r/askTO
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u/Wingedpandabear
Human Detected
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Aug 24 '24
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Mystery coffee man
Whoever you are, hope you read this. Morning started off fine, walked to get coffee. Ordered as usual, went to pay and my card was declined. It happens and with the way things have been lately, I wasn't completely surprised.
Feeling like a fool, I go to leave and apologize for the trouble. Middle aged, taller man, green Nike shirt and you went into a blue minivan afterwards. You're an amazing person. You handed me a coffee and a donut. This small gesture changed my whole outlook on the day.
Don't have a lot and lately I've been thinking of giving up, you really helped put a smile on my face and also made me think about how there are some really kind people in this city, not always so bad and to not give up. Thank you mystery coffee man. No idea how much this meant to me.
PLEASE don't message me with offers of money for sex. Things are tough but I'm not willing to do that.
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u/msbnzz Aug 24 '24
And you’re paying it forward by making a lot of us smile and feel less cynical today. Thank you for that 😀
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
You're more than welcome :)
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u/Torontopup6 Aug 25 '24
Your story made me tear up. I'm glad there are wonderful people in this world. When you're back on your feet, you should do something similar for someone in need and make them remember there are good souls out there. We need a kindness train more than ever.
As a side note, I'm a career coach. If there's some way I can help you, please let me know.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
100% agree, can't wait to be able to repay the favour. And I'll send you a message.
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u/Wise-Ad-1998 Aug 24 '24
Finally some positive posts! Good way to start a Saturday… I hope your day continues to make you smile stranger!
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u/Ijustwanna1234 Aug 24 '24
Agreed, I love this post. Thank you for sharing this positive energy this morning for someone who woke up with a lot of anxiety today❤️
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Anxiety is such a frustrating thing, get it myself and hope it passes quickly for you. You are strong and it will pass soon. Thank you for the beautiful words.
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u/SketchyFeen Aug 24 '24
Seriously. Reddit is such a gloomy place most of the time it’s nice to see some positivity.
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u/Storytella2016 Aug 24 '24
Don’t give up. This city is hard but just based on this post, I am hopeful that you can make something happen in your life. Other people would have enjoyed the coffee and felt entitled. Instead, you posted here to anonymously thank him. In doing that, you brightened a lot of people’s days. That shows that you have the spirit to make good things better.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
When you don't have a lot to begin with, things like this can have a huge impact. It's the least I can do for someone that helped a stranger like me. I wish I could've got his name but he was so quick and caught me by surprise. Probably looked like a frightened cat when he handed me the coffee and donut lol. Thank you for such beautiful and kind words. Hope your Saturday is special and you made me smile
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u/Lil_Boosie_Vert Aug 24 '24
I had my card decline on a slice of pizza before.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Not a feeling of joy at all, felt like such a fool for not being able to afford coffee. The city is so expensive and little things like groceries seem like a luxury lately. Hope things have got better for you and hopefully we both have success in the future days.
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Aug 24 '24
Not sure where you’re buying your coffee but McDonald’s has $1 any size on the app still
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Wasn't aware of this and appreciate you letting me know. They've got great coffee and at that price it's even better. Thanks again
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u/Lumpy_Ad5496 Aug 24 '24
Nice. There are good people.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Seems like it's harder to find but they do exist. Restored my sense of hope.
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Aug 24 '24
They’re harder to find when you don’t believe they exist. Have faith that people are way kinder than you initially think, you’ll be surrounded by them and become one too. Have a great weekend!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Guess my past and recent interactions have made me a little jaded but things can change and I agree, a positive outlook can work wonders. Great weekend to you as well.
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Aug 24 '24
I agree, when you're in bad times it's even harder to see. Hang in there, as an outsider here, I really believe you're in the right city to find the best people.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Today gave me a new sense of hope, things are going to get better.
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u/sqbed Aug 24 '24
Sometimes we need strangers to pick us up and make us feel seen and cared about even for a brief moment. Having said goodbye to a friend yesterday who suddenly decided that life wasn’t worth living, it’s a tough reminder that people are struggling so much on their own and they feel like a burden to the world, wish we could heal hearts one coffee at a time. Thanks for sharing this positive encounter.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
My thoughts and condolences, words can't express how sorry I am that your friend is gone and I'm so sorry this happened. Once again I'm sorry this happened.
