Random Acts of Kindness - Time to feel GOOD

[tankee]

This happened to me when I was serving my full time National Service (yes, it was ages ago :oops: )


We were out in the mountains, in midst of an exercise in a foreign country. I was then a trainee. It had rained for the whole day and into the night, gusty cold wind from the Pacific were blowing directly at us. Our uniform was wet down to the socks. Everyone was cold and hungry, feeling very miserable. Then my normally very mean & strict instructor came to check on us, he gathered the few of us to sit around my foxhole (trench). Expecting getting further hell from him, but he surprised us.

He popped open a bottle of whiskey and a bag of peanuts. Oh man ! that was the best whiskey and peanut I ever had.

[ChiefKiasu]

Yes… paying it forward… but sometimes it comes back in a rather ugly fashion…


1. I was standing behind this man at MacDonalds in Funan Centre who wanted to pay for a mac chicken meal for 50cents. He must be a Malaysian or something, dressed roughly, but doesn’t look like a beggar. The meal was already prepared in a bag, but the staff refused to give it to him. So I basically offered to pay for him. The chap just took the meal and walked away without so much of thanks or even look at me.

2. I was walking to my office in the morning along Fort Canning hill and in front of me was the same lady pushing her trolley of belongings. She waited for me to catch up just to ask me to give her another $10 because that was what I did the day before on my own accord. So I guess I became a walking ATM for her.

These incidents make me feel stupid and taken advantage of. No, there are times when it doesn’t feel good to do charity. I guess I have to change to look less approachable, be less trusting of people, and learn to say no.

[UncleLim]

I have a soft spot for elderly folks who work as table cleaners at food centres. I usually find a chance to slip them a tip when they clear my table. Sometimes it is hard because they have their pride and refuse my tip. Once, an old lady actually pursued me across the food centre just to return the money to me!


Today I did not tip the cleaner but thank her as she cleared our table. I then asked her "Auntie, jia bah buay?" She replied that she has already had her lunch and what if she has not? I told her I did not mind buying her lunch if she had not eaten.

She felt very touched and cleaned our table 3 times during the 40 minutes we were there! That made my day and I hope I have taught my DS to be compassionate as he listened to our conversation.

[Chenonceau]

Bee, Jtoh, Tankee… thank you!!

[Chenonceau]

I like the elderly cleaners too. They’re really very sweet when you smile at them and thank them for keeping the place clean. I guess they don’t get thanked very often so they’re really appreciative when you are appreciative.


It’s just nice to spread the smiles around. A little kindness goes a long way. I’ve found also that anger and ill will are contagious too.

[BlurBee]

ChiefKiasu:

Yes... paying it forward... but sometimes it comes back in a rather ugly fashion...


1. I was standing behind this man at MacDonalds in Funan Centre who wanted to pay for a mac chicken meal for 50cents. He must be a Malaysian or something, dressed roughly, but doesn't look like a beggar. The meal was already prepared in a bag, but the staff refused to give it to him. So I basically offered to pay for him. The chap just took the meal and walked away without so much of thanks or even look at me.

2. I was walking to my office in the morning along Fort Canning hill and in front of me was the same lady pushing her trolley of belongings. She waited for me to catch up just to ask me to give her another $10 because that was what I did the day before on my own accord. So I guess I became a walking ATM for her.

These incidents make me feel stupid and taken advantage of. No, there are times when it doesn't feel good to do charity. I guess I have to change to look less approachable, be less trusting of people, and learn to say no.

Chief, 吃亏是福.

[BlurBee]

Chenonceau:

I like the elderly cleaners too. They're really very sweet when you smile at them and thank them for keeping the place clean. I guess they don't get thanked very often so they're really appreciative when you are appreciative.


It's just nice to spread the smiles around. A little kindness goes a long way. I've found also that anger and ill will are contagious too.

:goodpost:

[tankee]

Chenonceau:

I like the elderly cleaners too. They're really very sweet when you smile at them and thank them for keeping the place clean. I guess they don't get thanked very often so they're really appreciative when you are appreciative.


It's just nice to spread the smiles around. A little kindness goes a long way. I've found also that anger and ill will are contagious too.

:goodpost:

[tankee]

UncleLim:

...Today I did not tip the cleaner but thank her as she cleared our table. I then asked her \"Auntie, jia bah buay?\" She replied that she has already had her lunch and what if she has not? I told her I did not mind buying her lunch if she had not eaten.....

I'm sure your small gesture had made her day ! :celebrate:

[tankee]

There was a period of time that I frequent Harbourfront area. It was quite common to see tourist, looking helpless lost flipping through their guidebook or map there. Usually, they are either looking for the cable-car station or the Sentosa Express Station, but do not know how to get there. I would approach them and offer to my help to give direction. Hopefully, these small acts would enhance their experience & memory of their visit to Singapore.