Kindness

[katiegr]

With all this talk (again) about blowing up planes, stuff in the local paper about young men (and girls) fighting for no particular reason but seriously hurting each other nevertheless I'm beginning to wonder whether anyone is ever kind to each other anymore? Anyone got any examples of random kindnesses to cheer me up - either kindnesses that you have had done unto you, or that you heard about?

I'd like to think kindly on the world again!

[MrsC]

There is lots of kindness going on, unfortunately that doesn't sell papers and make the front page, sad isn't it.

[lizzylemon]

I have a very recent personal experience of kindness. Due to life events I've found my self starting over from nothing and up until recently, have been un-employed.

I landed a small part-time job with a lovely lady who, having read my CV (yep really read it) said I'd probably be able to help her life partner out with some other work so I've now got 2 small part-time jobs which is brilliant but not necessarily kind

However, having been working there for a mere few hours I mentioned I had a new home and the lady asked if I needed anything and I rather flippantly (but truthfully) said everything. "Oh" she said. Leaving time, she took me to a barn on their property, opened the door and said here's a sofa, bed, dinning table, chairs, lamps, mirrors, curtains, washing machine, cooker, desk, take it and make use of it.

I've offered money so many times, I've tried not taking all of my wages, I've offered wine, they won't accept it (they have a cellar), all they say is that they've been there and they know what it's like, they're in a position to help, all the stuff was free and not being used.

Regardless of the circumstances of the stuff arrived with them, it is overwhelming kindness and has gone a very long way to restore my belief in human nature. So all those times in the past, when I've done something because I'd like to think someone would do the same for me, it's true, they did and it's wonderful.

[SarzWix]

Right here on the Vine is a great place to find random acts of kindness

In the last month alone, I've been given a package of books relevant to my part-time degree course (worth a small fortune I dare-say) and, a package of jars and a dehydrator (which I'm still waiting to be told how to pay for the postage costs!) and that's not to mention the the ton of emotional support that I (and anyone else in need) am given whenever I might need it.

Stick around lass, you'll soon have your faith in human kindness restored

[MrsC]

Lizzy what a lovely story, more than kind

[zazen999]

I keep tripping up over raspberry and gooseberry plants left on the doorstep by neighbours at the moment, all because I mentioned that we are on the look out for soft fruit suckers for the kids at the schools.

That's a lovely story Liz.

[lizzylemon]

I keep tripping up over raspberry and gooseberry plants left on the doorstep by neighbours at the moment, all because I mentioned that we are on the look out for soft fruit suckers for the kids at the schools.

That's a lovely story Liz.

You're not exactly short of the odd act of kindness your self Miss Z now are you?!

[zazen999]

You're not exactly short of the odd act of kindness your self Miss Z now are you?!

Ahem - don't blow my cover! I'm the bad cop on here, remember!

[FionaH]

A shed load of jam jars from a very kind pigletW who wouldnt let me pay for them, just told me to pass on the kindness when I can.

So, anyone for chutney?

[shirlthegirl43]

So, anyone for chutney?

Only if it is actually marmalade instead Fi

Everyone on the vine is kind - they all cheer me up every day when I am feeling a bit low. Thanks grapes

[Croila]

I think the way so many people on this forum have so willingly given me - a total newbie at gardening - so much helpful advice is amazing. Honestly, it blows me away that I can post a question on here and get people giving their own time to tell me how to do something, so quickly too. If that's not kindness I dunno what is, and I can't wait till I've built up enough knowledge so I can pass it on to others here that ask questions.

Also, I wrote something recently about "random acts of kindness" which is maybe not a massive big deal, but I was still really touched.

[lizzylemon]

I didn't say it was very often!!!!!

(better?)

[zazen999]

i didn't say it was very often!!!!!

(better?)

...........

[piskieinboots]

I truly believe that most of (wo)mankind are inherently kind at heart - even terrorists have families and do kind acts somewhere along their lives - they just appear to get lost in a (IMHO) mistaken passion that they can right a wrong.

[Hilary B]

There is a saying somewhere about it being a bad idea to assume malice when stupidity can provide an explanation (that even applies to these brainwashed types who blow things up in the erroneous belief that doing so will make something better, although I don't think those who do the brainwashing and send them out there get off so lightly).
Much of the UNkindness we see arund us is basically thoughtlessness, but I agree that this is the place to come looking for kindness.

BTW, my 'unexpected kindness' story... years ago, someone I knew only from a message board and subsequent e-mails (we had an enemy in common) we got chatting about music, I mentioned that I play the recorder, and wished I could affor a tenor, she says "we've got one, and can't play it, my fingers aren't long enough and husband's hands have got too stiff, where do you live?" 2 days later it arrives!
I managed to find a copy of sheet music for a hymn she wanted to play (no idea how she could manage a clarinet if she can't reach a tenor recorder, finger-spaces not very different IMO).