You can always depend on the kindness of Strangers!

A Stranger's just a friend you haven't met!!

Published on June 14, 2004 By Muggaz In Blogging

Wouldn't it be marvellous if we could really depend on the kindness of strangers? If I can pass on any sage like advice at any point in my life, It would be that you need to rely on yourself before you can count on anyone else... but people definitely do help to bear some of your load... at JU, there is an amazing amount of kindness coming from the most unexpected sources... complete strangers.

Everyone seems to be comfortable with letting their personalities shine through writing... If only the world was a place where everyone could feel comfortable with being themselves. I am sure other online communities possess caring and thoughtful individuals, however, this is my first experience, and there is not a day that passes whilst I browse the forums in which someone has described a problem from the bottom of their heart, and not a day goes past that leaves me impressed, yet shocked by the extreme kindness of strangers.

I could be the guy down the street.... you pass me every day on the way to work... you wouldn't tell me about your problems with clinical depression, or how you had an abortion when you were younger, or how you got aids - I would assume this is because the stranger on the street doesn't care about you. The stranger on the forums cares a great deal, and you will always be sure to find a like minded person to offer you the support you need!

By the same token, if i was the guy from the coffee shop, I probably wouldn't be interested in hearing why or why there shouldn't be a war in Iraq, but the forums are full of people who care about the great issues, people who do something about the great issues... the forums give the confidence to let ones thoughts be known - I couldn't tell you how often I have bit my tongue in social situations because of reprisal due to public opinion, but the forums... they understand me... they also help me learn about the other sides as well...

When you share your most personal problems or opinions, you share a part of you... Sharing is caring, I care a lot, and thanks to everyone else for caring - and making the online community what it is - a place of comfort and understanding.

BAM!!!

Credits to 'street car named desire' a la Simpsons for the title

Comments

Sally jacobs

on Jun 14, 2004

What a great article! Everyday I try and smile at everyone I walk past, just to give that feel good factor to a complete stranger, though I'm sure some just think I'm insane! hehe! Ahhh well! There seems to be a huge social stigma, when you are out in the real world, you have to act a certain way, some peole seem to be even afraid to just look you in the eye! It is sad! Places like these give me hope in people though, that people do actually care, and it's a lovely thing to see!

greenfarie

on Jun 14, 2004

We are the vessels through which the universe's energy travels. If you give off good vibes everyone benefits. This is a nice place to bitch about life in general and at the same time it's nice to see that there are still some people in this world that care about something larger than themselves!

Muggaz

on Jun 14, 2004

Respect guys...

it's just very comforting to know that I can tell you guys anything, and my inner security wont be compromised, because I know people will try and understand and help if they can... I am really happy that it is not just me that feels this way as well...

of course, some people can and will restrain themselves from getting too personal, but a majority dont... and its good to know their is a support network of absolute strangers out there!!!

BAM!!!

JillUser

on Jun 14, 2004

I think more people are naturally good than not. I am on the receiving end of kindness all the time but I also am on the giving end too. I just follow the old "Do onto others" and it seems to work.....for the most part. I was amazed one time when I was at the market with my son when he was only a couple of months old; there was an elderly woman who was trying very hard to reach an item that was just too high up for a 5ft person to reach. I had a tiny baby on my shoulder so I waited until about 3 able bodied people passed her by to act.

I just couldn't understand why anyone would hesitate to help in such a situation. Most people are helpful though in my experience. I think the community on JU is a special part of my experience as a person. Learning about others helps me learn about myself. And the support of strangers on here can really make the difference between a good day and a bad one.

Thanks to you Muggaz for such a nice article.

Muggaz

on Jun 14, 2004

Learning about others helps me learn about myself. And the support of strangers on here can really make the difference between a good day and a bad one.

Spot on Jill...

Living by your rules - treating others as you would like to be treated, is a fundamental life lesson... I struggle to understand how many people cant grasp this most basic of concepts... If someone drops something, and it lands at your feet, pick it up and make a gesture of kindness... It may be nothing to you, but acts of irrelevance to us, can have so much value as an act of kindness to other people...

BAM!!!

mignuna

on Jun 15, 2004

excuse my lateness replying, muggy. i just wanted to thank you for sharing such insightful and hopeful thoughts at a time when they're most needed. long may you blog

mig XX

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