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bitty120

- 3 years ago

What's the most helpful thing you've done for someone?

So I was thinking about the time I was stranded at the movie theater last year with my friend. The only person around was a guy standing in front of the theater. I asked him if he had a cell phone. He didn't answer me but I just figured he didn't hear me because I speak really quietly. I asked him again. He said that he did. I asked him if I could use it. (I am extremely polite - I used "excuse me" and "please" like a good little girl.) He said No. But he said it in such a way that I thought he was being sarcastic so I said, "Wait...Seriously?" And he pretty much yelled at me, "No! Of course I won't!" And that literally left me with my mouth hanging open staring at the old man. Yes, I understand that I have no right to demand to use other people's things. I also understand that people have "those" days where nothing seems to go their way and they take it out on others. BUT...Was it absolutely necessary to be as rude as he was? I couldn't help to think what I would do if the situation was reversed. The answer came to me immediately: Of course I would lend someone my cell. I've done it plenty of times before and to complete strangers. And also, I can't ever remember being that rude to a complete stranger. That being said, would you lend your cell to a complete stranger? I'm sure some of you have done much nicer things for someone than lend them a cell phone for a few minutes and I'd really like to hear them. Maybe you can restore my faith in the niceness of complete strangers.

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Mistral

Mistral

- 3 years ago

I took people in need into my home, I put a roof over their heads, food in their mouths, clothes on their backs, drove them all over town to get job applications, put my neck on the line to get them jobs they quit after a week, I ended up in debt trying to suuport ungrateful people who asked for my help... and when it became obvious that they didn't want help up just a hand out I let go compeatly.

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Soupdiva

Soupdiva

- 3 years ago

I moved my mother in law into my home almost 2 years ago, after her boyfriend died suddenly. She has hereditary serious mentall illness, spent my husband's childhood drunk, and basically had never had a normal childhood. She grew up in an abusive home, drunk physically abusive father, mental illness added to the alcoholism. My husband has emotional scars he carries, and has taken me decades to gain his trust. He grew up in a home with a drunk mom who had no skill set to be a parent. His Dad is also a drunk and waked out on the family when my husband was 5. I love my husband dearly. My mother in law has been sober 17 years. She is a sweet woman, with a compassionate heart. She was never taught relationship boundaries, nor did she ever have a friend. Yeah, a friend not once in her whole life. She mostly stayed in her mother in law suite, as it is equipped with a full 1bdrm, 1 bath apartment with kitchen and living room and separate entrance. She sat their as if in a prison cell. Watching the world pass her by. Never enjoying the beauty of a sunny California spring day. It took patience. Which I failed at a few times. But I loved her through her issues. She goes 3 days a week to the senior center now and is learning to make friends. She helps fold the church bulletins and visits with the others who help out. She attended our church's woman's retreat and made a new friend. I love her. She gave birth to my husband. She had no coping skills to raise children. She was in and out of mental institutions. I attend many dr appointments with her, so that I can step in and advocate for her, so that she gets correct care. She has grown so much in two years. She is unrecognizable from the shell of a woman who moved in. She smiles now. I hear her singing sometimes. She is taking her first airplane trip to visit her other son and his three kids a few states away. The woman I knew 2 years ago would never even consider it, she panicked just getting to the grocery store for months. She gained self confidence, because we all(my family) believed in her. My mom sends her a card every month just to say hello and offer encouragement. I love my mother in law. She is precious. She still sometimes gets on my nerves, I'm no saint, but I think that I have loved her through her pain and helped her see herself as she really is. A loving, extraordinary woman with wisdom and kindness to share. Her other grandkids are lucky to have such a loving grandma. I know my daughter appreciates her.

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Chewy5001

Chewy5001

- 3 years ago

For me I have just been there as a friend, listener, adviser, empathize, son, brother, and husband to the people in my life .

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redeyesbluebunny

redeyesbluebunny

- 3 years ago

@Glycerine11 well you were talking about how a lady let you use her phone since your mother had left, and then you say you caught "him" before he was about to commit suicide, but i have no idea who "he" is XP

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amoresesperanza

amoresesperanza

- 3 years ago

I lent my cell phone to two strangers once, when our flight was grounded in Montreal and they had to reach their relatives in Toronto. I had to ask one to stop talking though as she started having a long conversation, and it was long distance. :S But yeah, I'd do it again. I don't really know the MOST helpful thing I've done for a stranger though. Maybe... I once doggy bagged some food from the Cheesecake Factory in California and gave it to a homeless man.

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redeyesbluebunny

redeyesbluebunny

- 3 years ago

and to answer the question, i don't see why you wouldn't let someone use your cell phone. i've let several people i didn't know use mine at times, and so far no one has decided to run off with it so i don't see why not. i find more joy in helping others than doing anything else, so maybe it's just me..and whoever else feels the same :P

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Glycerine11

Glycerine11

- 3 years ago

I would. I was stranded at the fair when I was 11 and my mother had left so I asked some lady to let me use hers. She was nice and let me use it. Now I'm 17, and according to this persons friends and the person, I caught him before he tried to commit suicide yet a 4th time. I didn't mean too, but I'm glad my existance changed someones life for the better. Both of ours, as a matter of fact. I feel like I have the greatest man in the world in my heart.

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ashley_cheshier

ashley_cheshier

- 3 years ago

listened in order to truly understand in order to make sure the person doesn't feel alone...this is my greatest service to other people Ditch earlier plans to drive friends to the hospital when sick Make every effort to be the type of person and friend that I think I ought to be to others

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