In an inspiring series of stories, readers have shared heartwarming experiences of kindness from strangers, particularly during Halloween festivities. Research from the University of British Columbia reveals that people often underestimate the goodwill of others, as shown by a study where lost wallets were returned at higher rates than anticipated.
Athena Rowley, a 40-year-old mother from Ipswich, related how her four-year-old son Robert enjoyed a typical Halloween, dressing as Hey Duggee while trick-or-treating. After collecting candies, an unexpected group of older teenagers knocked on her door, appearing slightly intimidating in their costumes. When Robert offered them the last of his sweets and gave them hugs, the teens later returned with bags full of treats for him, showcasing their kindness. Athena remarked, “It was absolutely wonderful because teenagers get such a bad rap nowadays,” reinforcing her belief in the goodness of young people.
Echoing this positive sentiment, Jocelyn Tress, 88, and her husband Mark, 89, were saved from stress while traveling to the airport when a young man in a white van noticed them struggling with a punctured tire on the M25. Without hesitation, he stopped to assist, saying, “I thought, suppose they were my granny and grandpa?” His altruistic choice left the couple thankful for the helpfulness often shown by the younger generation.
Sarah Marten, 66, shared a poignant experience from her past in John Lewis, where she struggled to pay for ballet gear needed for her children. After her card was declined in a busy store, a generous stranger offered to cover her costs without expecting anything in return. This act of kindness profoundly impacted Sarah, making her view the man as an “angel” during a particularly stressful moment in her life.
These tales serve as a reminder of the compassion that exists in the world, often shining through unexpected encounters, which can profoundly affect people's lives and reaffirm their faith in humanity.
Athena Rowley, a 40-year-old mother from Ipswich, related how her four-year-old son Robert enjoyed a typical Halloween, dressing as Hey Duggee while trick-or-treating. After collecting candies, an unexpected group of older teenagers knocked on her door, appearing slightly intimidating in their costumes. When Robert offered them the last of his sweets and gave them hugs, the teens later returned with bags full of treats for him, showcasing their kindness. Athena remarked, “It was absolutely wonderful because teenagers get such a bad rap nowadays,” reinforcing her belief in the goodness of young people.
Echoing this positive sentiment, Jocelyn Tress, 88, and her husband Mark, 89, were saved from stress while traveling to the airport when a young man in a white van noticed them struggling with a punctured tire on the M25. Without hesitation, he stopped to assist, saying, “I thought, suppose they were my granny and grandpa?” His altruistic choice left the couple thankful for the helpfulness often shown by the younger generation.
Sarah Marten, 66, shared a poignant experience from her past in John Lewis, where she struggled to pay for ballet gear needed for her children. After her card was declined in a busy store, a generous stranger offered to cover her costs without expecting anything in return. This act of kindness profoundly impacted Sarah, making her view the man as an “angel” during a particularly stressful moment in her life.
These tales serve as a reminder of the compassion that exists in the world, often shining through unexpected encounters, which can profoundly affect people's lives and reaffirm their faith in humanity.
