Kindness. We don't talk about it enough.
But kindness is everywhere, as these readers shared with us, when we asked to hear about the little gestures and favours that have helped brighten their day.
From the teacher who goes above and beyond to support a family through a difficult time, to the stranger who picked up the bill for a tank of petrol, here are some of your stories.
Food for the soul
Without the kindness of food donations, this South Geelong resident says he could have gone hungry many times.
He says one woman in particular donates "a huge amount of time and effort into helping ease hunger in this region by collecting and redistributing food donations from members of the community".
"I'm here studying, and I've had little luck with employment and have relied on Centrelink most of the time I've been here."
He says without the help of this special person he "may very well have gone without food for a week at a time".
"I don't think she really understands how much of an impact it has on the lives of those she supports, because she doesn't know our stories, only that we need help."
- Anonymous, South Geelong, VIC
When Annabel Lewis lost one of her sisters suddenly, a friend was there in one of the most simple but effective ways.
"She would come around and leave a cooked meal on my front steps. Wouldn't impose on my space, just would do it to help me out with kindness."
- Annabel Lewis, Ormeau, QLD
Wendy Hunter lives alone in a rural area, 500 kilometres from her nearest family members.
When she got sick, a friend came to the rescue with freezer meals.
"I was too weak and debilitated to cook for myself after a period in hospital with a severe chest infection," she says.
"I was also malnourished, and seriously underweight. Until I got sick I was always independent, and enjoyed a healthy and nutritious diet."
Her friend began cooking meals for her — that lasted for nine months.
"It removed a huge weight of worry and daily struggle from my shoulders.
"Food became enjoyable again, when all I had to do was heat the meals, and I looked forward to eating her nutritious offerings.
"My depression lifted, my physical health improved, and I was able to resume some of my community activities."
- Wendy Hunter, Bega, NSW
Food is the way to our hearts, and our dog's hearts too!
"'Aunty Pat' owns the local fish and chicken shop, just down the road from where I live, and every afternoon, she insists that I bring in my dog Jasper for a cuddle and a treat of some chicken — for free," says Kay Katsivas.
"Upon hearing that my daughter is unwell … she often gives me a free yoghurt or a fruit salad, some ice cream or some seafood, along with a hug.
"This small service is so kind when I feel so despairing. I can't begin to say how nice it feels to have someone just reach out."
- Kay Katsivas, Adelaide, SA
Strangers coming to the rescue
Kevin Sack's kindness hero was a stranger who helped him out of a situation many of us have found ourselves in — moneyless at the checkout.
"I pulled up at my service station and filled my 20-year-old Toyota with $60 worth of fuel," he says.
"At the adjacent pump, a very elegantly dressed lady was filling her shiny new Mercedes.
"When I presented my debit card to the cashier I was devastated to find the card declined — I had failed to top up my account.
"The displeased cashier took my details, demanded my licence and that I immediately return with cash.
"The lady who was waiting behind me patiently with other customers, passed a $100 note to the cashier saying, 'I will pay for this gentleman'. I was stunned!
"I followed the lady to her car, thanked her profusely, and requested her address in order that I could post her a cheque.
"She smiled sweetly saying, 'Consider it my gift to you', and drove off."
- Kevin Sack, Somers, VIC
Lorraine Hammond had something we all dread — a flat tyre.
"It was close to school pick up and I was trying to find the tools I needed in the back to change the tyre," she says.
A cafe owner who usually serves her coffee left his shop unattended to help her change it.
"I keep thanking him, but feel pleased to have the opportunity to tell you about his kindness."
- Lorraine Hammond, Mt Lawley, WA
Last year mum-of-two Sharron was experiencing a lonely Mother's Day.
"I was in my local hardware store looking at beautiful plants and missing my daughter. I knew I wouldn't hear from my son," she says.
"I lamented to another shopper about my lonely day and she was in a similar situation.
"Later, I was sitting having a coffee and the same lady came and presented me with two beautiful plants that I had admired and said 'Happy Mother's Day'.
"I was speechless and so touched by the incredible kindness shown to me by a total stranger."
- Sharron
ABC Everyday in your inbox
Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Everyday each week
Neighbourhood love
Firefighters have been hard at it battling bushfires across Australia in recent weeks — and some are also there to help their neighbours.
"Our neighbour across the road goes out of his way to help us by mowing our grass for us on a regular basis," says Terri Maher.
"His wife came over today and mowed our grass because he wasn't around to do it, whilst he was out burning off in the areas of need."
- Terri Maher, Coffs Harbour, NSW
De White's neighbour helps the 80-year-old with everyday tasks like bringing in her bins each week.
"He also mows the verge outside my house," she says.
- De White, Murtoa, VIC
Going above and beyond the job
Marcus's wife works at the local supermarket and sometimes comes across customers who are a few dollars short.
"When there are customers who cannot pay for some of their essentials — fruit, bread, etcetera — she will pay for the goods herself," he says.
"Often those she helps are recent immigrants (often refugees), but especially older people. The goods are sometimes as little as one or two dollars, but when a young mother is agonising over nappies, apples and milk, and only a few dollars are the difference, she often steps in to help."
- Marcus, Toowoomba, QLD
Connor is nominating one of his high school teachers who he says has been a constant support.
"My father has been going through a lot of mental health issues, and he has been in and out of hospital," he says.
"She has always been around for me to chat to, to vent to and just to listen to me."
He says it makes him feel better to know there is someone at school looking out for him and his family.
"She is one of the kindest people I know."
- Connor, Brisbane, QLD
Thanks to everyone who shared with us. Some comments have been edited for brevity and clarity.
A belief that Australians need to show more respect to each other was the top uniting issue to emerge from the Australia Talks National Survey, which asked 54,000 Australians about their lives and what keeps them up at night. Use our interactive tool to see the results and how their answers compare with yours — available in English, simplified Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Then, join Annabel Crabb as she takes you through some of the most surprising and exciting insights with Waleed Aly on the Australia Talks TV special on iview.