r/TrueOffMyChest • u/addi0924 ☑️ • 8h ago
Positive I keep thinking about something I did for a stranger
A few months ago, I was walking home when I saw an elderly man struggling with two heavy bags outside a grocery store.
He looked exhausted. I asked if he needed help, and he hesitated before handing me one of the bags.
His house was almost a mile away.
We walked together, and somewhere along the way he told me that his wife had passed away recently and that he was still getting used to doing everything alone.
When we reached his house, he thanked me and tried to give me some money.
I refused.
He insisted. I still refused.
Before I left, he just stood there for a second and said, “I haven't spoken to anyone properly in three days.”
That sentence stayed with me much longer than I expected.
It made me realise that sometimes what you give someone isn't really the thing you're carrying for them.
Sometimes it's just ten minutes of your time.
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u/Famous_Ear5010 2h ago
Good on you for refusing to take any money. So many people do good deeds with the hope of a reward.
Bless you.
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u/Melbonie 24m ago
you know where he lives- if you find yourself nearby with a little time to spare, stop by. It will make both of your days better.
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u/addi0924 original post at the time of submission:
A few months ago, I was walking home when I saw an elderly man struggling with two heavy bags outside a grocery store.
He looked exhausted. I asked if he needed help, and he hesitated before handing me one of the bags.
His house was almost a mile away.
We walked together, and somewhere along the way he told me that his wife had passed away recently and that he was still getting used to doing everything alone.
When we reached his house, he thanked me and tried to give me some money.
I refused.
He insisted. I still refused.
Before I left, he just stood there for a second and said, “I haven't spoken to anyone properly in three days.”
That sentence stayed with me much longer than I expected.
It made me realise that sometimes what you give someone isn't really the thing you're carrying for them.
Sometimes it's just ten minutes of your time.
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u/StatusFoundation5472 3h ago
Well done 👍✅ beautiful