Typically, those words in the supermarket are the precursor to a complaint. I heard this conversation transpiring behind me as I multi tasked on a long line. But then I was surprised – and yes, I was eavesdropping.

When the manager approached, my fellow shopper explained her “ask”. She explained that the woman behind her was there shopping to stock the group home at which she worked with food for the week. I looked over. Overflowing does not come close to describing how packed her cart was and she was pushing cases of water alongside.

My fellow shopper explained what was happening and asked the manager whether there was a staff member that could help pack this woman’s bags and load her car for her. He, very appropriately, responded that help was on its way.

Here is my takeaway from this story. The shopper “asking” had no relation to the shopper in need. In fact, they had never met before but started a conversation while waiting to check out. So, the only explanation for the actions she took is a genuine interest in helping another human being.