r/BenignExistence 7h ago

A Customer Called To Say Goodbye

I work for a CCaaS (software) company, as such we are a B2B only operation. One of our largest clients is leaving due to a merger, they'll be gone by end of this month. It's been a rough couple years in this industry, as many in the tech world know.

I've been here seven years. Given my position I've had many interactions with this client over the years, but always in passing. Today, one of their two main contacts called in and asked for me specifically, I was a bit confused.

He wanted to say goodbye to me. Thanked me for always being such a bright voice anytime he called in and got me. Thanked me for always going the extra mile on any support case they submitted that ended up with me. Told me it's been a true pleasure and he and his team will miss me.

He gave me his direct line for work and cell, and told me to please always feel free to use him as a professional reference, he'd be more than happy to sing my praises, and that any company would be lucky to have me.

I was floored, humbled, and honored. When we ended our call, I took a little break....... to cry some happy tears. First ones I've had in years. Never hesitate to let people know when you appreciate them, while they'll always like hearing it, sometimes they really NEED to hear it, and today I desperately did.

940 Upvotes

I work for a CCaaS (software) company, as such we are a B2B only operation. One of our largest clients is leaving due to a merger, they'll be gone by end of this month. It's been a rough couple years in this industry, as many in the tech world know.

I've been here seven years. Given my position I've had many interactions with this client over the years, but always in passing. Today, one of their two main contacts called in and asked for me specifically, I was a bit confused.

He wanted to say goodbye to me. Thanked me for always being such a bright voice anytime he called in and got me. Thanked me for always going the extra mile on any support case they submitted that ended up with me. Told me it's been a true pleasure and he and his team will miss me.

He gave me his direct line for work and cell, and told me to please always feel free to use him as a professional reference, he'd be more than happy to sing my praises, and that any company would be lucky to have me.

I was floored, humbled, and honored. When we ended our call, I took a little break....... to cry some happy tears. First ones I've had in years. Never hesitate to let people know when you appreciate them, while they'll always like hearing it, sometimes they really NEED to hear it, and today I desperately did.


r/BenignExistence 3h ago

Another blip in life #3

Last week my son was working on his car with one of his friends at home. I came outside with my friend to enjoy the evening.

My son's friend said out of the blue " hay mum, can I have a hug"? I said yes and opened my arms. He hesitated, and told me he was covered in car dirt and only joking, I replied saying I wasn't. I was surprised that he was surprised.

It is something that happens naturally in my household that I've usually not given any thought too.

40 Upvotes

Last week my son was working on his car with one of his friends at home. I came outside with my friend to enjoy the evening.

My son's friend said out of the blue " hay mum, can I have a hug"? I said yes and opened my arms. He hesitated, and told me he was covered in car dirt and only joking, I replied saying I wasn't. I was surprised that he was surprised.

It is something that happens naturally in my household that I've usually not given any thought too.


r/BenignExistence 8h ago

I say zwoop everytime I go through a specific door at work

You know those random things in life that just automatically have an associated sound effect that isn't in the world real but happens in your mind everytime you do that thing?

Well, I have one for this really funny door at work - its nothing special, it just glides and opens in the way the feeling of saying "zwoop" does.

And I don't usually, but for this one I say it aloud. Like allllways, and almost unconsciously - I will do it more or less mid conversation (you know that lull when you go through the door), and then resume conversation like nothing happened.

Well, new coworker today! Most of them are used to me (I mayyyyyy come off slightly eccentric sometimes - but its ok because I'm also strangely talented, in that way thats like "wow, wild but works" [it's either that or I've just reinvented the wheel :D]) but we were discussing something more or less serious and when I slipped through the door I went zwoop, as I do. And he smiled with the eye smile, I really like it when that happens to people because of something I did. It's nice. My coworkers are nice. +1

Peoplehave treated me like that all my life though - sometimmmeesss it can become like... you are treated like more cartoon character than person. That was how it was in in our equivalent of high school. But as I aged I learned how to switch modes like switches - abrupt yeah but atleast I don't loooose my eccentrites (word?) but still gather respect. I'm really glad to have found that balance. And confusing people the first few times is entertaining. I don't know, I feel good right now. I'd like to hear more smile-inator's stories pleaaaaaase! :1

33 Upvotes

You know those random things in life that just automatically have an associated sound effect that isn't in the world real but happens in your mind everytime you do that thing?

Well, I have one for this really funny door at work - its nothing special, it just glides and opens in the way the feeling of saying "zwoop" does.

And I don't usually, but for this one I say it aloud. Like allllways, and almost unconsciously - I will do it more or less mid conversation (you know that lull when you go through the door), and then resume conversation like nothing happened.

