March 28, 2003
begin

write

look

learn

find

Do you ever do something nice for someone without telling them who did it?

When I first started work at NIH 11 years ago, I met one of the supervisors that was very nice to me. I was going through a very rough period at that time and his constant encouragement meant a lot. This past Christmas, our section decided to do the "Secret Santa" thing and lo and behold. I drew his name. I was his Secret Santa and never told him who I was. After Christmas, I remained
his Secret Pal. He will retire in June and I don't plan to ever tell him who I am.

Reba, 57
Gaithersburg, MD USA

Yes.

Alias Irrelevante

Whenever I can.

Judy, 62
Easton, KS USA

Can't remember. If I did something nice, it was most likely done when someone knew it.

Stephanie, 27
TX USA

Sure, don't we all?

Felicia, 37
Lowell, MA USA

Often. It offers a subtle form of gratification.

Jane, 63
West Linn, OR USA

Of course. Do good by stealth is an excellent principle.

Jill, 61
Saylorsburg, PA USA

Yes. This is a great thing to practice, but so very hard to do. I picked this as something I wanted to do one summer and I started out at a truck stop in Toms Brook where I gave the waitress, who had been very nice to me, a $10 tip on my meal which was about $5. And, I wrote a note telling her how nice it was to receive such kind service. It's my hope that was a positive experience for her, but I will never know. Another thing I do is when I use coin operated machines and I get change back, I always leave the change in the machine so that the next person who comes along will get a surprise. I do truly believe in karma - that what you put out in the world comes back to you.

Alice
Cardiff UK

Yes, but I can't tell you about it because if I did, then I'd be telling someone I did it and that would
ruin the whole point of doing it without anyone knowing about it! jeez.

Doug2, 30
Kansas City, KS USA

Sure.

Laura, 38
Lowell, MA USA

Aaaah... "The Magnificent Obsession" ... that's what that movie was all about. Yes, I've done nice things for others without letting them know it was me. Great feeling. The opportunity isn't always apparent, so it's fun to look for ways to make it happen.

Fisch, 47
Preston, CT USA

Yes.

Karen, 23
Ames, IA USA

Sure, every once in a while.

Ryan, 29
Morton, IL USA

Yes...I love doing things like that! I've scraped ice off co-worker's cars, left books in my friend's mailboxes, planted flowers for my Mother while she was out (of course, she always knows that I'm the one to do that because I love gardening)...I've paid tolls for the drivers behind me on the
turnpike...I'm a member of this internet "book club ( www.BookCrossing.com ) which trades books with others...and I usually sent books to those who want them without requesting a trade or postage.

Tam

Sure. I do plenty of nice things for my husband and kids. I also do special things for co-workers and friends. And I try to be a courteous driver. Letting people out when there is traffic backed-up. I believe what goes around comes around.

Janet, 45
E. Brunswick, NJ USA

Yup. It just feels like the right thing to do sometimes. People appreciate a secret pick-me-up, I know I do:) We have secret pals at my office and we do it all year long. It's so nice to get a little
something in your mailbox here and there...it really makes you smile!!

Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ USA

That's my favorite thing to do. Although I usually end up confessing.

Keri-Jade, 23
Brampton, Ontario CANADA

Yes years ago my husband and sent a bank check to a couple that were dear friends to us and he had a heart attack so we sent the check unamiously because they would take no help. It was christmas time. We have done many things without others knowing.

Marci, 58
OH USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow