You don't know what's going on behind the scenes.
Lately I've heard--and heard myself say--many times that people aren't paying as much attention to you as you think. The world isn't about "me."
But sometimes you're surprised by the extra attention someone you hardly knows gives to you personally. Not just a friendly comment, but a sincere interest and medium-sized investment in what you care about.
People at my gym know that I'm working on a side project that's not directly related to boxing. Someone I don't know well--whom I'd consider a friendly acquaintance--has taken a sincere interest. Seeking out more information. Actually taking it in.
This same person surprised me with flowers when my mom died.
I barely know her. How are we connected other than commiserating over pushups and squats at the gym? There's an unexpected tenderness there.
I tend to see the heartlessness and self-centeredness in the world. This is a reminder of the people. The individual people who I don't know or don't understand that aren't heartless. I don't feel like I've earned these small gifts. This is different than the kindness of strangers--which is less mysterious somehow.