How to Pay It Forward

[Jazzy]

The world can seem like an unfriendly, threatening place, yet we all want safety, health, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. How can one ordinary person—you or me—make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice paying it forward. While the steps might be simple, the outcome could create a sense of luck and good will that changes the world.

This is happening where I live. I went to pay for my coffee only to be told it was already paid. I asked who paid for it and the waitress just smiled and walked away. It wasn't until I read in my local newspaper what was going on. I have since paid forward for an elderly man's breakfast. It's a great feeling.



Questions:



Has this ever happened to you?



Have you ever heard of paying forward?

 

[Evil Eye]

Hasn't happened to me, haven't heard of it happening here.

I have seen some stuff online about random acts of kindness, it's an interesting concept for sure.

Maybe there's hope after all, eh?

 

[Fatal Dawn]

There’s a really interesting, ubiquitous, ancient rule called the rule of reciprocity. It’s a very powerful force indeed.

http://www.npr.org/b...cation-binds-us

Maybe there's hope after all, eh?

I never lost hope in humanity. People aren't born bad, the environment changes a lot of things.

 

[Evil Eye]

People aren't born bad, the environment changes a lot of things.

True, but that doesn't mean they are born this nice either.

 

[seasidemike]

I do not consider it as 'paying forward' or anything, but I have often done things like this.



Not that long a go I was in a restaurant and there was a man who was negotiating with a waitress what he would be able to get for the last €5.00 he had in his pocket. He ended up ordering tea and toast. When I was leaving I paid for it.



Whatever they want to call be nice to people, if it gets more people acting this way then long may it last.

 

[Jazzy]

I do not consider it as 'paying forward' or anything, but I have often done things like this.



Not that long a go I was in a restaurant and there was a man who was negotiating with a waitress what he would be able to get for the last €5.00 he had in his pocket. He ended up ordering tea and toast. When I was leaving I paid for it.



Whatever they want to call be nice to people, if it gets more people acting this way then long may it last.

That was very nice of you. I agree more people need to be nicer to others. We don't know what hardships people are facing and just a simple act of kindness makes people feel better. Hope this never ends.