It was an experience that exemplified what we say every day in Gotham.

Last week, I was on the LIRR with my head buried in my phone – oh, what a surprise. But as the conductor came by, the woman sitting across from me realized that she had left her wallet at home. Not only did she not have her train pass, but she didn’t have a penny. Haven’t we all experienced that feeling? It’s awful.

So, I took out my wallet and told the conductor that I would pay her fare. The woman was relieved and appreciative. The conductor who was really trying to help, thanked me profusely – and then said, “I’ll be right back, I need to get a pen”. But here’s the thing. The conductor never came back – and I wasn’t sure why she needed a pen to begin with . . .

Then, my new friend across the aisle and I started talking. While her train fare was now taken care of, she didn’t even have any money to buy a MetroCard. I was worried for her and so I gave her $20 and my business card.

Two days later, that $20 arrived at my office with the nicest note – promising to “pay it forward” the next time she was in the situation to do so.

What do we say in Gotham at every meeting? It’s better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around. It really does.