Do you think the simplest gestures are the one's that are most appreciated?
By megamatt
@megamatt (14291)
United States
May 2, 2010 6:03pm CST
We look at some large acts of generosity as being something to admired. However, there are many more things that we overlooked each and every day. People who do just simple things to help you out. Maybe they hold a door open for you when you are carrying a large package. Or step aside to allow you to pass. Very little is made out of these acts, but these are the acts that I think we can appreciate the most. These unsung heroes are not making a huge deal out of helping others out. They just give you a hand and its on with your day. So what are your thoughts on this subject? Looking forward to reading your responses.
5 people like this
20 responses
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
3 May 10
I could see where this could be the case. I know I certainly appreciate it when I have my hands full and someone holds the door open for me, and I try to do these sorts of things for people when the opportunities to do so present themselves...
1 person likes this
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes it is much appreciated certainly. I remember when I had my arms full when I was climbing up a set of stairs and had no place to put it down one time. Thankfully someone was kind enough to see that I might have trouble opening the door with my burden and thus they helped me out. That made my day easier. I have done it for people a couple of times and I am sure they appreciated it as well. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to this topic well. Have a nice day.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes, I agree with that very much. The greatest heroes are in many ways the one's that we may never hear about but give us that much appreciated help. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to this topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
3 May 10
Hi ifa: I think we don't have to wait for those great stories to find real Heroes. Real heroes are present on our day by day life. When you just make the things you need to do the best or you just simply share a smile you are probably helping someone in need and being a heroe with a little action. Thanks for your answer.
ALVARO
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
3 May 10
Perhaps it is those with the least that take notice and appreciate most, the smallest of kind gestures.
Those who live a simple life.
Perhaps to those who have everything and then some it would be meaningless because they already have so much and are absorbed with material things. If that makes sense.
I am always smiling and greeting passersby. I find it is the frail elderly that appreciate a smile more than the middle aged or younger. Often I will help elderly in the grocery store. When they thank you, you can tell when you look into their eyes that they appreciate your help that otherwise no one would pay any bother.
Children are often ones who do appreciate small kind gestures, such as a fresh picked flower, a push on a swing or even a puppy who stops for their pat.
Children are so precious in this regard.
I think for all of those with love and kindness in their hearts, no matter how well off they are, no matter how into material things that they may be, they are ones who can also appreciate a small kind gesture as well.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
4 May 10
Hey mega, it's my pleasure and thank you for your comment.
You are right that in order for us to measure results we must act first.
I love to give kind gestures daily.
Especially without mentioning or rather boasting about it to anyone.
I also believe that what goes around comes around too.
To have good karma is a peaceful feeling.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Very well said. I agree with those sentiments one hundred percent. It might seem like not much but for the most part, those simple gestures can mean the world to many people. Plus, you never know unless they are done. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
3 May 10
I absolutely agree with that! We do overlook many acts of kindness and magnanimity by people in our every day life.In our own home our family members do so many little things towards each other , automatically and without expecting anything back , it is the same with friends and even neighbors who are close to us...
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes, these things are done and its just a moment that passes through time in our lives. It has some significance granted, but there are many times where it is just another day in our lives. Still these things that happen in every part of our life should be appreciated, as they might not hold any significance to other people but it certainly does for us. Thank you for your response it is much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
3 May 10
Hi megamart: I agree with you. In fact these acts made by good souls make life better even if they don't received any public admiration for doing these things. I thank God for putting around me people that has helped me and also that have given me good advices, their help and presence. Thanks for sharin with us you appreciation about this subject.
ALVARO.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes, for certain. The greatest hero is the one that we never know of. These people deserve the recognition but they will not lose any sleep over not receiving it. Thank you for your response, it much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@melloncollie (661)
• Philippines
3 May 10
Yes I agree with you on this. Usually those grand acts were only meant for publicity. Motives would always be put to question. But those simple and random acts of generosity is more spontaneous. Spontaneity for me is the platform of a sincere kindness.
@melloncollie (661)
• Philippines
3 May 10
True. Like some of the politicians here in the Philippines. If they are going to perform a benevolent act, there has to be some television network who gets to cover it. What's up with that?
I would be more amazed to those acts that has no coverage or proof. Where the only witnesses are the person done with the good deed. Like for example a taxi driver who returns a bag of money to a passenger... Even if it gets published on the papers or reported on the news -- there are no coverage of that incident happening but then we believe it.
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
3 May 10
Hi megamatt,
I believe ‘Simple is always powerful’. ‘A simple language is a powerful language’. Similarly simple actions or helps is always great thing. Helping an old person for crossing the busy street is a simple act but it is a great help for the old person. In other words, if we do that kinds of gestures we never feel that we did a great thing but from the other person’s point of view it an appreciable act.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
"Simple is always powerful" is a statement that I agree with. I mean, there is no need to overcomplicate things. Sometimes its just those small acts that really make it happen. The small acts build up throughout life and happen daily and could happen at every time. It might just seem like day to day for the person giving it but the person receiving it, it is so very much appreciated. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@redhotpogo (4401)
• United States
3 May 10
My experience is that the simplest gestures are the ones most appreciated, until someone comes along, and spends alot of money. Then that person is the kindest person they've ever met.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Maybe it's just me, but I just see people who spend money as drawing attention to themselves. Almost if they want the appreciation. I am sure the people who benefit from the money being spent appreciate it one hundred percent but those people who do not make such a grand show out of their help are the unsung heroes. Thank you for your response, it contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
8 Mar 12
Hiya MM,
Probably not at all. I often let People go in front of me in the Shops when they only have a couple of things to buy and there is a great big long queue.
