The kindness of strangers: the petrol station worker paid for my fuel and saved my date

"I’ll pay for the fuel. When you get the money, just post it back to me care of the petrol station."

"I was trying to impress her—we weren't yet a sealed deal. What was I going to do?"

The author recalls a pivotal moment from his youth when he faced financial embarrassment while trying to impress a new girlfriend, Marie. After his credit card was declined while purchasing petrol, he felt panic and shame. However, a compassionate young cashier offered to cover the cost, understanding that such situations can arise. This experience not only helped the author in a moment of crisis but also instilled a vow to return the favor, showcasing the power of kindness and human connection in challenging times.

Read at www.theguardian.com