I once went to a store to buy bags for my vacuum cleaner, but I forgot to bring my wallet. The shop owner, a total stranger to me, handed me the bags with a smile, shook my hand, and told me to bring him the money tomorrow. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot to me. He placed his trust in me, and I honored it by returning the next day to pay him. It was a moment that reminded me of the power of trust and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

A Simple Compliment
I was 21, standing at the counter of a Taco Bell when a young lady, no older than 16, took my order. As she looked at me, she said, “I haven’t seen a dude wearing a nose ring before.” I joked, “Well, you’re not looking in the right places!” She shrugged, made direct eye contact with me, and said, “Well. You’re beautiful.” I didn’t know what to say, so I just smiled, and she walked away. Someone else handed me my food, but I still think about that moment now and then—how a simple compliment from a stranger made me feel seen in a way that was unexpected and kind.

The Waitress with the Truth
I was having dinner with a man I met online. He insisted on bringing me my coffee, but the waitress, seemingly out of nowhere, spilled it all over the table. My date turned bright red with anger, and I felt uncomfortable. As we were leaving, the waitress leaned in close and whispered to me, “I did it on purpose. He was cheating on you.” I froze, unsure what to do or say. She continued, “I saw him flirting with another woman earlier.” Confused, I thanked her for telling me, though I was unsure if I should confront him or just walk away. In the end, I walked away, grateful for her honesty, even if it came in a very unexpected way. Her words saved me from wasting any more time on someone who didn’t deserve my trust.

The Power of Kind Words
A good friend of mine once shared something that really stuck with me. She told me that we often miss out on all the kind things people say about us when we’re not around. It’s such a simple thought, but it hit me deeply. I’ve tried to pass that feeling on, to tell people the good things I hear about them, even if it feels a little awkward. I think it’s one of the best ways to make someone’s day, and I now understand how powerful it is to let people know that they are appreciated.