Random Acts of Kindness

Tis the season when you see the Salvation Army bell ringing out front of almost any grocery store. It's the time of year for giving and all that jazz.

I've recently met some very disgusting point of views of the mentality of life when it comes to charitable events or just helping out others in general.

I've made a note that no matter how bad things get for myself, to never deny someone my help if I'm able to.

How do other people feel about this?

I have a goal in mind where I want to do at least 1 thing that I go out of my way to help someone else. Whether it's sticking that dollar in the bucket outside with the ringing bells that I found or received as a tip at work or pausing an extra moment when someone comes for the door and hold it open for them.

I have the mentality that once you stop caring about other peoples welfare, that eventually everyone will stop caring about your welfare. So if you're ever in that time of need then you're just as alone as that other person could have been.

So Fakku, what random acts of kindness have you recently found yourself doing for other people? Did anything positive happen out of it, or did it just simply leave you feeling better at the end of the day?

Have you ever done something nice for someone and in return it sort of bit you in the ass?

I help when I can. But considering I have no job and very little income besides from selling stuff i own or just helping people with shit it gets hard to be charitable. But if you can afford to do the charity work then do it.

I actually found volunteering while unemployed to be very beneficial for me in the end. You're able to put that on your resume, you have something to talk about of what you're doing or something you're passionate about and doing something for and then to a potential employer you're not just another unemployed citizen sitting at home waiting for a phone call.

I volunteered at local cat shelter. It was difficult because I always came home telling stories of cats to Fpod and trying to convince him to allow us get another cat haha.

I'm addicted to helping others. I try not to click on the "Request" section because it would devour my entire day. If someone was looking for a particular manga, I would go to the bookstore downtown just to see if they had it ;)
I like hearing people say thanks for the help, but I've been brainwashed by my dad to assume that every time you help someone you should expect that person not to be grateful - but that you should help them anyways.

I had a cruel, cruel father as I now expect the worst of people yet want to help them out anyways. Conflicting emotions run rampant in my head.

i enjoy charity work. it helps connect with people and gives yourself a good reputation to boot.

My compatriots, on the other hand, do not share the same outlook.

I make sure to help anyone I can no matter who they are. I go by the policy of a king for a king is nothing but a servant for the people. I always remember to be kind and giving to anyone who needs it.
things I do:
I recently donated 50 dollars to the salvation army.
hold doors for every one.
complement people when ever needed
give people money who ask for it off the street.
I do what ever I can to help my fellow man it's just what I believe
if you ever need help
if I can do something I won't hesitate.

I always help people irregardless. Chivalry ain't fuckin' dead for me. Wish I could say more about other guys.

As for me, in my country I hesitate a bit when helping people. Why? Because there are some people who pretended to faint, lost their money, etc etc and then they will rip off the one's helping them. But fortunately, I never bump onto someone such as that. I meet an old woman twice that want to take a bus but they don't have enough fare, so I give her Rp 5000,00. But the second one goes as far as offering me her bread that she bought with her, and of course I said "No, thank you, you can eat it in your way home".

You know, I would like to help more if it's safe to do so in my country, sigh...

When the Oil Spill happened in the Gulf of Mexico I made flyers and posted them around school to donate. I also went around with a box asking people for donations. Seeing pictures of the animals covered in oil really got to me and I felt I had to do something even if it was that small.

I usually put in that dollar when I see charity boxes at stores or fast food places. Reading about volunteering at the shelter makes me want to help the animal shelter near me now. I'll have to get on that.

"I have the mentality that once you stop caring about other peoples welfare, that eventually everyone will stop caring about your welfare. So if you're ever in that time of need then you're just as alone as that other person could have been."

I also have that mentality.

That's what I always try to do daily, too. :)
Usually it's just opening the doors for those nearby, or picking up a dropped item for someone, but sometimes it's something more.

It doesn't take much effort, and even when it does it might make a big difference to the person/people you assist. Plus, it's just a good behavior pattern to adopt!

