I was in shock. Our bill was well over a hundred dollars, and seriously, this kind of thing has never happened to me. Ever. He came over a little later and we thanked him profusely and his own table had six laughing people at it (he kind of reminded me a little of Tony Soprano). I couldn't figure out why someone would do something like this other than to be incredibly nice to another person or group of people through a completely selfless act.
The effect this event has had on me is that I suppose I should be less cynical. I've gotten into this pathos of behavior where I think everybody in this world wants something from you. Certainly, watching American Greed on CNBC has gone a long way to sour my trust in humanity. But what this complete stranger did on a modest Sunday night in December kind of blew me away. It was very classy and made me realize that there is much good in this world.
I think this week is the start of a great last quarter for 2014. I don't put much stock into the whole idea behind "everything happens for a reason," but I have to admit that my whole outlook on life has been reset and I hope that the "zen" lasts. In any case, it has become one of the most memorable events of my life.
Has a complete stranger ever paid your bill at a restaurant or bar without ever asking for anything?
What a cool thing for him to do! I've had friends pick up expensive bills, but never a complete stranger.
ReplyDeleteDon't lose faith - most people have good hearts.
That's a great story! There is some good in the world after all. It's nice to be reminded.
ReplyDeleteI've never had anyone pay my bill for me. I'm not sure how I'd react. Probably pure shock and the need to do the same for someone else.
No one has ever done that for me. Wow! Amazing night.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have. It was a really motivating experience for me, and the patron left before I was able to thank him.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful feeling to know there are caring people out there that goes out of their way to make someone else feel special.
Such true delight it is! What did he say when you asked me why he paid for the dinner? I'd probably do that too if I was a millionaire...what bigger delight than making other people happy
ReplyDeleteI heard recently about those chains at like Starbucks where someone would pay the bill for the next person in line. Of course I'd be the person who would break the chain.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely good people out there, it's just that they're outnumbered so hard to find. Nice when they find you.
ReplyDeletemood
It has never happened to me, nor would I expect it. But I've had some random acts of kindness performed toward me (which I have blogged about on my blog) so I know the feeling. It makes a difference in your life, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! It's nice to read about selfless and generous people. Someone had done that for me and my kids once, but I never found out who.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. There are good people out in the world. Sometimes it might be hard to find them, but they're there.
ReplyDeleteI already believe things happen for a reason. Perhaps that's why this has never happened to me. At least not from a stranger. lol
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school and I was heading from a mini party my friends had my friend's mother paid for my food when I ordered a meal while waiting for my parents. It really touched me as with my own family we usually had to pay for our own food when we went out. Yup and no allowance. That was a very sweet thing that happened. The birthday guy was probably touched most of all.
ReplyDeleteHow great for you! I've been on the receiving end of many kindnesses but no one has ever picked up a check for me. Perhaps I look too well-fed.
ReplyDeleteMay you have a lot more memorable times like this one and one day you shall have enough money to pay it forward. Amein.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience for you and your friends! I've never had anyone pick up a tab like that, but I have definitely received the kindness of strangers. I especially remember a time years ago when a sweet man saw my car keys sticking out of my car door. He took the keys and waited at least half an hour until I showed up again, and hurried over to give them to me. I really couldn't thank him enough.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is just your Karma kick-back. Everyone is due occasionally. You do a lot of good deeds in your day job, perhaps the fates have noticed.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing the right thing here; smile, say Thankee, and go about life with a lighter heart. For a while, anyways :)
A few years ago I was at a restaurant in San Diego having breakfast with my family. When it came time to pay, the waitress said a man had already paid the bill, but had asked her not to say anything until after he was gone. I didn't even get to say thank you. It wasn't a large bill, but it still floored me. I thought maybe it was because my two young boys were behaving so well, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, it is a great feeling, and yes I left a nice tip!
ReplyDeleteWow, Michael… this is a really cool story… gosh, it's a comforting thought knowing that there's these kind of selfless people in the world. It seems so rare…
ReplyDeleteI once had someone pay for my meal before… and it was from someone in the restaurant who recognized me from my past and surprised me---so it wasn't a complete stranger, but from someone I didn't know too well. It was so kind. :)
Awesome story. I'm glad it happened to someone that I know too.
ReplyDeleteI've never had it happen...but after reading your story I want to find a good opportunity to make it happen for someone else.