Tears of Kindness
Why a carton of Aldi strawberries left two women sobbing — and what science says about crying when goodness moves us.
Sitting in my longtime colorists chair, tears were streaming down my face before the foils were even in. Erika was telling me a story about the Aldi checkout line that broke me wide open.
She was behind a mom of three who was literally scraping change together to pay for groceries. When the cashier announced she was a few coins short, the mom put back a carton of strawberries. My colorist saw the kids’ disappointed faces. Heart cracked. So, as the mom wheeled away, she whispered to the cashier: “Ring me up quick. I’ll take the strawberries.”
She tracked the mom down in the parking lot, strawberries in hand, tears welling up before she could even do the good deed. She quickly pressed the carton into the mom’s hands, eyes brimming, and then hurried back to her own car before she completely lost it. Moments later, the mom loaded the kids, tapped on her window, and said, “Your kindness was so appreciated. I promise to pay it forward some day.”
By the time my colorist finished the story, I was crying in the chair. That’s me: I puddle at kindness. Every. Single. Time.
But here’s the thing — there’s science behind these waterworks. Psychologists call it “elevation” — the swell of warmth and tears we feel when we witness or do something profoundly good. It’s oxytocin flooding your system, nudging your body to lean into connection and community. Tears of kindness aren’t weakness. They’re proof we’re wired to be moved by goodness — and to spread it.
⚡ Charge of the Week
Let yourself get misty-eyed when kindness moves you. That swell? That’s your body’s way of saying, “More of this, please.”
🔬 Science Spark
Researchers like Jonathan Haidt have studied elevation for decades. The findings: when we witness kindness, it doesn’t just tug our heartstrings — it inspires us to pay it forward. Your tears are contagious in the best way.
❓ Question for You
Do you cry when you see kindness? (🙋🏻♀️ Guilty.) What’s the last good deed that made your eyes well up?
Until next Monday at 8:37AM, keep charging. Keep choosing. Keep Yaying.
Have the BEST DAY EVER!
💛 Meaghan