I fumbled with the waffle machine at my hotel and nearly spilled the batter.

A man waiting nearby stepped forward.

“Flip it fast,” he said. “First one always catches people out.”

He stayed until the timer dinged, then handed me the plate.

No smirk. No lecture.

Just kindness before coffee.

Some people make you feel small for not knowing how to do something.

Others see an opportunity for kindness.