18 Random Encounters That Could Easily Become a Plot for a Hollywood Movie

Every day of our lives is spent among other people. Whether we go out a lot or just do a little shopping, we will inevitably cross paths with people along the way. And we may not even exchange a glance with most of them — but there will be others with whom we will have a “mini-bond” that we might remember for the rest of our lives.

At Bright Side, we went and browsed through Reddit and found many accounts of chance encounters with strangers. Give yourself some time to read them, maybe afterward you’ll be more receptive to crossing paths with extraordinary people along the way.

• When I was in 1st grade my class went on a field trip to a little arts festival downtown. All the other kids were having a blast and buying fun things with the money their parents had given them, but I didn’t have any money to spend. I must have looked as sad as I felt because at one point this old man called me over to his booth. His trade was woodcarving. He told me he had been holding onto a very special piece for just the right person and when he saw me, he knew I was the one that just had to have it. He handed me a carving he made out of driftwood. It wasn’t in any particular shape and, frankly, anyone else looking at it might not think much of it. But he smiled at me and told me to keep it safe, that it would bring me good luck. I was so happy. It wasn’t just what he gave me, but the genuine kindness he showed that stuck with me. :) © xenedra0 / Reddit
• I was homeless for a long time and I used to ask for spare change on desperate days. It had been probably 4 days since I’d had a real meal, and I must have looked it too. A woman I have never seen before (or again) walked up to me, handed me a bag of McDonald’s and $250 cash, said “be strong,” and walked away without a look back. I didn’t even get a chance to thank her, but I can honestly say I was going to step in front of a train if I didn’t eat that day. She saved my life and I’ve never been able to thank her, whoever she was. © McDonald’s / Reddit

• One time, at a grocery store I saw a lady in the frozen food aisle. I don’t really know why but she kind of stuck out to me. As I turned the corner I saw a guy and for some reason, I thought that guy seems like he would be perfect for that lady I just saw. So, after a second, I doubled back to see if they might interact, but instead, he went right up to her and I realized they were already dating. I think about them sometimes. What made me think they would be perfect together? Are they still together? © Lost_Letterhead4854 / Reddit
• Was on an early morning run (like 5 AM) running past this guy who was hammering a tree. Not hammering a poster or anything onto the tree, just literally hitting the tree with the claw side of the hammer. I stopped to look at him, more of a ’what are you doing,’ then he turned to me with this completely just bizarre, out-of-it, almost non-human expression on his face, and slowly lifted the hammer. Turns out suddenly I had loads of energy! Sprinted away. Never saw him again. © Autobirota / Reddit

• A man came into the shop I worked at and asked me about any hikes in the area. As an avid hiker, I wrote him a list of my favorites he should do while in town. A few days later he came back with a beautiful drawing of one of the spots I told him about, for me. Thank you wherever you are Bill! © HamMcK / Reddit
• I was working out in San Francisco doing bottle service for a while. I stood outside with security and would greet people/hand out flyers out. This woman who looked to be in her 40s (and ironically looked like me, if I were older) walked past me then came back and said I looked familiar. We had a whole conversation and the entire time I kept thinking, “Wow I dream of doing that, I have those hobbies, etc.” She gave me a couple of warnings on random things I have written down somewhere. I’ve always wondered whether I met myself from the future, ha! © vaeluxe / Reddit
• I once hit a guy’s car as I was making a turn and damaged and scratched his back quarter panel. I was in my 20s with no money and completely in the wrong, so I was freaking out all week waiting for him to get back to me with the estimate for repair. He called, said it would cost $1,200, but before I had time to freak out, he said, " You know what, you seem like a good guy and that’s probably a lot of money for you, so let’s just forget it." I was blown away, thanked him profusely, and ever since then I keep this in mind whenever anyone accidentally does me wrong. © RhymesWithGeorge / Reddit

• When I was in elementary school I fell through the ice. A man who was walking his dog saw me fall and rushed to the shore. I frantically swam back to the shore, I was only about 5 meters into the pond so it wasn’t a long way, but it took a lot of effort with soaked winter clothes. When I reached the shore, the man pulled me up by my jacket. It would’ve been difficult to get up, as there was a steep incline. I didn’t thank him, because I was in shock, but I bet he knows I was grateful, and 20 years later I still wish I would have thanked him. © Omenaa / Reddit
• A fine young man on the bus I took to Orlando. We started talking as we waited for the last long leg to Orlando. We talked in line as we got on the bus, and sat next to each other the whole time... just talking and even flirting a bit. He was funny and thoughtful, but we knew we were just passing the time. Still, we talked so candidly during those last few hours that it made a real impression on me. We didn’t exchange numbers or anything, but we both wished each other the best as he got off the stop before mine. I don’t even remember his name and probably wouldn’t know him if I saw him, but I remember the feeling of talking with him and, weirdly enough, I even miss him. I hope he’s alright. © bastabastacosi / Reddit

• This reminds me of a guy I met at a tournament when I was in my early 20s. We met in line to sign up and started chatting, then we caught up all day between our matches, and at the end of the day we just hugged and said what a great time we had and how nice it was to meet each other. He lived on the other side of the country and we never spoke again. It’s such a wonderful memory for me, I still think so fondly of him. © thistyviolin / Reddit
• When I was in high school there was a strange homeless dude who used to hang out at the library down the street. He would come up to me and my friend and tell us the strangest things. He had this little notebook filled with pages upon pages of inserted notes and folded maps. We only ever saw him twice but I will never forget him. I kind of wish I wrote down more of his strange knowledge. © Flameofthegrave / Reddit
• When I was 16 and waiting at the bus stop a strange man came up to me and started talking. He gave me a cigarette and told me I should leave the country and go live in Asia. Lots of opportunities there he said. Then he got on a bus and I never saw him again. About 10 years later I traveled to Japan, met a local karate master who offered to teach me karate, ended up staying, learned karate, married a Japanese girl, had kids, and bought an apartment in Tokyo. © apeliott / Reddit

What kind of gestures from strangers are most likely to catch your attention? What was the most striking chance encounter that you still remember to this day?

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