Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Thank You, Co-conspirator In Kindness


--by greggie, posted Sep 27, 2013
One of my favorite parts of using smile cards is when other people agree to be my accomplice in our little kindness conspiracy.

Some folks look at you weird when you ask for such an unusual favor, you know? :) Like once I asked a toll booth operator if I could pay for the car behind me, and I got a blank stare. After a brief explanation, he hesitantly agreed, but then said it was too complicated when I presented a smile card with the double payment. Okay, next time.

So, it's nice when folks "get it" :) and even feel like they're receiving a favor in agreeing to do me a favor.  At a barbershop recently, after getting my haircut, I went to the counter to pay. My barber said, "That'll be twenty dollars please."

I saw in my wallet I had exactly forty-two dollars. "Okay, tell me if you think this is crazy: I'd like to pay for someone else's haircut as well."
She hardly blinked, "Yeah, you can do that."

Wow, it's as if she's used to this, how cool. She opened her appointment book and asked, "Who did you want to pay for?"
"You pick."

Pause. "...Oh you mean someone you don't know?"
"Yeah, is that crazy? What do you think?" 
"No, that's awesome! ... I mean, sure, why not?!"

She agreed to pick an upcoming appointment of hers. I told her I was sorry I only had two dollars left for her tip, but that I would come back later with more.  "No no, this is enough," she said with a bemused smile, as she jotted down a note, and seemed to be taking in the whole situation. It was as if this idea was so delightfully natural, that she was being introduced to something familiar.

I did stop by a couple days later as I said I would, but she wasn't there, so I don't know how the tag actually went. Which is just as well, because the process is often just as gratifying, if not more, than the outcome. And in the process of this tag, I got to see a smile of inspiration on the face of my ad-hoc co-conspirator in kindness.
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Readers Comments

brindlegirl wrote: I completely understand what you mean by some people 'not getting it' and at times making you feel worse for asking or that what you are doing is in some way wrong. So this story has given me faith, given us all faith that for everyone person that 'doesn't get it' than are many more that do.

Thank you xox
shreyansh wrote: Hahaha. This things really happens. Bcoz there r less no of people who practice kindness. And paying for unknown person will surely amaze the cashier. Nice share. Thumbs up. Keep on doing ur angel acts.
denisemj wrote: I have gotton some usually looks but once it's explained they get it, and most agree to follow along. Keep on introducing new people to the Wonderful life of Kindness. Thanks for sharing :)
Mish wrote: Good to spread those kindness ripples. Blessed be.
kidzfirst wrote: Loved reading this! I, too, find it interesting to see the reaction of people you ask to help. When I told others that I gave the librarian a card and money to pay someone's fine, they asked if she looked at me funny. It's neat to see how some respond. You did a wonderful thing!
jsmc10 wrote: I think maybe its because some people think that you want something out of it too and maybe they could get in trouble. I love it when other people join in too :)
FairyBubbles wrote: Love you to bits! What a fantastic thing to have done.
Dobby wrote: Love the story! I haven't gotten co-conspirators yet, just starting, but it sounds like fun! It is interesting the reactions you got. It says a lot about our world that people can get stumped or suspicious so easily. Shows that our world really needs this!
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Good for you for spreading kindness and touching others as they help! Co-conspirators can be so much fun! :)

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