Student: I have pneumonia.

Me: Why are you in my office?

Student: Well, I was wondering what we'd be doing in class today...you see, I have to go back to the doctor's...

Me: Get out of my office.

Student: But, I'm concerned about my grade...

Me: Please, just go to the doctor. Don't worry about your grade. Take care of yourself. Go.

Moral of the conversation: We're all guilty of going to school/work when we really shouldn't. We even feel secretly proud of our stamina. Sometimes, though, we should remember that everyone else just wants us to leave their office.

---

Lady in black: Excuse me, but could you help me lift this bucket of kitty litter out of the car? My arthritis is really hurting me today.

Greg: Of course, where should I put it?

Lady in black: Oh, on the sidewalk is fine. I'll have my daughter come down and get it.

Greg: I'll take it up to the apartment. No problem.

Me: Isn't he a sweetie?

Lady in black: Yes, he's a doll. Is he your husband?

Me: Fiance. I think I'll keep him.

Lady in black: My daughter just broke up with her boyfriend. And she just lost her father, my husband.

Me: Oh, I'm so sorry.

Lady in black: I think I might cry. I'm sorry. smiles gratefully back at us Thank you so much for your help.

Moral of the conversation: Doing the nice thing is usually easier than doing a mean thing or even being intentionally apathetic. And sometimes, a simple act of kindness that takes a few minutes can provide simple relief during a time of great sorrow.