Practice of Kindness – Reflection #3

3 – Do Something Kind For a Stranger

Reflecting on this theme, I’m reminded of Tom Waits’ song “I Never Talk to Strangers” from his album “Foreign Affairs.” It’s a duet with Bette Midler, where a man and a woman meet at a bar. The lyrics illustrate their interaction, starting with pick-up lines and ending with them both singing, “Only suckers fall in love with perfect strangers.”

The song’s brilliance lies in its portrayal of loneliness and the human condition. It suggests that if we never talk to strangers, we’ll never get to know anyone because, after all, we all start as strangers.

The alternating lines between the man and woman culminate in a heartwarming realization that they are no longer strangers once they take the time to get to know each other.

You can hear the song and follow along with the lyrics by watching this video:

Thanks for completing this kindness module!