As someone who works in customer service, I live for the moments of genuine connection with other people. I’ve often said how our technology-driven world has made human connections that much harder. However, I recently had an interaction with a customer that I wanted to share. It was a great reminder of how there are nice people in the world.

Part of working in customer service is using lines, like, “Good morning how are you?” Usually people respond with the usual, “Good, thanks!” I think we all have a tendency to respond that way, it’s just a default reaction. I think we also usually assume that people ask us that question to be polite, not because they’re actually interested in what’s going on in our lives. However, one morning, I got a much different response from someone.

A sweet woman pulled up to the window, and when I asked how she was, she said, “You know, not great.” I responded with, “Oh no, I’m so sorry. It’s comforting to hear that sometimes, we aren’t the only ones having an off day.” She then proceeded to tell me what was going on in her life, and vice versa. It was one of those moments that made me realize we all have things we’re dealing with and working through. The conversation ended with us giving each other a high five and saying, “We can do it!”

Everyone has something in their lives they aren’t happy with. One person’s problem, no matter how severe it may be, doesn’t make yours any less valid or real. If we all stop and take a moment to really ask someone how they are, and attempt to make a difference, that can sometimes turn their whole day around. In fact, when I saw this woman the next day, she said she was doing so much better, and my kindness really helped her. So, if you have the opportunity to use your kindness to help someone, I hope you not only recognize it, but also act on it. If we all did that, the world would be a much happier, and kinder place.