To tell you what happened to me today

[ImforeverYours]

I was spending the day alone today and I was sitting on a bench in a local park with my earphones in. It was reasonably secluded, but not completely isolated (there was a family feeding the ducks). As such, I felt a bit vulnerable. I've been feeling vulnerable and raw recently anyway. A man (at a guess) in his early twenties came up to me and said he could be wrong but if I was feeling down or just less cheerful today, to talk to someone. He shared a bit of his own story and mentioned an organisation I could contact for a chat. I thanked him and he started to walk away, but then turned again and said he knew he was a stranger but I could talk to him if I wanted. I declined but thanked him again.

I was just struck by this "encounter". Nothing like that has happened to me before and I don't have anyone to share it with irl. Maybe it's wrong of me but my natural tendency is to be cynical/suspicious of people who approach me like that, especially when I'm feeling vulnerable. But part of me wishes I had taken him up on his offer. Has anything like that ever happened to you?

What was the organisation? Sounds like he's in a cult!

Yes, I had a lady who tried to chat to me in a similar situation (but I accepted a chat). She turned out to be a Jehovah witness recruiting new members.

I think he was just being kind. He saw someone and recognised they may be in crisis and did what he could to let them know there are people who care.

Sounds like he has clairvoyant tendencies or works in this field

No, like @nailak says, I'm pretty sure he was just being kind. The organisation was a well-known crisis helpline. I've just never had someone be kind to me in that way before and I did need it

Perhaps he was just picking up on your signals and he's an empathetic person?

An Aunt of mine is terrific at that; if you ever visit her when you're sad or worried she knows immediately. It's probably a really good talent to have and share.

Sounds like he picked up on your cues and responded.

Never happened to me, but in a way I wish it would. I think it's nice for a stranger to notice how you look and take the time to stop and offer you their time. I don't get that even from people I know

Ah that's quite lovely. He obviously picked up on a vibe and felt he could help or at least try to. Quite kind and maybe a bit brave.

Hope you feel better soon op.

Happened to me once many years ago, I've never forgotten the kindness.

I try to practice random acts of kindness when I can. It's how I pay it forward for those who have done the same for me. Sometimes that's the motive.

Sometimes people are just genuinely kind. There are still a few good souls in the world

Sounds like an intuitive person who reads people well. Or did so on this occasion.

I, too, would be a little suspicious and cynical though I expect.

If you kind of wish you'd taken him up on his offer why don't you ring that helpline he gave you for a chat.

It would be nice if it didn’t have the attached ‘join my cult’. If he were just a genuine stranger wanting to assist someone in need, it’s lovely but I sadly think he had sinister ulterior motives.

If I knew it was a well known organisation I'd say let your guard down, but I'm afraid your OP made me think cult too. Same thing happened to me when I was a student and a bit lonely. Luckily my mum had had the cult chat with me

Sounds like he has personally had some problems of his own or has a close family member/friend who has been vulnerable and recognized something similar in your demeanour today.

Sounds like he has clairvoyant tendencies or works in this field
Really?! Ffs.

OP maybe you could PM me the number of that helpline.

If he was from something like Samaritans I would put it down to a nice man trying to be kind.