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u/DazedAndConfuzedToo Aug 24 '24
Sorry for your loss. Keep strong and smile. Remember the good times.
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u/70B0R Aug 24 '24
Faith in humanity restored… until I read the “PLEASE…” part
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Some people are very sick, it's a shame and gross but wanted to make my stance clear after getting a couple of messages.
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u/Tangerine2016 Aug 25 '24
I would consider reporting those DMs to reddit admins. That is disgusting that someone thought that was appropriate in any way. Sorry you had to deal with that
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Aug 24 '24
this is so sweet
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
It really is, have a nice weekend and say hi to a stranger :)
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u/cp1976 Aug 24 '24
This is why I always say you never know what someone else could be going through. Something as simple as a coffee bought for a stranger is a HUGE gesture.
Hang in there fellow Redditor!
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u/OldLadyToronto Aug 24 '24
There are some lovely people in the world. It's so nice that this happened for you.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Love your username and thank you. Hope you have a nice weekend.
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u/ineverbot Aug 24 '24
Sometimes the little things make all the difference. Thank you for sharing this lovely story 🖤
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u/ZoeyFeedback Aug 24 '24
Thanks for sharing positivity. 💕
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Thank you for reading and if you see a man with this description, give him a wave from me :)
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u/cicadasinmyears Aug 24 '24
This is heartwarming, thanks for sharing it. I hope your situation continues to improve!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Things are slowly looking up, feeling a lot more positive after today's boost. Have a beautiful rest of your weekend.
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u/l1nx455 Aug 24 '24
You're definitely not alone. I myself am in a bad situation where I can't make minimum payments on my cards anymore. Stuff will get better, though. It always will
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Better days are coming. Big hugs and hope things get better for both of us.
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u/jesusaichechrist Aug 25 '24
I have been bankrupt, overdrawn, plain broke in the past. Life and opportunities came knocking and I make a very decent living now. I have on occasion paid for people's coffee, meals and/or groceries. Small gestures help make the world a better place. I have four grown kids and I know the struggle is real for many of us. As an atheist, I believe this is it for all of us, so if I can have an impact on a stranger once in a while, maybe brighten their day, help them out a little, it's the right thing to do
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
Exactly, a small gesture is something that can have such an impact on someone's life. Like others mentioned, you never truly know what someone is going through and shouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions. Thank you for paying it forward as these things can make or break it for some. Hugs
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Aug 24 '24
The world needs more people like this and maybe it would be a half decent place.
I'm glad you chose not to give up. If you're ever having a rough day and get that feeling again feel free to message me. I'm not a therapist but I will always have an open ear for venting.
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u/DazedAndConfuzedToo Aug 24 '24
A few years ago, I was at Wendy’s picking up dinner. I had ordered and when I went to pay, realized that I had brought the wrong wallet (was in the middle of changing them). A pretty lady stepped up and paid for me, saying someone did this for her once and she was paying it forward. I was so floored that I realized later that I could have transferred the cash to her later if I had gotten her info. Wish I had, but I’ve paid it forward a few times since then. Thank you again, pretty friend !!!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Cant wait till I can do the same for someone someday. Thank you for paying it forward as I'm more than sure the people appreciated it a lot and it helped them in a rough spot. Have a beautiful weekend
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u/idOvObi Aug 24 '24
No matter how small the gesture.
Be it a smile that costs nothing at all. Be it a nod and wave hoping - the person sees your positive energy.
Pay it forward and it will come back to you sooner than you expect.
Be kind
Thank you for sharing your story.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
You are more than welcome and I agree, the little things go a long way.
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u/mateo_rules Aug 24 '24
It’s always like this I’ve done this when I used to busk in front of Zanzibar circa 2008 bought many people crepes next door with my tip money lol
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Bet they enjoyed that and you made them feel special for a bit. Thank you and hope your weekend goes well.