More often than not they will not say thank you or anything they just go in front and don´t return a gesture or anything.
However I don´t let it affect me if it was my idea to let them go in front I don´t expect any thanks for it as I know they do not show their appreciation.
Just lately I don´t do this even as People that are in the queue protest and I am really not in the mood to argue with anyone.
Also have been helping a lot round here without a word of thanks from anyone things that you put up with I´m afraid at least sometimes although I do get to get fed up of helping out and no appreciation shown at all.xxx
@mac_fish (723)
• China
3 May 10
Hi,
Acttually,I'm often vibrated by the help afforded by strangers and unknow passers-by,even what they did are simple and easy as holding the door and step aside to let u go through as u refer.
There are probably 2 reasons for me to be moved by those tiny actions from them.
One is they are totally strangers for me,and it's also very sweet for them to be so thoughtful and deliberate on only pedestrians to them.
The other is,those unsung heroes donnt request and rewards from u ,they will disappear from ur sight after u reward him/her a smile ,the whole process is so simple ,short ,so beautiful likewise
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes, exactly, we may never see these people again. There are many people in this world. Running into those that are selfless and helpful are always appreciated. They just do what they can to help and then walk off into the night, perhaps you will never encounter those people ever again. Still that small encounter can make all of the difference. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to the topic well.
@evepin (721)
• Philippines
3 May 10
yup, i really appreciate little acts of kindness especially when you feel the sincerity and that these come from the heart. this goes for strangers and relatives/friends alike. i appreciate more those acts coming from strangers though, because you dont know each other and yet they do simple things for you or be generous and courteous.
i love it too when my husband does little things to me, like protecting my head from low ceilings or from edges where i can bump into it. i also like it when i catch him staring at me and patting my head when i'm sleeping.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yeah, those little things are the things that make life worth living. I mean, they might just be moments passing from the jumble that is life. Still when they happen, they are most appreciated. Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@annavi23 (6522)
• Philippines
3 May 10
yes,simple gestures really do makes sense.and its very useful same as being appreciated.what can we do without people like them?it makes our things more easily.
its like handing a helping hand indeed! that makes us feel better in a way!
i hope many people would have that iniatiative to help others in just a simple way they can!
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
A simple helping hand can lead us to achieve something much more smoothly and flawlessly. You never know what a nudge in the right direction can lead to. Thank you for your response. It was much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day.
@megamatt (14291)
• United States
3 May 10
Yes, those actions happen in a blink but they do go a long way in helping us in some tight corners. I appreciate those people who go out of their way to help others and make their days a lot easier. Thank you for your response, it was much appreciated and contributed to the topic well. Have a nice day and thanks.
@rmuxagirl (7548)
• United States
30 Jul 10
I think the small things go the longest way and most appreciated and means the most. I love the small gestures people do for me and I do alot of small things for people because i think they mean a lot to someone. I make it a point to open doors for people and let people on the highway when others don't. I know it may not mean much but I appreciate when people do it for me.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
28 Jan 12
Well, many times the simple gestures are sometimes the ones that are taken for granted to where many might not even take the time to Thank others, but I know for most is the most appreciated thing someone can do. Especially when someone has their hands full needing to grab a door, or asking you if you need help and help carry some of the stuff for you. Sometimes they do not even ask, they just say let me help, or I will get that for you.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
21 Feb 12
I think they can be the ones most appreciated. I know that there have been times in my life when just a smile from a stranger has give me a lift. I have also remembered people's faces that have done a simple kindness like open a door or helped me with something I've dropped. I have even thought of them from time to time. Not in a long drawn out memory manner but their face might pop in my head for a moment.
It is also amazing when you think of the impact a simple kindness can have on someone else. It is beyond understanding sometimes how we might be remembered for something we never think of again. Perhaps a person has given up on others and then poof..there you are with a smile and greeting...or help them by holding the door. Maybe it gives them a fresh outlook or a renewed attitude towards others.
Great discussion!
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
17 Jan 12
Simple gestures are appreciated by almost everyone. It is wonderful to meet people that keep that in mind nd smile and say "please" andd "thank you". Sometimes it is just a younster that picks up a paper for you, sometimes is someone who lets you pass if you have trouble walking.
@divyangshukla (400)
• India
17 Feb 11
nice point raised here,
we always give credit to those who we feel that he is helping us.but in that we always forgrt the small small help which we grt in our daily life.when old lady is carrying a heavy thing and somebody help her that is big help for that lady.but people dont see this small thingz people just see what can get them parise between group of people.
i love to do this kind of small deeds and i feel happy by doing so.