A Target Bag at Aldi

John and I made a quick run to Aldi today — nothing exciting, just the usual “grab a few things” kind of trip. We were at the self-checkout, unloading our cart, when I noticed the couple behind us juggling their groceries like circus performers who regretted not bringing reusable bags.

I dug into my own bag of reusable totes (because of course I had a stash), and tucked inside was one lonely Target plastic bag I’d thrown in there who-knows-when. On a whim, I held it up as they walked past. The woman met my eyes, and I smiled.

“Do you want this?” I asked, holding it out.

You would’ve thought I handed them a bag of gold.

Both of them lit up with the kind of relief that makes you wonder how heavy their day must’ve been. The guy even stopped, looked directly into my eyes, and said “Thank you” with this quiet, earnest sincerity — like I’d paid for their whole cart, not just offered a stray bag.

Later, I mentioned it to John.

He shrugged and said something so simple it stuck with me:

“People aren’t used to other people being nice to them anymore.”

And maybe that’s true. Maybe kindness has gotten so rare that even the smallest gesture feels bigger than it should. A plastic bag at Aldi shouldn’t be a moment — but somehow it was.

It reminded me that kindness doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Sometimes it’s just a smile, a question, a crinkly Target bag that suddenly becomes exactly what someone needs right then.

And honestly? That made my whole day.