to think that people are not generally uncaring ?

[cozietoesie]

Went yesterday afternoon to the library to renew some books. Going there was a doddle trip downhill but coming back was a little grim. Uphill on a major incline with a very hot and humid atmosphere - so I decided to pace myself with some sitting breaks on house walls as I went.

Four breaks - and each time, someone came to me after 10 or 15 seconds and asked me whether I was OK. Good, eh?

aw yes it is good - and it's good to be reminded of some good things in life when you hear so much bad on here lol

I agree that, generally, people are kind and caring. The old selfishness rears up but we're generally socialised to recognise it - a few don't and have no intention.

I think people are especially kind and caring when it is clear what is expected/what to do. It's when it's a grey area and we have to think a bit that there's a danger of us coming unstuck.

I think that has more to do with the fact that a minority of people are caring and will always go out of their way. I try to, I always make a big effort to return lost property even if it's really valuable and help people out where they can.

I disagree with you that this is a general thing. I think most people are essentially out for themselves and at the end of the day, they only really care about themselves and their immediate family.

They may also have been prepared to help you in that situation as they had nothing to lose. Now I have found that in most situations a person can gain an advantage for themselves or their immediate family, even though it is unfair, at the expense of someone else they will nearly always take it.

There are some lovely people around, but sadly I think they are fewer than people who just don't empathise with others at all.

Thinking about it, I had to take an Amazon return back to the nearest Return Shop a couple of months back. Blerdy package was quite large (vacuum cleaner) and kept slipping off the trolly. (I don't have a car.) Numerous people helped with a casual 'There you go, hen.' Maybe it's because we're not a posh neighbourhood.

There are some out there. DH helped an elderly lady a couple years back when he was at the local tip. She put things in the wrong bags and the attendants there refused to help her lift the bags out and sift through (even though she was struggling). DH took it upon himself to lend a hand and told them their behaviour was disgusting.

Good for him.

There are some amazingly nice people about. A few days ago I was trying to trim my front hedge, disabled and dragging my walker behind me. A man stopped and asked if I was enjoying it. I replied no, it was a necessity before someone got their eye poked out walking past.

He said he was going to visit his MIL so we said goodbye. Half an hour later he was back, took my shears and proceeded to cut the hedge. There was some left to do and he said he would be back yesterday to finish it. Instead he and his wife appeared on Saturday morning and finished the hedge and sweeping up the cuttings.

I would call them good samaritans even though I'm an atheist.

A while ago I bought a Purdey's, walked out the shop and couldn't get the bottle open. A man walking past opened it for me. I was smiling for hours afterwards

Small acts of kindness make the world go round. I try to do things for others whenever I can.

There are lovely people about, there are also quite a few who can be lovely sometimes. But I think most are only nice if there is something in it for them.

Maybe that 'something in it for them' is simply a feelgood? That would do for me.

There was nothing in it for the couple who cut my hedge, I offered them things like money, a bottle of wine and cups of tea which they declined but they did enjoy two Magnum lollies

Sometimes it's just nice to be nice.

That's lovely but sadly I think these people are in the minority. We live in a society where the 'I'm alright Jack' mentality prevails. As a society niceness, empathy and good manners are viewed as weakness and stupidity so lovely people like this will continue to become more of a rarity.

I locked up at work on Monday night really late I think it was around 1 in the morning. A teenage lad who seemed a little drunk was weaving down the road while I was rummaging in my bag for my car keys, he was so sweet he stopped then asked if I was ok and did I need help or anything. It was lovely x

I was at the checkout at tesco a few months ago and the lady in front of me, who was being served, asked if the clubcard points she had just earned could be put on my card as she didn't have one. The checkout lady said yes and I was so and .