What’s the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

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Vivian: “When I was a poor student, I went window-shopping at a consignment vintage store and tried on a pair of Michael Kors strappy sandals that were a perfect fit on me … except for the price tag. I was in love but knew I couldn’t afford them. As I was leaving, the owner called me back and told me he’d give it to me for as much as my student budget could afford. I still remember his generosity that day and think of his kindness every time I wear those shoes.”

Linda: “I lost my wallet and was devastated. It was a pretty expensive name brand wallet, and had all my credit cards and forms of ID in it. Two weeks pass by and I get a package in the mail. It turns out to be my wallet! A perfect stranger picked up my wallet from a cab (where I must have dropped it) and decided to mail it back to me. Nothing was stolen and she even included a personal note.”

Cat: “It was a hot summer day, and I had just gotten off the highway in a less-nice part of town, when my car suddenly died. I was stuck in the middle of the ramp, and although I put my hazards on, cars kept zooming up to my fender and honking. A homeless guy under the overpass saw me, and walked up to my car, grinned, and said, “Don’t worry!” and proceeded to stand behind my car, and direct other cars around mine with his cardboard sign for the next twenty minutes in the blazing sun, until AAA showed up.”

Daphne: “After back-packing in Spain, I was at the airport checking in for my flight back to NY when an airline rep informs me that my flight was fully booked and that I’d have to stay the night in Madrid to catch the next flight in the AM … Not even a second before I was about to unleash the rage on this messenger of bad news, she proceeds to whip out $600 Euros. She says (In broken English) “For your troubles, please accept this as a token of our apologies. We will also put you in a 5-star hotel for the night. A shuttle is waiting for you outside to take you to your hotel. We’ll see you in the morning for your flight back to NY. Again, on behalf of Iberian, our sincerest apologies.” First thing that popped in my head, shopping spree! After a full day of shopping, I held my own little fashion show in my 5-star hotel room that night! Thanks for the memories, Iberian Airlines! And thanks for the dresses, shoes, and bags!

By the way, the contest is here if you have a great story too.