What a Single Flight Revealed About the Power of Kindness and Empathy

Then I heard a soft voice behind me.

“Excuse me… could you not lean back so far? I’m having a little trouble breathing.”

The tone was gentle, almost apologetic. I turned, expecting annoyance, and saw her: a woman with kind, tired eyes and a clear baby bump. She wasn’t demanding, just uncomfortable. I was too exhausted to care and muttered something about needing sleep as well before turning back. She offered a faint, understanding smile and stayed silent.

The flight went on, but her words stayed with me: trouble breathing. I should have paused. I should have felt empathy. But I didn’t. I closed my eyes and shut everything else out.

When we landed, I hurried to stand, eager to escape the recycled air and the small twinge of guilt settling in. Reaching for my bag, I noticed her struggling to gather hers, wincing with effort. A flight attendant quickly came to help. As I moved down the aisle, the attendant gently tapped my shoulder.

“Sir,” she said, steady but firm, “the woman behind you was uncomfortable during the flight. She didn’t want to cause trouble, but even small things—like not reclining—can matter a lot to someone in her situation.”Continue reading…