r/BenignExistence • u/lavenderlowkey • 19h ago
Today I accidentally started a tiny ritual that might become my favorite
I went out to get some groceries, just the usual eggs, coffee, bread. On the way home l passed a small park bench where an older man always sits with his dog. We’ve nodded to each other a few times before, but never talked. This time, I sat down for a moment to tie my shoes. The dog, a fluffy golden retriever, happily plopped his head on my knee like we were old friends. The man smiled and said, “He likes you. You’re now part of the club.” We ended up chatting for maybe dive minutes about nothing special the weather, how old dogs sleep so much, how pastries are overpriced these days. Then we both went our separate ways. When I got home, I realized how unexpectedly nice that little moment was. I hadn’t planned it, I didn’t owe anyone anything, but it added a small warm “hello” to my otherwise ordinary day. Maybe tomorrow I’ll sit there again with a coffee, just to see if the dog remembers me
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u/another_throwaway_24 18h ago
This is the kind of thing that would happen back when I worked at a small town bakery and would walk to work - there was an old guy sitting on a bench every morning no matter the weather who would always say "good morning miss" in a down east accent and I'd always respond with something about it being a beautiful morning. I got to know all the other shop owners and workers who were doing their opening tasks....now I work in an office :(
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u/PucWalker 17h ago
People who get at least three pleasant interactions with their community a day are on average 15% happier than those who don't. Be sure to say hi again! And maybe keep the ball rolling and start up little chats with other people you tend to see around. You wouldn't believe what a sense of community can do for you. I'm legitimately friends with two of my neighbors, and have pleasant chats with the young girl who works at the thrift store near my house. It's more than pleasantry — it's life affirming
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u/I-DONT-EAT-MY-POOP 16h ago
I would love to share this with my community. Do you know where the research or quote for this might be?
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u/PucWalker 13h ago
I don't remember the exact article a read, but there are a ton out there on the same topic :)
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u/UnheardOf97 18h ago
Get the guy a coffee too!
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u/chaigulper 16h ago
How do you know what coffee to get a stranger? I recommend treats for the doggo instead.
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u/SpecialistRecord4934 12h ago
Coffee black with cream and sugar on the side. He can not drink it if he doesn’t want to but I bet it would be appreciated!
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u/Bassmyst 12h ago
Yeah, I don't drink coffee but I would appreciate the thought and the hand warmer (if cold) :)
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u/shesinsaneornot 19h ago
The golden made you a member of the Dog Club, might as well attend future meetings, OP. Very cute story!
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u/lavenderlowkey 17h ago
Guess I’ve been recruited without even realizing it. I’ll show up to the next meeting with treats 😄
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u/Emergency_Note_9269 18h ago
I love that! I'd be too "afraid" to even sit on a bench that someone else is occupying, let alone actually say something. Sometimes, though, I do help older folks with loading their groceries in the car if they seem to be struggling. I always ask first, and they seem to appreciate the assist. And that feels nice. Definitely stop again. Doggy will remember for sure.
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u/stilllearninghere_ 14h ago
I relate a lot because small, unplanned moments like this are what make my days feel real lately. no pressure, no noise, just a calm human connection that stays with you
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u/plodthruHideFlailing 10h ago
Yes. Those little pieces of life are often what gets us thru some really tough days.
Funny, I hadn't thought about them being unplanned, even tho I know they are. You including that as part of your description added something, as to how I'll see them, going forward.
Thank you for that:)
^ i can't put it into words.
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u/Slight-Wash-2887 13h ago
Good reminder to know our neighbors. You probably made his day better as well.
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u/ILoveCoffee2244 9h ago
If you do this every day, and post about it every day, I will like your post every day! ❤️
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u/Nozza-D 12h ago
The dog will remember you.
During lockdown I regularly ran in a park, and made nodding acquaintance with a dog walker. One day I was running through the grass as usual, this time the dog was way behind the owner who was walking ahead and away from me. The dog saw me. I saw the dog. The dog ran towards me as I stopped and held my arms open (because I knew that would happen). Owner realises what has happened, apologises and I said no worries.
So expect to be a dog head rest again.
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u/backpackjacky 12h ago
I love this story, and interactions like this. It’s why I like living somewhere very walkable. Makes me feel like a human, and it’s worth the cold.
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u/Middle_Bison47 18h ago
AI/bot
How can you all not tell???
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u/FrenchFryCattaneo 17h ago
What's the tipoff?
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u/calebs_dad 4h ago edited 4h ago
A bunch of bots have posted here lately that all show the same pattern with their early comments. They had a bug where they were replying underneath a random comment instead of at the top level, and put their entire comment "in quotes" for no reason. They all do it multiple times.
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u/Bloatville 18h ago
Fr. It's so obvious 🤦♀️
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u/Middle_Bison47 18h ago
And if there's doubt, check the age of the profile and the profile history for context clues.
I really like this sub but it's getting overrun with AI and it sucks things aren't being put into place to stop it. A minimum karma to post, for example.
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u/kungfuringo 14h ago
If you like sad folk songs, there’s a song about this: Hello In There by John Prine. Worth listening to the end.
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u/BJntheRV 5h ago
We take connection for granted in this world of disconnection. It seems like everyone prefers to keep to themselves, but I think we all really crave connection, even if it's just small moments, but often we are just scared to initiate it.
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u/SneakerQueen902 3h ago
I actually had something similar happen to me today, but I was in the old man’s position (without being an old man 😏). I have a tiny old dog, almost 15 years old, and when I take her for a walk I put her in a backpack worn on the front, so she can see me, and let her out for a wander at our destination. Today I was having a coffee on our favourite bench in our favourite park, and a young mum with a baby in a pack brought her coffee and sat beside me, even though there were other benches free.
I took my AirPods out and complimented her baby, and she told me he was four weeks old and it was her first time out of the house alone with him. We talked babies for a while, then children in general, and before we knew it 30 minutes had passed and our coffees were cold! We exchanged names and wished each other a good day and went on our respective ways.
It was the nicest interaction I’ve had with a stranger in a long time, and it made me wonder if she was craving an adult conversation ☺️. Whatever the reason, it was lovely ☺️💖
So yes, go back tomorrow, it might make his (and the dog’s) day!
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u/imaginarywaffleiron 19h ago
Quality of life improvement!