Question about the woman who paid for my coffee and then disappeared

I was at a Dunkin Donuts in Cleveland last Tuesday, and the woman ahead of me paid for my iced coffee. She just told the cashier to add it to her order, smiled at me, and walked out before I could even say thanks. It was only $4.50, but it stuck with me because she didn't wait for any recognition. I've been trying to do the same thing for someone else ever since, but I always feel awkward just leaving. Has anyone else had a random stranger do something like this for them?

2 comments

2 Comments

keithharris1mo ago

Keep noticing how people are desperate to feel seen but just as scared of actually being seen, so they do nice things from a distance. It's like we're all trying to prove we're good people without having to deal with the awkward human moment that follows.

abby1891mo ago

You ever try just doing the small, awkward thing anyway? lol. For me, I started leaving little notes for my neighbor who seemed lonely, just a "hey, thought of you today" on a sticky note stuck to their door. They texted me a thanks, and now we chat for a few minutes when we see each other, and it actually feels way less weird than I thought it would.