Random acts of kindness, if carried out frequently, are said to be good for us but how hard does it have to be? Today, I pushed my trolley token into the slot at the trolley park outside Morrison's. There was a lady nearby, rummaging in her purse, who clearly was not going to find a £1 coin in amongst all the copper coins. I offered her a pound from my own purse and she was very grateful. That would have been enough for me but she insisted on rooting out the same amount of change to pay me back. I tried:
"No, really it's OK..." Rummage, rummage...50p
"Honestly, one day you'll see me (or someone else) without a coin and you'll help them out!"
Rattle, scrape...10p
"Truly, random acts of kindness are a reward in themselves! Let me do this!" Root, rummage...5p Ahah! 20p
So, I came away with 85p which I put in the air ambulance collection inside the supermarket and a feeling that maybe I hadn't really helped. I know that people of this lady's generation (probably in her 80s) have a horror of debt and owing but I really wish she could've just accepted the £1 with thanks and a smile.
Anyone else been rejected in this way?
Last weekend, in Rutland, the first statue in Britain of the late Elizabeth II was unveiled.