I’ve always taken pleasure in doing something kind for a random stranger. It could be holding open a door, letting a person ahead of me in line at the checkout counter, or one of my favorites, giving a coupon to a person so that he or she can save a little money. What has occurred to me in the past few months is that my random acts of kindness are not so random.
It all started at Pep Boys. I was having my car serviced, so I printed out a twenty percent off coupon for me and an extra one to help some random person save what could be more than a few bucks depending on the repair. Usually, there is just one other person waiting, and I’m able to simply offer the coupon, but this time there were three people. My random act of kindness turned into an intense deliberation over who could benefit the most from the coupon. Should I give it to the senior citizen, the woman with three children or the young guy who could possibly benefit from the coupon too? How would the other two people feel watching me offer this coupon to the third “random” person?
I then realized that I do this with restaurant coupons as well and have even got my husband in on the act. If we have an extra coupon for twenty percent off of the meal, we will both look for a large family to give it to rather than an individual. Or we will seek out older people who may be on fixed incomes.
Every once in a while, especially in supermarkets, I will simply leave a coupon next to the item for some random stranger to benefit from it. But I must admit that I get far more pleasure being kind to strangers directly and seeing the smiles on their faces. Being kind lets them know that kind people do still exist,especially when many people believe kind people are anomalies. Whereas, stumbling upon a coupon on a shelf is mere chance and may not be perceived as a kind act. Too often do I give fate a hand and pinpoint what random person should benefit from my kindness. I want nothing in return from the person (just maybe for them to pass on the kindness), but I do wonder if it is wrong of me to not be so random.
Please share your thoughts.
All the best,
Tanya
Journey of Anonomz 
I too take great pleasure in doing this that is a strong aspect of my personality. I am amused with myself that it is such a part of me. If I leave a car park and my ticket is valid for another few hours or overnight I will pass it onto someone about to park. I am also someone who can strike up a conversation with anyone. Luckily I live in a safer part of the world than most or this may get me into bad situations.Acts of kindness I find very fulfilling.
Hi Ruby, I appreciate your comments. Having someone benefit from the time left on my parking meter or spot is something I love doing as well. I think if more people struck up conversations with strangers, most places would be safer or at least feel safer. It is good to know that I am not alone and that we are able to use our voices and blogs as platforms for sending out some kindness.
Its not so random because you have made it apart of who you are. Who you give it to might not even be that random since you seek out certain individuals. That doesn’t mean its anything at all LESS of being nice and a blessing to that person on the other end of the spectrum. Your act of kindness’s have obviously helped a lot of people, and that great! I like to pay it forward wither its a material such as a coupon, or something as simple as a smile and a door held open. Continue on with your acts of kindness! 🙂
Thanks so much for your insight. It is appreciated. I am all about paying it forward as well and will definitely continue with my “no so” random acts of kindness. 🙂