I don’t know if I was feeling bitter … more like burned out and disappointed rolled up in one.
It was a pretty crappy emotional cocktail.
It wouldn’t seem like much to a lot of people, but for me it was kind of something.
A Night Out.
That’s something. Definitely for someone who doesn’t get a lot of them as babysitting is a rare thing. A Night Out. It’s a simple moment that recharges your battery, but that didn’t happen for me last week. When I found out it wasn’t going to happen I got so burned out about the whole situation. But I didn’t stay home and sulk, although I felt like it.
Instead I went out with my kids and tried to have a family fun night at our favorite Italian restaurant. And what I found was an opportunity to make someone else’s Night Out much better.
Their date night actually.
While standing in line waiting for my order I overheard a couple, maybe in their early 70s, talking about the wine selection and not being really sure whether or not to buy a bottle. They talked about it being their night out and maybe splurging a little. As their linguine and clams came up they hadn’t decided what to do. I looked at the wine selection myself and grabbed the bottle of Malbec they were contemplating. They smiled and nodded their heads. I placed it on my tray.
“Is that any good?” They asked.
“Don’t know, but thought I’d give it a try. You guys seemed so interested. Thought I’d give it a chance.” I said.
They smiled at each other and put a bottle on their tray.
As they reached the front of the line, I waved at the cashier and pointed to the bottle.
“Hey, hey … that bottle is on me.”
40 before 40
They turned to look at me, confused.
“Have a great date night.” I said smiling.
“What?”
“Yeah … have a great date night. Drinks are one me.”
They gave me their thanks and walked to their table.
The bitterness, and burned out feeling was no longer there. I wasn’t upset or sad about missing out, because I had gained something by giving. I realized that just because I couldn’t have a Night Out myself, didn’t mean I couldn’t spread some happiness to those that were already out.
That is one beautiful little act to spread happiness 🙂
Loved it 🙂
Thanks SO much! Sorry for the delayed response! Your comment ended up in the Spam folder. I don’t know why or how it happened. I’m going to have to start looking in this folder more often. A lot of comments get lost in here. But thanks so much for reading and coming back to check these stories out. I really appreciate it. 🙂
You are so awesome, Guat!!! I am so loving these acts of kindness. You are inspiring me as well! 🙂
They were such a cute couple and I was like you’re on date night, well then it’s on! Drinks on me. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the story and that inspiration hit 🙂
Tu eres tan increíble! 🙂
Wonderful! 🙂
I was totally happy to make their date night rock.
I’ll drink to that.
Cheers baby! Was so glad I could do something for them, they seemed like such a nice couple.
You are the best, I know you gave them a kindness never forgotten.
I was just glad I could help make their night even better and maybe give them a good story to tell their friends about that one time they had date night at the Italian place… very sweet couple.