Everyone moves a little differently at the turn of the year. There’s a lightness in familiar routines, a softer gaze exchanged on the MRT platform, a fleeting smile between strangers, a shared sense that something new is about to begin.
In a society where we’re often taught to keep to ourselves, it’s easy to believe that our presence doesn’t register beyond our own lives. Yet in the smallest moments like holding a lift door, offering a greeting, noticing someone, we leave traces of ourselves behind. Acts so ordinary they barely feel intentional, but kind all the same.
We spoke to a few people about the strangers they encountered this past year, and how those brief, unexpected interactions quietly shaped the way they moved through the months behind us.
What They Told Us
Syahridzuan, 21
An uncle grabbed my hand because he needed help crossing the road. We barely exchanged words but at that moment, he trusted me. It was a humbling experience.
I hope that we can be more patient with people, going into the new year. Everyone’s dealing with something we don’t see, and not everything needs an immediate reaction. Giving more time and understanding can change a lot.
Kindness isn’t a transaction, it shapes who you are even when nobody is looking. You may even realise that your smallest actions might’ve mattered more than your biggest ones. That makes every moment worth treating gently.
Waheedah, 38
I refused visitors during a recent hospital stay, but the lady beside me kept making conversations and ensured that I ate all my meals.
My advice would be to constantly give back to others, if you are able to. Be kind and give time to those who set time for you.
Noora, 31
A stranger saw me with my daughter and said, “You’re doing a good job”. Even when I feel like I should be doing more, his compliment made me feel like I’m doing things right at my own pace.
While small acts of kindness may go unnoticed, when you offer it – you just hope that others feel seen and loved, and that should be enough.
In 2026, I’m manifesting ‘best case scenarios’, work towards it and see it happen!
Mus, 28
I make it a point to greet everyone I see. It’s simple. Knowing that I’ve made an impact in someone else’s life is nice, but isn’t the main purpose of being kind. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
A stranger gifted my son some cash when he realised that my son might have a hard time adapting to the environment. I always think about it, even ’til this day. In fact, after this interaction, I’ve also started to be more observant – rendering assistance to anyone who seems lost, sad or struggling, just by asking if they’re okay.
Rayn, 21
A classmate complimented my outfit. It boosted my confidence and it stuck for the entire day.
Kindness comes to those who radiate it as well — and it doesn’t take much. I hope that people continue to have fun in 2026. At the end of the day, everyone benefits from a little kindness, and that is what’s important!
Abi, 29
I love complimenting strangers on their outfits! Seeing them genuinely taken aback and smile makes me happy.
Once at a party, a stranger came up to me to tell me that they loved how much I was vibing to the music. That was a definite confidence booster that I hope to be able to provide others with too.
My advice for 2026, as cliche as it may be, is to dance like nobody’s watching and be a source of comfort and reassurance for those who need it. You’ll never know how much a small comment can alter the course of someone’s day, or life.
What This Means
As a new year begins, we often look inward. Setting goals, making plans, trying to become better versions of ourselves. But perhaps growth also happens outward, in the moments we share with people we’ll never properly know.
The stories shared here aren’t extraordinary. They’re quiet, ordinary moments. A smile returned, a few words exchanged, a small kindness offered without expectation. And yet, they linger. You may forget a stranger’s face by the end of the day, but the way you made them feel could stay far longer.
If these encounters tell us anything, it’s that we’re constantly brushing up against one another in ways we rarely acknowledge. Kindness doesn’t need to be grand to be real. Sometimes, it just needs to be present.
May 2026 be kinder to us all. Happy New Year!
What small kindness will you offer tomorrow?
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