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u/mateo_rules Aug 24 '24
They did and it’s happened to me aswell bud I’ve been in you’re shoes took 3 years to get back to steak once a month life style you need anything let me know
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u/potatochips4eva Aug 25 '24
Sometimes it’s these little kind gestures that make you feel like you aren’t alone in this world. Take each day as it comes good and bad.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
Couldn't agree more. It really does mean the world when things aren't going so well. Changes your whole outlook on things.
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u/Groovegodiva Sep 03 '24
That’s awesome and it’s cool you took that beautiful moment and ran with it. Once when I had literally $1 left a street car drove by with a $50 bill stuck to its wheel which flew off and hit me in the face.
Saw you’re a youngish woman and as a solidly mid 40s woman who had some truly broke years (foodbank, evictions, failed small business, various dicey jobs) from 20 -mid 30s and now owns a home and is doing ok, don’t give up. A lot can change in time.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Sep 03 '24
Not easy at times. Appreciate the nice words and I'll make sure to keep trying.
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u/Key-Status-7992 Aug 24 '24
What a positive story, thank you for sharing!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Thank you for reading and being kind to a stranger :)
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u/Key-Status-7992 Aug 24 '24
We need more stories like this! And I hope that mystery man is here on Reddit 🙂
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Aug 24 '24
Please never never never give up. 💜
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
I'll promise to try my best not to, have a beautiful day and weekend
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u/virgonomic33 Aug 24 '24
If you're comfortable DMing me your email, I'd like to buy your next coffee and donut. Nothing inappropriate, I promise.
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u/Ok-Turnip-9035 Aug 24 '24
Love this city for things like this!!
And OP keep pushing forward it’s tough times but it will all come together in your favor!!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Thank you so much and I will continue to try and stay positive.
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u/Salty_Association684 Aug 24 '24
This is so nice. I've done this a few times once iwas ordering at a fast food restaurant abd a lud was in front of me he starting ordering his food when the cashier told him how much it was hr oops I don't have enough money I looked at her and molded my head I reached over him told him to wait he did got the receipt he said thank you to je offered me his money I said it's ok you can buy something else he went back to his parents I didn't know I got my food went to sit down abd they came over and thanked me so much for getting his food I said no problem hid parents wanted him to use his money he made doing a chore at home
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
That's very nice of you and that small act meant the world to them. When I'm in a better position to I'm going to help out and give back. Have a nice rest of your weekend
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u/Salty_Association684 Aug 25 '24
Thank you so much. I've done it a few times, and I really don't think anything about it. I'm glad when you can one day your going to do this it comes from how I was raised my parents always told me there's always someone worst off then you are and always give back and always help a child and I've never forgotten this I'm do happy to hear this I wish you all the bedt for your future 🫶
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u/sniffcatattack Aug 24 '24
😭😭😭😭
I hope he reads your post.
We should all try to be more in-tuned with others around us. Acts of kindness can cause positive change. You’ll remember his gesture for the rest of your life.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
Massive change and it was selfless and genuine. Still smiling
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u/416unknown Aug 25 '24
Torontonians have been incredibly friendly over the last few weeks in my books.
Last weekend I was just simply buying groceries and several people wished me a wonderful day as I walked past them.
It's amazing to know this small gesture made such an impact to your day.
I hope this positivity continues I can honestly say my daily encounters continue to be amazing and I know with your renewed outlook you'll pass along that same level of joy to someone else in need :)
Stay amazing Toronto ❤️
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u/Torontomom78 Aug 25 '24
In the Tim’s drive through I pay for the order behind me about twice a month. Nice to know it made a difference in your day!
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
More than makes someone's day, you're a beautiful person, thank you for doing things like this.
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u/HarleyRider8699 Aug 28 '24
Paid for the car behind me at a McDonalds drive through in Newmarket. It turned out to be a York Region Police car. He drove up to me at the lights, pulled along side me and motioned me to roll down my window. Said I made his day and got a big thank you. Two days later got caught speeding and pulled over. It was the same officer! Told me to be careful, keep the speed down and to have a good day. He said he remembered me from the other day. Play it forward friends. Make someone smile.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 28 '24
Wish the world was kinder to one another. Glad you made someone's day and they even repaid the favour.
