Dear anonymous couple,

Thank you for making my day.

My boyfriend and I walked into the diner, standing awkwardly in the corner as we made faces at each other trying to figure out if we were supposed to seat ourselves. We hadn't been there before, and the black and white tile floor juxtaposed with the red leather upholstered booths and stools instilled us with an old fashioned good feeling –– and a craving for a milkshake and some fries.

It was full –– just three empty seats at the counter. As we contemplated whether or not to snag two of the three seats, in walked an older man, a newspaper tightly gripped in his hand. He rushed past us, stomping through the tiny restaurant, sitting in the middle of the three seats. He confirmed that we were supposed to seat ourselves, but now the only empty seats sandwiched this man who just wanted some coffee with the paper.

We walked up to the counter, maintaining our awkwardness. "Excuse me, would you mind moving over a seat so we can sit together?" My boyfriend asked politely.

Our question was met with a gruff grunt and a glare. We added a genuine apology as he exaggeratedly moved one chair over, mumbling about how "ridiculous" our request was.

We sat down exchanging another look of confusion. And just as I settled into my seat, nestling in to the worn out cushion, our grumpy neighbor got up and walked out the door, his paper obnoxiously rustling, a series of rude mumbles slipping from his breath, and the door chime ringing behind him.

Our faces were plastered with more confused expressions as the waitress apologized for his behavior and took our order. We merely laughed it off.

About ten minutes after the scene, the diner had emptied out –– there was just one other table still eating.

"Hey guys," started the waitress as she brought over a grilled cheese, a chicken salad sandwich and some milkshakes. "I just want to let you know that the couple that was just here paid for your lunch. They wanted you to know that not everybody's mean." She smiled as she set down the plates.

Our faces morphed into delighted shock. We had barely even noticed the kind couple that decided to pay for our lunch –– that decided to make our day.

So, thank you. Your good deed, your kind gesture, your superfluous generosity is met with immense gratitude. But I think this seemingly simple act was intended to do more than just prove that "not everybody's mean." I think you were trying to show the power of every small deed.

So, I'm going to try and pay it forward, continuing your domino effect of kindness until it comes full circle –– and maybe gets back to you.

Thanks again,

Someone who's trying to be kinder