A Moment That Restored My Faith in Humanity

by Safia Miletus · Published July 11, 2016 · Updated November 7, 2017

A random act of kindness…

During my 6-month motorcycle trip around the US, I met many people who were incredibly kind and helpful to me. They never once expected anything in return. This has made a huge difference in how I perceive the world around me, and how I treat strangers now in my everyday life.

For some reason, one of these random acts of kindness that I experienced — even though it was small — stood out to me the most!

It was a cold and stormy night. I pulled up to a Denny’s somewhere in Ohio, as the weather conditions were too unsafe for me to keep riding. I was sitting inside the restaurant in my wet clothes, sulking on my laptop and picking at my food. A few hours later, I asked for the check as I was getting ready to leave and set up camp in the parking lot.

The waiter informed me that my bill had already been taken care of! I was shocked, and wanted to know who had done so. Apparently, a random fellow had paid for my order, and left without saying anything; not even a hello! He knew that I would never find out who paid for my meal. He never got to receive the satisfaction of a friendly interaction or grateful reaction that comes with being kind to somebody.

I believe that a true act of kindness has no expectations, not even the expectation of gratitude.

So, I suppose that this nice gesture stood out to me the most, as it was completely selfless in every way. It has also forced me to think of my “motives” when I am being nice to someone.

Thank you, Mr. Stranger from Denny’s. I have never forgotten you, whoever you are.