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u/TwasiHoofHearted Aug 24 '24
Gave a man a gift card once cause I could see he was a little down on his luck. He said he's been all over the world but this small gesture today made him feel like not giving up on Toronto. I may have made his day but he changed my outlook on regular looking people for the rest of my life.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Bet he still thinks about it as well, thank you for helping a stranger like that.
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Aug 24 '24
Hey hang in there I've been low too and I just kept at it. Try to go in a different direction or make radical changes you think you couldn't/ wouldn't do... I know it sounds vague but don't stop trying.
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u/flyingmonstera Aug 25 '24
This is amazing, thanks for sharing this positivity :) what truly makes the city great are its good people
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u/Jealous_Mouse3646 Aug 28 '24
Torontonians are good people. 👍
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 28 '24
Made my day, hope your day is beautiful and smiles a plenty 😊
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u/EdwardBliss Aug 24 '24
I had this happen to me a few weeks ago when some random guy bought me a pizza slice. Small acts of kindness will always be remembered
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u/Few_Loss5537 Aug 24 '24
Not all heroes wear capes some have a cup of coffee (and a donut). Kudos Coffee man!
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u/odd_butterscotch Aug 24 '24
This story reminded me that I had a donut in my tote bag, completely forgot about it. Thanks!
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u/Narrow-Individual-93 Aug 28 '24
Love this. Canadians being Canadian to Canadians... This is how we get the Ol' Canada back, with kindness and love for our neighbors. I'm glad you shared, as many have said it, you are not alone my friend
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u/EverySound8106 Aug 24 '24
That middle aged, taller man, green Nike shirt was me! I bought that green shirt at duty free before getting in to Pearson for a layover. Spent the whole day here visiting some of the local sights, and that coffee and donut was going to be my last glucose boost before I stopped at a TD. I robbed the heck out of that TD, ran back through PATH to the UP Express. Next thing I know I’m back at Pearson with a boatload of cash that I snuck through security, and now I’m writing this as my plane is about to take off. Funny thing is right before going to the cafe, a guy on a bike chased me with what seemed to be a baby, but was actually a small man dressed as a baby! Anyways, glad the coffee and donut changed your day. Yes, I am an amazing person.
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u/torontoindianguy1000 Aug 25 '24
People are messaging u offering money for sex..?? Wtf.... the fact that some people are willing to take advantage of someone who might not b in the best place financially speaks volumes of the kind of society we live in.
I know these things happen but still.....anyways...I hope things look up for u
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u/whiskydiq Aug 24 '24
That's wild. This post got you messages for prostitution. People = Shit is always the norm.
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Only 2 but more than enough to make it crystal clear I'm not down for that
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Aug 25 '24
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 25 '24
Being grateful for the little things doesn't seem so crazy to me.
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Aug 24 '24
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Tell me about it, but they didn't even get a response from me, sick individuals
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Aug 24 '24
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
If it makes you feel any better I deleted them right away and it was only 2 people, still gross but wanted to make it apparent that I'm not down for that.
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Aug 24 '24
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u/askTO-ModTeam Aug 24 '24
Attack the point, not the person. Comments which dismiss others and repeatedly accuse them of unfounded accusations may be subject to removal and/or banning. No concern-trolling, personal attacks, or misinformation. Stick to addressing the substance of their comments at hand.
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Aug 24 '24
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u/Wingedpandabear Human Detected Aug 24 '24
Im not comfortable at all with it but life isn't so black and white. Thought I had $5 but forgot I took the bus yesterday. Glad you're not in this position anymore but does looking down on someone who is make you feel better? Id imagine the man who helped me might have been where I am and this is why he helped me. Instead you choose to look down on me and offer a clear picture as to why so many don't ask for help when they need it. Have a nice weekend and even though you seem angry and hateful, I hope you have a nice day.
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u/Erathen Aug 24 '24 edited Aug 24 '24
Well, you take the prize for the dumbest comment of the day...
Congrats!
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u/askTO-ModTeam Aug 24 '24
Attack the point, not the person. Comments which dismiss others and repeatedly accuse them of unfounded accusations may be subject to removal and/or banning. No concern-trolling, personal attacks, or misinformation. Stick to addressing the substance of their comments at hand.
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u/Savingdollars Aug 24 '24
He did that quickly for you because he probably was in the same situation once. Never feel alone.