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10 real-life stories of everyday heroes who restored our faith in humanity — and also inspired us to be better

Kindness doesn't cost much and these 10 instances are worth recalling.
PUBLISHED 6 HOURS AGO
Strangers having light-hearted conversation while commuting by bus. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| zoranm), Quote - Reddit|u/Hairy_ Relationship28
Strangers having light-hearted conversation while commuting by bus. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| zoranm), Quote - Reddit|u/Hairy_ Relationship28

During our everyday encounters, we come across many intentional and unintentional scenarios to exercise kindness. Sometimes, the littlest, seemingly insignificant actions can become life-changing ones for another. Think of a time you were in trouble, lost something or just found yourself feeling helpless and bleak. Maybe a smile, an encouraging word, assistance to relocate your belongings or generosity from another turned your day around. Perhaps, you were the person on the other end of it — it is an experience of a kind. 

Man pondering wholesome experience while sitting outdoors. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by RDNE Stock Project)
Man pondering wholesome experience while sitting outdoors. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by RDNE Stock Project)

These occurrences often give way to new hope. It brings a light we never knew we needed and offers a relieving assurance that we're not alone. A user, u/TheMalsh, asked Redditors, "What is your 'My faith in humanity has been restored' story?" With over 100 responses, people shared trying times that they were able to get out of only due to the unexpected kindness of a stranger. These random acts left a great impression on them, inspiring them to pay it forward. These 10 instances are ones to ponder and practice so we can contribute to making the world a better place. 

1. A helping hand that relates

"I left my phone on the roof of my car whilst wrestling my screaming toddler into her car seat after nursery. Someone saw me drive off, followed and picked up my phone when it fell off at the first corner. She then followed me home to give it back. She said she recognized having those days when her kids were young and knew how difficult it is to lose your phone. I was nearly in tears when I realized I'd lost it. And two minutes later, she appears with a completely undamaged phone in hand." -u/Super_Occassion_7843

Exhausted overwhelmed mom thinking concerned being stressed and wondering about daily problems. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by nicoletaionescu)
Exhausted overwhelmed mom thinking concerned being stressed and wondering about daily problems. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by nicoletaionescu)

2. A true angel

"I was in London, a student with a part-time job and from a very low-income family. I was trying to put my bags on hold for a day so I could do some sightseeing. When I got to the baggage hold desk, the gentleman informed me that it was £12 a day to hold each bag. This was way more than my daily budget. While trying to make a decision outside, I had a meltdown. I was crying pretty heavily over £12 when an elegantly dressed black lady came over and stood above me, blocking out the sun like some sort of angel. She told me her husband and she overheard what happened and offered to pay for my extra baggage. I’m not usually one to accept charity but in that moment, it just seemed like I was gifted with an unlikely saviour.  It’s been about 8 years and I still remember how good it felt to not be on my own all of a sudden. Over the years, I tried to pay it forward and I’ll keep doing so because sometimes a stranger doing something kind for you is all you need to make you feel like you can go on a little longer." -u/PsychologicalClue6

3. Saving the day with grace

"I was once trying to get home after being at work for a horrible, long shift. I was trying to use my phone to pay for a bus but it just would not work. I was almost in tears because it was about an hour's walk home otherwise and I was just exhausted. A lovely man about my age pays for my bus fare and then gives me another couple of quid 'in case I needed another bus later on' (which I did!). He absolutely saved my day. I think about him all the time." -u/Hairy_ Relationship28

Two strangers chatting up in public transport. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Professional Studio Images)
Two strangers chatting up in public transport. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Professional Studio Images)

4. Bittersweet tears

"I'd arranged to pick up a free cycle item in the next village during the weekend. During the week, my husband ended up being admitted to the hospital for at the time unknown reasons. I picked the item up on the way home from visiting him on the weekend. I answered the front door two hours later to a stranger holding my wallet. It had fallen out of my bag in the next village without me even realizing it. He'd found it on the street and taken time out of his day to drive it back to me. He had no idea how much it meant; I wouldn't have been able to pay for hospital parking or public transport to visit my husband. I burst into tears and he mumbled something and ran off. Didn't even get to thank him properly through the surprise and tears." -u/zeewesty

5. Thoughtfulness at its best

"I parked in Hanover Street, Liverpool car park. I didn't realize I'd left both my front windows down. This was 3 weeks before Christmas last year, car was full of presents I'd stupidly not removed/hidden. Two cars were parked right up against me, one on either side, almost touching my car and blocking any entry. They left a note with their phone number asking me to call them so they could come and let me in. They were brothers, attending a wedding nearby and popped over to move their cars for me. I was so grateful and offered to buy them a drink at the hotel bar but they just told me to have a great Christmas and disappeared."-u/Academic_Vanilla_736

Young woman relieved while texting on phone outside parking lot. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Tang Ming Tung)
Young woman relieved while texting on phone outside parking lot. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Tang Ming Tung)

6. A blessing in disguise

"My grandad used to walk me to school and this happened when I was 13 and he was 83. He had been unsteady on his feet but the doctor said that it would help him keep his muscle strength if he did the daily walk with me. One day, he turned to check before crossing a road, went dizzy, fell and smacked his face onto the pavement. He was covered in blood and his nose was broken. I was sobbing and shaking him, trying to see if he was okay. Before I knew what had happened, a car pulled up and a lady jumped out and ran over to us. She was a nurse and she checked that he was ‘okay’ and dropped me off at school before taking him to the ER. She waited there until one of my family members rushed over. I will appreciate her until the day I die." -u/miz_moon

7. Just plain goodness

"Around 10 years ago, I got a new phone and was chuffed to bits. The next day, I was in Argos. I left my phone next to one of the catalogs and realized about 10 minutes after leaving the shop. I rushed back and was surprised to find out that a customer had handed it to the staff. I didn't even have a password on it at the time. It really restored my faith in society." -u/RANDOMPERSON648

Person accidentally leaves new phone in public place. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Farknot_ Architecture)
Person accidentally leaves new phone in public place. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Farknot_ Architecture)

8. A familiar kindness in a scary world

"I got mugged in Brazil, but a lady passing just after was wonderful. She abandoned her plans to take me to the police station, sat with me to translate, got hold of my B&B (Bed & Breakfast lodging) owners to get a spare key for me, cleaned my knee, etc. This was followed by the B&B owners paying for a private tour for me so I could retake pictures and the manager buying me chocolates to cheer me up." -u/cheese_fancier

9. A community of kind humanity

"A lady with dementia was reported missing in my small town. She was last seen walking her dog at 10 am down the old railway line. It seemed that practically everyone in the town with access to Facebook had shared the news and so many people went out to search for her. Police were all over and the helicopter was out searching for her. So many people from the community went out to help. She was found at about 6 pm, 12 miles away by a man who saw the appeal shared on FB and happened to drive by and see her and recognize her from the description of her and her dog. Social media and community coming together and bringing her home." -u/bumblebeesanddaisies

Man helping elderly woman find her way. Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Morsa Images)
Man helping elderly woman find her way. Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Morsa Images)

10. A comforting hand

"My niece died. I got the call and was obviously upset. I went to get my bus back home when an old lady recognized that I was in distress. She came and asked me what was wrong, and I told her. She didn't know what to say, so she grabbed my hand and held onto it until my bus turned up. She put me on, wished me well, told me everything would be okay and that was that. Never seen her before; never seen her since but she gave me some sort of comfort when I needed it most and I don't think I'll ever forget it." -u/mouldy95

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