Neighbor Hears Woman ‘Loudly Ranting’—No One Could Predict Response

Reddit Post

The note taped to the neighbor’s door read: “Dear vocal neighbor. For your next well-justified rant session, please accept this Don Julio [tequila] as a microphone upgrade. May your voice of reason carry even further (even if it’s a little slurred). May your pillow always be cool, your wallet full, your life abundant. Cheers! Your neighbor in crime.”

A photo included in the post showed the tequila bottle with the caption: “Figured this suffices.”

The neighbor, in turn, replied with a handwritten note and a bag of snacks. Her message read: “Who wrote the note?…possibly you? Hope you get the reference. I left some gifts just in case. Thank you for your kindness in these horrible times. I’m sorry if I was loud, we will make it through this!! – your vocal neighbor.”

Research supports this kind of response. A January 2023 study published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that performing random acts of kindness significantly increases happiness for both the giver and the recipient. The study noted that “givers systematically undervalue their positive impact on recipients,” which can discourage people from engaging in prosocial behaviors—even when such acts could improve their own and others’ well-being.

“From giving away a cup of hot chocolate in a park to giving away a gift in the lab, those performing a random act of kindness consistently underestimated how positive their recipients would feel,” the researchers wrote.

That miscalibration, they added, “may result in people missing out on opportunities to enhance both their own and others’ well-being.”

‘This Is How We Should Be’

The wholesome interaction in the Reddit post quickly resonated with fellow users, many of whom highlighted the importance of empathy and kindness in day-to-day life.

“This is how we should be with each other,” wrote u/Travelcat67. “Most neighbors would have complained to management or left a nasty note. Thank you for being the change you want to see in the world. You are amazing and now you have a partner in crime for life!!”

U/myboogerstastespicy added: “Wow. I needed to read that today, too. Thanks for reminding me! It’s back in perspective for me now. Wishing y’all peace and happiness. Much love!”

Others commented on how rare such interactions are—and how impactful they can be. “I think you found yourself a new life friend. Don’t stop being kind. You are awesome,” wrote u/Cameos_red_codpiece.

U/Sprmodelcitizen wrote: “Doing something kind for someone else hits harder than anything else. You got this, my friend. This too shall pass.”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.