A guy at a hardware store in Tacoma changed my whole view on asking for help

I was trying to pick a new drill bit for a concrete anchor, staring at the wall for maybe 15 minutes. This older guy in a Seahawks hat just walked over and said, 'You look stuck, need a hand?' He asked two questions about the job and pointed me right to the right bit. I used to just guess or google it, but that 30 second chat saved me a trip back. When's the last time a stranger's simple offer actually solved a problem for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

bettyroberts1mo ago

I mean it's nice he helped you pick a drill bit, but idk if it's a whole view-changing event. Maybe it's just me but a quick hardware store chat seems pretty normal, not that deep. It solved a small problem, sure, but it's not like he saved you from a huge mistake or anything.

seanjackson1mo ago

Not that deep" is the whole point. When you're used to drowning, a shallow puddle feels like solid ground.

gavinwells1mo ago

Last week I spent forty minutes staring at the wall trying to hang a shelf. The right bit made it take thirty seconds. When you're used to everything being hard, a simple fix from a stranger doesn't feel small. It feels like proof that not every problem has to be a solo mission. That shift from "I have to figure this out alone" to "maybe I can just ask" is a big deal for some people.