Altruism is alive and well. In Estonia, a country I probably could not find without help, there is a
Bank of Happiness. As an online resource, 2000 people advertise their offerings free of charge. Tutoring, translation, massage, coaching, and construction help are all available. Last year I wrote a
moat about a cafe in the Netherlands where people come to give and receive help in person, also gratis. It is called the Repair Cafe and folks arrive with hammers and sewing machines, ready for customers with broken zippers and wobbly chairs.
It is heartwarming that people can step up to the needs of strangers. It is also miraculous that husbands and wives can practice benevolence on an ordinary day.
John made me a bright salad last night when I was feeling sluggish. But that is hardly front page news. I folded a pile of his laundry, but the fact will not appear on
The Daily Good. While random acts of kindness extended to strangers rank as the epitome of humanity, perhaps it is the unrandom acts between spouses that happen over and over that are truly remarkable.
