12 Stories That Remind Us to Be Kind Even When It’s Not Easy

Life can be overwhelming, and in tough moments, kindness isn’t always our first reaction. But sometimes, a small act of care, given or received, can leave a deep, lasting impact. In this collection, you’ll find heartfelt true stories that show how a little compassion can change everything. These 12 short reads will inspire you to slow down, choose empathy, and remember the power of being kind, even when it’s hard.

• When I turned 18, my grandma knitted me a red cardigan. It was all she could afford. I didn’t like it, and I just told her a dry “Thanks.” She died weeks later.
  Years passed, I never wore it. Now my daughter is 15. She asked to try it on. We froze...
  Hidden in the pocket, there was a paper envelope with two Backstreet Boys concert tickets, dated 2005. My grandma had known they were my favorite band. She knew I had dreamed of going to the concert with my best friend. Despite not having much, she had bought those tickets for me.
  I was shattered. All she had wanted was to make me happy, and I had brushed her off. I held those tickets and sobbed for hours.
  Now, I wear that cardigan often. Sometimes, I even sleep in it. It brings me comfort.
  This moment, though it came years too late, taught me something unforgettable: to be kind to people, even when I don’t feel like it. It was the most precious lesson my grandmother ever gave me, a gift that reached me long after she was gone.

• I was behind an older man at the store who was short a few dollars. The cashier looked annoyed, and people in line were groaning. I covered the difference without thinking. Just a few bucks.
  He looked at me like I’d handed him a winning lottery ticket. Outside, he tapped my arm and said, “You saved my dinner with my grandson.” I smiled and said, “Glad I could help.” He nodded and walked off.
  A week later, I saw him again. He waved, he was with a little boy. They both gave me a thumbs-up.

• A man outside the deli asked me for food. I was late for work but said, “Sure, one sandwich.”
  Inside, I debated just giving him money. I decided to get a full meal deal.
  When I gave it to him, he stared at the bag like it was gold. “This is the first hot meal I’ve had all week,” he said. I walked away a little shaken. I started carrying granola bars in my bag after that.

• Some guy kept stealing my reserved parking spot at work. I left passive-aggressive notes. Nothing changed.
  One rainy Monday, I blocked him in with cones and waited. He came out... limping. Turns out he had a surgery and couldn’t walk far. His spot was under renovation.
  I felt like garbage... I offered him my spot permanently.

• I used to prank call a grumpy old man every Friday. Just stupid stuff, like pretending I was pizza delivery. One day, I called and said nothing. He said, “Glad you called. No one else ever does.”
  I stopped laughing. I started calling him just to talk. He told me stories, gave life advice, even helped me through my breakup. When I finally asked his name, he said, “Just call me Grandpa.”
  A few weeks later, I got a call from his number. It was his nurse. He’d passed. He left me something in his will: a phone. It only had one contact, me.

• I was broke and spending time at the library to use the internet. The librarian always stared me down. I hated her.
  One day, I couldn’t take it. I yelled, “What’s your problem?!” She just blinked and said, “You left your resume open. I added some formatting. Hope you don’t mind.”
  I got the job the next day. Came back to thank her, she had retired that week. She had left me a post-it: “Told you, you’d get it. Believe in yourself.” I kept it in my wallet for 10 years.

• Food delivery kept showing up at my door. I never ordered it. I figured it was a glitch and started eating it.
  Then one day, I saw an elderly neighbor wandering the hallway. He was confused. His daughter had set up auto-delivery for him. But he always pressed the wrong unit number.
  After that, I started bringing him the food and keeping him company.

• I got detention for yelling at a guy who picked on the quiet kid. The teacher made me and the quiet kid clean desks together. We didn’t talk for two days.
  Then I saw his notebook. It was full of insane sketches of dragons and space battles. I told him they were cool. He asked if I liked comics. We clicked after that.
  He draws for a webcomic now. And I still get a shoutout every year on his anniversary post.

• A wet, shaky dog followed me home during a storm. I dried him, fed him, and posted photos online. No one responded for days. I started calling him “Biscuit.”
  Then a little girl from down the block knocked on my door. She was so polite it hurt, “I think that’s our dog.” I handed him over.
  Next day, she came with her mom. She gave me a drawing of Biscuit with me, and her mom brought me cookies the next day. Still see Biscuit on his daily walks. He always pulls toward me.

• I saw a kid waiting at the wrong bus stop every day for a week. I figured maybe he just liked standing there?
  One day it rained. I stopped and asked if he needed help. He said, “I’m waiting for my mom. She said to meet her here.” I stayed with him till she came, 40 minutes later.
  Turns out she worked late and was picking him up after a shift. They had just moved. He didn’t know anyone. Now I bring him a granola bar when I pass by. He calls me “Bus Guy.”

• I held the door for an older guy at the office lobby, even though I was late. He dropped his notebook, I helped pick it up. Got to the interview 7 minutes late, flustered.
  Interviewer walked in, it was the same guy. He smiled and said, “You’re the first person to help me all day.” I thought I’d blown it, but he hired me. Said the role needed “someone who pays attention without being told.”
  It was 14 years ago. I’m still at that job and I still see him.

• I saw a teenager crying alone at the airport. Everyone passed by. I asked if he was okay. He said he was meeting his mom after years apart. I sat with him while he waited.
  When she finally came out, he just froze. I nudged him gently and said, “She’s right there.”
  He ran to her and hugged her for what felt like forever. As they left, she mouthed, “Thank you.” I was just glad I hadn’t walked past.

Sally is 43 years old and has chosen not to have children. Recently, her father shared that he plans to leave his entire inheritance to his stepdaughter, who has kids. But Sally wasn’t about to stay silent. Read the letter she sent us.