Friendship in the unfamiliar

The other day I was flying home from a Scout Meeting, and I was lucky enough to be in the first row of economy. I was talking to the lovely woman next to me about her time as a Brownie Leader with Girl Guides.

Moments later, an older lady in Business Class who was short, was wanting to get her backpack from the overhead locker, but she couldn't reach. Of course, I offered her a hand and got her bag for her. It's just what you do.

A few minutes later the cabin manager came over to me and said: "That was a very gentlemanly thing to have done, thank you, can I get you a drink for your service". I gracefully declined the offer. It did get me thinking. Surly I did what anyone else would do in that situation.

A few months ago, I was driving to work on a Friday morning, and I was at the petrol station when a man named walked up to me, asking for a lift to the next suburb. It was on my way, and I said yes. I put little thought into it, of course, I will help anyone out. Once I got in the car, I realised that I was probably going to be robbed. Yes, he did end up taking $50.

The question I ask you, do you help others without judgement? What are some of the limits to your trust in strangers? Where did these limitations begin? How can we continue to trust others, even the ones we haven't met yet?

Isn't every stranger just a friend you haven't met yet?