The other day, I saw something magical.

No, not a unicorn, not a two-for-one happy hour on craft beer, not even a “dogs welcome inside” sign at my favorite café. (Although if that happens, I will cry actual tears of joy.)

What I saw was this: A person on crutches trying to navigate one of those awkward double doors — you know, the ones designed by some sadist who apparently hated anyone with more than one armful of stuff to carry. Before I could even think “oh no, this is about to be a whole production,” someone swooped in, smiled, held the door, and made that simple, everyday struggle melt away.

And here’s the kicker: It wasn’t a big deal. Nobody filmed it for TikTok, nobody asked for applause, nobody made a speech about kindness. It was just one human being helping another human being.

And I thought: Why the hell don’t we do this for everyone?

Here’s my new personal philosophy: The Door Test.

If you wouldn’t let the door slam on someone using crutches, why would you metaphorically slam it on someone who’s just having a really bad day?

Because let’s be honest: Most of us are walking around with invisible crutches. Anxiety, grief, financial stress, mental health battles, the fact that Karen in accounting still hasn’t learned how to use “reply all” properly… life throws stuff at us that doesn’t show up as a cast or a limp.

You can’t always see when someone’s carrying a mountain on their shoulders. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

So here’s the trick: Treat everyone like they’re on crutches. Not literally — please don’t start offering piggyback rides to strangers in the supermarket — but in that way where you slow down for them, give them a little grace, hold the damn door.

Somewhere along the line, we all got too busy. Too rushed. Too wrapped up in our own little Netflix-worthy dramas to notice that other people exist and might be quietly crumbling inside.

We justify it, too.
“Oh, that guy was rude.”
“Oh, she looked at me funny.”
“Oh, I bet he deserved whatever bad thing happened to him.”

But let me slap a little truth on you like butter on toast: You don’t know their story.

That guy who cut you off in traffic? Maybe he’s racing to the hospital because his wife is in labor.
That cashier who seemed cold? Maybe she’s working a double after staying up all night caring for her sick kid.
That friend who ghosted you? Maybe they’re battling something so heavy they can’t even find words.

If we gave people the benefit of the doubt as easily as we hand out judgment, we’d be living in a completely different world.

Here’s the beautiful part: This doesn’t require a TED Talk, a five-year plan, or an app that gamifies kindness points.

It’s the bare minimum.

Hold the door. Smile at someone who looks like they need it. Say “thank you” with actual eye contact, not just a muttered syllable. Check in with your friend who’s been quiet lately. Don’t unload your emotional garbage on the barista who messed up your latte.

Tiny actions. Barely any effort. But when you add them up? It changes things.

You know what’s wild? Being decent actually feels good. It’s like sneaking in a workout for your soul without having to put on gym shorts.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Do the Door Test for one day.

Whenever you feel irritation bubbling up — at the driver, the coworker, the slow-walking tourist in front of you (I see you, cruise ship crowds) — stop and think:

If the answer is yes, congratulations, you just nailed the assignment.

And you know what? Do it the next day. And the next. See how it changes not just your interactions, but your whole mood. It’s like mental WD-40: suddenly the squeaky, grindy parts of life loosen up a little.

It’s not just about doors. Or crutches. Or even manners.

It’s about empathy. About remembering that behind every pair of eyes you meet, there’s a whole life playing out. Struggles you don’t see. Triumphs you don’t hear about. Pain you’ll never know.

When we start treating people like they’re worth helping — whether or not they’re visibly “in need” — we create these tiny ripples of kindness that spread way beyond that one interaction.

So that’s the assignment. Hold the door. Offer the smile. Give the benefit of the doubt. Treat people like they’re carrying invisible crutches.

Then tell me how it goes. Seriously. Reply to this email or hit me up on Instagram @The_Shipsters_Puns. I want to hear the stories. Did it change how you felt? Did someone surprise you with kindness back? Did you accidentally start a chain reaction of good vibes?

Let’s make this a thing. One door at a time.

Because if we all did this — the absolute bare minimum — the world wouldn’t just be better. It would be marvelous.