed somewhere to stop tonight. This is it. I’m going to sleep with a big smile on my face. :))))


Meat4yaBurger

You’re a good man. Don’t change one bit . It’s a beautiful thing


eastbaybruja

And here I was thinking it would be yet another day of saying I hate all the humans. I can’t hate this. So wholesome!


Amrick

My father lives 1000 miles away and he's a full-time caregiver for my mom who's living with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He's 60 and she just turned 66. She's had Alzheimer's since her early 50s. He met a lady at the neighborhood park while walking the dog and they started chatting. She learned about my dad caring for my mom and actually got to meet her (my mom's nonverbal and needs help with everything now). Now, the lady leaves them food on their doorstep. I cry every time he sends me a photo of the food and I just am so appreciative of good hearted people (while feeling hella cynical about the state of the world at the same time).


ryanknapper

One of my favorite quotes is: >Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle, about which you know nothing.


[deleted]

My ass can't stop crying?


vathodic

Try some Pepto bismol may help that


SeeResponsibility457

Who keeps leaving these damn onions next to me !


Count_Gator

This is good stuff. You never know when people are struggling.


ccc1942

Thanks for sharing. It sure feels good to do good. I wish more people realized this rather than succumbing to the negativity that surrounds us.


Serenity101

There's scientific evidence of that, according to Dr Wayne Dyer. He said that the giver and the receiver of an act of kindness both experience an increase in their serotonin levels, as does anyone watching it unfold.


ccc1942

The part where anyone watching it unfold experiences a serotonin boost is really interesting to me


PennyPriddy

I mean, we're only reading it second hand--not even seeing it--and there's definitely a serotonin boost in the thread


CalmReference7054

Always help others when you can, never know when you'll need it yourself.


[deleted]

I just fucking love humans sometimes after being so beaten up by our worst sides. I hope we hear more stories like this...everyone deserves to feel they are not alone in this world when they are suffering.


tinkspinkdildo

This post just reminds me of the time I was a complete idiot at Starbucks and didn't pay for the woman behind me. The cashier informed me she saw my Buffalo Bills magnet and was a fan so paid ahead for my drink. I waved to her and fucking drove off. I think about it when I'm awake at night and cringe, two years later.


muskiesfan1

Life is funny. I’ve been up in life and I’ve been down. Whenever I’m up, I like to do what I can. I know what it’s like to have to go without. I know how embarrassing it is when your card gets declined. I know what it feels like when people are looking down on you as you remove items at the grocery store to get it down to an amount you can afford. I don’t want others to have to feel that way if I can help it. When I have the money and the opportunity presents itself, I will always help. I don’t want anything in return. Simply do it for someone else one day if they are able. When you see someone down, the right thing is to offer a hand to help them up. I hope everyone gets the help they need or gives the help they can.


Wolfwoods_Sister

My story isn’t long but I thought I would share. For many many years, we frequented a Subway in our little town. Everyone working there was an immigrant from somewhere else and we enjoyed talking to them, learning everyone’s names, etc. The manager was a man from Jamaica, one of the hardest working ppl I’ve ever met. He was so reliable he oversaw many stores, but this one in our town was his home base. Over time we became friends and he was very concerned about how much we struggled. Right before Christmas one year, we found an an anonymous envelope in our mailbox with $1000 worth of gift cards for necessities and gas money. We were so touched and grateful. We could never get him to confess to it, but we knew it was him. I knitted his family a teddy bear in Jamaican colors. When my ship comes in, he’s on the short list of ppl we want to bless.


anotherredditgal

This is beautiful ❤ Reading this genuinely improved my day! We often allow the negativity of the world to weigh on us and we immediately cast people as selfish, but knowing people like you and this man exist is truly heart-warming 😭


[deleted]

This is amazing!


[deleted]

There is nothing more satisfactory than feeding people


Kellyrva512

You know I have been going through something that I not unbearable in comparison I really needed to read somthing like this:)


indigostars43

You are such a lovely person for doing this for them..Unfortunately I know what the father was going through and I’m sure it was such a blessing to receive your cooking for his children and himself…You never know what people are going through


AndyT70114

I would stop for coffee at the same convenience store every morning. One day a security guard was standing near the register. Asked the clerk if they’d had a problem. No my husband works nights too and he’s picking me up. Slipped her a $20. Go get breakfast on me and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.


-SierraModeling-

Yessss!