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What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

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Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#171

Post by stavros »

rconti wrote: post #76
sizzzzlerz wrote: post #50

My chain had slipped off the rear sprocket, wedged itself between the gear and the frame. I forgot my toolkit and I was unable to free it. I was miles out of town so a walk back was going to take hours. A guy on a motorcycle rode by, looked at me and turned around. He got off his bike, got his tools, and freed the chain in seconds. I was profoundly grateful. Years later, I happened across a cyclist in a similar situa…

I'm something of a cyclist and I drive on a lot of roads where there are cyclists all the time. I keep meaning to make sure my car is stocked with some helpful bike tools or a spare tube or something. I need to get on that.

Aren't there many different kinds of tubes? Or are they fairly standard?

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#172

Post by uberman »

When I was young, my future wife and I went on vacation to Tahiti. We took a bus from our hotel to the Capital probably only 3 to 5 miles away bust still a good walk away. I thought it would be easy to get a bus back both because I knew a little French and because I assumed buses could either go clockwise or counterclockwise around the island. Long story short my assumptions were bad and we got lost.

We stopped at a bus stop to regroup and there were two local men, construction workers as I recall, sitting at the stop. They got us back on track but more than that, they cracked open a 6 pack of beer and shared it with us. I dont know what those beers could have cost but it was not cheap. They were regular guys and we were lost rich tourists. In no world I would have imagined would they have shared those beers with us but there they were and they ensured we got to the hotel as well.

I will always remember that kindness.

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#175

Post by IneffablePigeon »

stavros wrote: post #171
rconti wrote: post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm something of a cyclist and I drive on a lot of roads where there are cyclists all the time. I keep meaning to make sure my car is stocked with some helpful bike tools or a spare tube or something. I need to get on that.

Aren't there many different kinds of tubes? Or are they fairly standard?

Road bikes are reasonably standard. Tubes will generally fit some range of tyre sizes so in practice a single size will fit most road bikes.

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#176

Post by stavros »

mikestew wrote: post #116
parpfish wrote: post #35

I love going out of my way to help people, but hate when people help me or give me gifts. I don’t know how to experience “pure” gratitude that isn’t overwhelmed by guilt. I should probably talk to somebody about that…

I should probably talk to somebody about that… Couldn’t hurt, because you’re robbing others of the opportunity to help. And, frankly, you’re not alone, I constantly run into folks that feel the need to reciprocate or otherwise make it transactional.

Giving a gift out of gratitude for a good deed isn't making it transactional.

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#177

Post by stavros »

IneffablePigeon wrote: post #175
stavros wrote: post #171

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Aren't there many different kinds of tubes? Or are they fairly standard?

Road bikes are reasonably standard. Tubes will generally fit some range of tyre sizes so in practice a single size will fit most road bikes.

Interesting, thanks!

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#178

Post by rogerrogerr »

poolnoodle wrote: post #59
leobg wrote: post #15

It was snowing. I scraped the windshield of my car. When I was done, I turned the key - and the battery was dead. I shrugged, gathered my belongings and was about to go back into my apartment building. But a woman who has just arrived in her car came up to me. And she asked, “Is your car not starting? You can use mine if you like.” I had needed seen here before. I took it. I returned it with a full tank in the evenin…

I honestly would be scared shitless lending a stranger my car.

I'd do it in a heartbeat in a situation like this, except that I have no idea what the insurance implications are.

Actually, maybe someone here knows: How much would I expose myself lending my ~$20k car with full coverage to a random idiot? For the sake of argument, say I'm reasonably assured they are legal to drive.

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#179

Post by rogerrogerr »

deflator wrote: post #18

When I was about 3 years old, a man in a car tried to abduct me right in my front yard by offering me candy to lure me closer. An old woman we did not know witnessed this from down the street, recognized what was off about the situation, and rushed over yelling, scaring off the man. Not sure if I would be here today if not for her. My parents never were able to find out who she was.

The old lady stole your candy!

Re: What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

#180

Post by stavros »

pettertb wrote: post #13

I had finished my hamburger, zoning out. I had my guitar with me, having had a belowpar band practice, while waiting for my therapist appointment. Life was heading downwards in a slow, but steady, fashion. This wonderful woman came over and asked if I wanted a hug. It warmed me to my bones. She said that "people should do that more", or something along those lines, and disappeared. I don't remember her face, I just r…

Oh man, I just love a good hug. So comforting.
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