Or...
In the words of my best friend from high school... "Always be the person people remember as nice so when they go around shooting the school up they skip you" D;
Sad but true....

Everytime I go to the supermarket or buy a game or buy anything most if not all of them would have a jar for charity where you put coins in and what I do I always put 50 pence to a pound in everytime I buy anything at all.

That way I get to help whatever charity was in the shop.

I always hold the door open for anyone and everyone. There's no excuse not to.

It's kind to other people and shows sign of respect, dignity, and that not everyone is out there just for themselves. I always find that even though people may seem bad on the outside, doesn't mean they are, and even though it is a simple task that anyone can do on a daily basis, it shows people that there are people that are decent in the world. This act of kindness can open the hearts and minds of people who are blinded or ignorant of the fact that there is decency in all of us.

I sometimes help out caryying stuff we took from storage back. Also, when we pay for hand-outs for class, sometimes I give my change to guys without change. I try and help in what small insignificant way I can.

I've actually helped random people a lot more this year than I can ever remember.

Holding doors open is pretty much the norm at my school, so I'm not sure that counts.

I basically try to help people out as much as I can, (and that's also why I decided to become a Psychology major as well). I just love seeing someone smile after you've gone a good deed. It's a reward in itself.

Everyone needs to see the movie pay it forward, and live by it, end of story.

I've done a bit of volunteer work and I make a habit of going out of my way one day a month to clean up an area downtown. It's painful to see kids living in the same alley heroin addicts shoot up and I'd feel terrible if one of them got aids from a dirty needle. My friends and I spend our Sundays drinking coffee outside of a certain Cafe, playing music with our instruments to attract customers. Sometimes I'll help the old couple out at the local Asian food store.

Knowing that I've benefited society without any gain to myself just makes me feel like a better person. I don't know why nor do I care, I just like helping others.

Mod Note: After reading through the replies, I believe the topic can definitely remain in the Serious Discussion section.

Getting back on topic, I try to help others whenever possible, be it donating to the elderly, poor and needy, provided there is still some cash left in my wallet and pockets. Sometimes, it does not necessarily have to be financial aid; we can help others if we notice them struggling with heavy baggage or any other situation which we deem fit to offer help.

However, whenever I perform these acts of kindness, a strange thought always comes to mind. I believe I have discussed this a little with some Fakku members in the Narcissism 101 thread found in the Chat Topics and Forum Games section. "Am I performing these acts of kindness out of goodwill or am I expecting something in return?"

When I help the elderly, is it because I do not want my parents to end up like them? When I perform good deeds, is it because I want to accumulate good karma, and hopefully impress Santa enough so that he will come visit me on Christmas? Someone (Nekohime?) told me that true altruism is not possible. However, I do feel bad when I am unable to help others due to certain circumstances, such as not having enough cash myself or in the midst of rushing to work.

Moving on, Lesson Learned: Never be afraid or worried to offer help. :eng101:

Just a couple of days ago, I saw an elderly man having trouble walking. I went ahead of him, but I kept looking back to see if he needed some help. In the end, I turned around and walked towards him. At first, he seemed rather fierce, but when I asked if he required some assistance, he simply gave a smile and told me it is all right; he was comfortable with walking slowly.

Although I did not manage to complete an act of kindness, I came to realize that others will not fault oneself for offering help genuinely and sincerely.

Despite my rather storied reputation as a misanthropic atheist,
I actually do lots of this stuff. I donate clothing, money and other things to shelters, charity and other crap. I don't do this out of a feeling of 'having to' or obligation, but because I genuinely try to better my community. I often will lend out change and other things for people that need it. I know I've had to borrow a quarter or something before and I know how much that situation sucks when you are stuck without even the most simple of things.

Edit: I would never expect anything in return, that would somewhat eliminate the point. Also, this could be the way I was raised, but I always say thanks, please, hold doors open, offer help etc.