I had a really genuine experience once. This is gonna be long, so sorry in advance. I broke my foot and was in a cast, ultimately unable to walk for about a year due to the nature of the break. I'm a mechanic, so I couldn't do the job I've been doing for 13 years and was getting tired of working the service counter because I can't stand most people. Eventually I was laid off because there wasn't much need for me other than answering phones... and it's painfully obvious I don't work well with customers. I went into a DEEP depression that I told absolutely nobody about. I hid the fact that I was laid off and pretended to work but instead went neat places that I could get to with my crutches and a hard cast up to my knee. I decided to go to a beautiful and secluded overlook with a few benches and walkway, next to a river. It was mid day on a mild Tuesday in february, the sun was at a perfect height and the water was tranquil. I was surprised to see anyone there, but there was a man in his 60's leaning on the railing. Crying. I hobbled up and asked if he was OK. He didn't answer at first but I stood next to him in silence for 15-20 minutes, taking in the view. Eventually he broke down and told me how his son was killed in a car accident roughly a month ago, and that this day was his birthday. He was really sad too, obviously. As an alcohol enthusiast, I had a cold 6 pack in car, so he went and got it out and cracked a few on the bench. He told me stories and memories, the good and the bad, his dreams and regrets. I'm a woman and crybaby so my eyes were literally a river. I got out some of my personal sads too, and he gave me an honest listen. When the sun was starting to set, we parted ways. He helped my to my car and gave me a hug. I gave him my number in case he needed to talk. In the days since then, I have talked to him, met his wife and his daughter, his grandkids and his small army of doggos. He's been a good person to talk to over the years. He has a wonderful family, and I'm glad he was able to emotionally pick himself up after such a tragic loss. I'm going to text him today, just to say hi. I think the trajectory of our lives went in a more positive direction because I cared enough to ask if he was ok.