10 Acts of Kindness That Made Ordinary People Real-Life Heroes

It’s easy to think sometimes that the world is full of selfish people, until you run into someone who just... restores your faith in humanity. These real stories from everyday people show how small acts of kindness can leave a huge impact. Some are sweet, some are emotional, and some will just make you smile.

Here are 10 stories of kindness that prove heroes really do exist.

• Last winter, my car broke down on a dark road just outside Cleveland. It was around 10 pm, freezing cold, and my phone battery was at 9 percent. I’m 23, and honestly, I was close to tears. A man in his 40s pulled over, parked behind me with his hazards on, and asked if I needed help. He didn’t try to fix my car or anything, just stood there with me so I wasn’t alone while I called roadside assistance. He kept chatting lightly about football, probably just to keep me calm. When the tow truck finally came, he said, “My daughter’s about your age. I’d want someone to do the same for her.” Then he drove off without even giving me his name. — Megan / Bright Side
• I was crying in a diner at 7 am after a rough breakup the night before. I was exhausted, hadn’t slept, and just wanted pancakes. This older lady, probably in her 70s, was sitting alone in the booth next to me. When I got up to pay, the waiter said, “She covered your meal.” The lady just smiled and said, “You’ll be okay, sweet girl.” That’s all. I think about her every time I’m at that diner now. — Kayla J / Bright Side
• Bruno, my golden retriever, is an escape artist. One morning, I left for work and apparently didn’t latch the backyard gate properly. My neighbor, Maria, spotted him trotting down the street and spent an entire hour driving around our neighborhood trying to catch him. She was already late for her job at a dental clinic, but she came back with Bruno in her car and a half-empty McDonald’s nugget box on the seat because she had to bribe him to hop in. She just handed me his leash and said, “He’s fast, by the way,” then rushed off, still wearing her scrubs. — Josh P / Bright Side

• In high school, I was barely scraping by in math. Honestly, I was thinking about dropping out. My teacher, Mr. Davis, started staying after school every Tuesday and Thursday to tutor me for free. He never made me feel stupid, even when I cried over fractions like a drama queen. He told me he used to fail math, too, and it wasn’t about being smart; it was about practice. I ended up passing with a B. That was the first time I thought maybe I wasn’t a lost cause. I’m in my second year of college now and still email him every semester. — Ryan / Bright Side
• When I was 19 and broke, I worked the closing shift at a grocery store. I missed the last bus one night because I had to stay late cleaning up a spill. I was sitting on the curb outside, trying not to cry, when one of our regular customers walked by and asked if I was okay. I told him I had no way home and no money for an Uber. He drove me 30 minutes out of his way, made sure I got inside my building safely, and refused to take gas money. He said, “Just help someone else someday.” That line stuck with me. — Alyssa / Bright Side
• When I was 14, I was obsessed with drawing but too broke to afford real sketchbooks. I’d draw on lined notebook paper from school. My best friend’s mom saw my doodles once and a week later surprised me with a real sketchbook and pencils for my birthday. She said, “Artists need the right tools.” It wasn’t expensive, but it made me feel like someone actually believed in me. I still have that sketchbook. — Anonymous / Bright Side

• A few months ago, I had a panic attack in a crowded Starbucks in downtown Chicago. I’m 26 and usually handle my anxiety okay, but this time it hit hard and fast. My hands were shaking so badly that I spilled my coffee. A random woman my age walked over, sat down, and quietly asked if I wanted to hold her hand. We sat there for ten minutes breathing together while she kept saying “You’re safe” under her breath. She didn’t ask for my name, didn’t give me hers, just stayed until I could breathe normally again. I’ve never seen her again, but she honestly saved me that day. — Sarah / Bright Side
• I forgot my wallet at home and realized only when I was about to get out of the auto. I started panicking because it was my last day of internship, I was already late, and I had no money to give the driver. He waved me on and said, “It’s okay, you can give it to me next time.” It wasn’t a huge amount, but it’s the sweetest thing a stranger has done for me. I found the same auto rickshaw guy a few days later and returned the fare with a kind tip. — Priya / Bright Side

• Last month, my tire went flat in the Target parking lot. I had no clue what to do and was on the verge of calling my dad to cry about it. A dad with two kids in his SUV pulled over, showed me how to use the jack, and changed it in ten minutes while his kids cheered him on from the backseat. He even explained how to check tire pressure before he left. I felt so much less helpless afterward. — Claire / Bright Side
• We planned a Disney trip for my daughter’s 10th birthday. She was soooo excited—but then suddenly begged me not to invite my stepson (14). It was really odd. When I asked her why, she remained silent and walked away. Suspicious, I decided to search my stepson’s room when he was out. I froze when I saw he had been Googling “How to get over your fear of mascots.” Turns out, he has sort of a Masklophobia, and is scared of people dressed in costumes and masks. My daughter found out about it and was secretly trying to help him. I had no idea he was so scared, and surprisingly, his dad didn’t either. We all sat down calmly and talked about it. In the end, we came up with a plan so everyone could enjoy the trip without feeling scared or left out. My daughter’s thoughtfulness honestly blew me away. — Gloria M / Bright Side

A little kindness goes a long, long way. Here are 10 more such stories to brighten up your day.