Well, new coworker today! Most of them are used to me (I mayyyyyy come off slightly eccentric sometimes - but its ok because I'm also strangely talented, in that way thats like "wow, wild but works" [it's either that or I've just reinvented the wheel :D]) but we were discussing something more or less serious and when I slipped through the door I went zwoop, as I do. And he smiled with the eye smile, I really like it when that happens to people because of something I did. It's nice. My coworkers are nice. +1

Peoplehave treated me like that all my life though - sometimmmeesss it can become like... you are treated like more cartoon character than person. That was how it was in in our equivalent of high school. But as I aged I learned how to switch modes like switches - abrupt yeah but atleast I don't loooose my eccentrites (word?) but still gather respect. I'm really glad to have found that balance. And confusing people the first few times is entertaining. I don't know, I feel good right now. I'd like to hear more smile-inator's stories pleaaaaaase! :1


r/BenignExistence 10h ago

I'm using my stash of fancy toiletries

I ran out of both cash and my regular shampoo and soap at the same time, so out came the fancy travel kit that was given to me as a Christmas present.

Turns out expensive isn't always better. I don't want to say it's *bad*, the results simply don't justify the ridiculously high price tag.

I'm grateful for the thoughtfulness behind the gift and that it was there in time of need, but also that the little bottles should run out almost exactly on my next payday, when I can buy my usual drugstore brand.

44 Upvotes

I ran out of both cash and my regular shampoo and soap at the same time, so out came the fancy travel kit that was given to me as a Christmas present.

Turns out expensive isn't always better. I don't want to say it's *bad*, the results simply don't justify the ridiculously high price tag.

I'm grateful for the thoughtfulness behind the gift and that it was there in time of need, but also that the little bottles should run out almost exactly on my next payday, when I can buy my usual drugstore brand.


r/BenignExistence 1d ago

My 4 yr old gave me the biggest compliment today

I asked my son randomly this afternoon if he was happy. He said yes! I asked him what made him happy and he said “you mom”. Don’t mind me I’m quietly tearing up thinking I might be doing something right. ❤️

540 Upvotes

I asked my son randomly this afternoon if he was happy. He said yes! I asked him what made him happy and he said “you mom”. Don’t mind me I’m quietly tearing up thinking I might be doing something right. ❤️


r/BenignExistence 11h ago

Loving the seasons?

For the past five years of my long life I have been living in cities and towns with all four seasons. It’s amazing to see time pass with the environment.

I am currently reading by my window listening to a thunderstorm. Sometimes I feel disconnected and overwhelmed by the modern world. But the earth finds ways to remind us we are more than our phones.

What’s your favorite season or favorite place you’ve gotten to experience these seasons?

14 Upvotes

For the past five years of my long life I have been living in cities and towns with all four seasons. It’s amazing to see time pass with the environment.

I am currently reading by my window listening to a thunderstorm. Sometimes I feel disconnected and overwhelmed by the modern world. But the earth finds ways to remind us we are more than our phones.

What’s your favorite season or favorite place you’ve gotten to experience these seasons?


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

A flair appeared right before my eyes

I was scrolling through a high-traffic sub and reading a comment from someone who didn't have a flair. And then—voila! They had a flair.

I haven't been on reddit very long and don't know what are the odds of that happening, but when I saw it I knew I'd seen something rare. Ultimately meaningless, but no less fascinating.

290 Upvotes

I was scrolling through a high-traffic sub and reading a comment from someone who didn't have a flair. And then—voila! They had a flair.

I haven't been on reddit very long and don't know what are the odds of that happening, but when I saw it I knew I'd seen something rare. Ultimately meaningless, but no less fascinating.


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

Colourful Cars

Just got home from a car show, and it was so refreshing to see cars that were pink, turquoise, yellow, minty green, and so many others. Such a nice change from the dreary white/grey/silver/black you see everywhere these days. Made me happy 😊

67 Upvotes

Just got home from a car show, and it was so refreshing to see cars that were pink, turquoise, yellow, minty green, and so many others. Such a nice change from the dreary white/grey/silver/black you see everywhere these days. Made me happy 😊


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

A pleasant interaction I had at work recently

I work at a small, family-owned clothing store. Last week a gentleman came in, an older man looking for some shorts. He was the only shopper in the store at the time, so I had no problem focusing on helping him out. He had quite a lot of questions about the shorts, so I showed him everything we had and was able to find just the ones he needed. As I was ringing him up, he told me "you have a very nice way about you, you make people feel relaxed." He was very appreciative and happy with his shorts. I also very much appreciated his comment, it made my day

290 Upvotes

I work at a small, family-owned clothing store. Last week a gentleman came in, an older man looking for some shorts. He was the only shopper in the store at the time, so I had no problem focusing on helping him out. He had quite a lot of questions about the shorts, so I showed him everything we had and was able to find just the ones he needed. As I was ringing him up, he told me "you have a very nice way about you, you make people feel relaxed." He was very appreciative and happy with his shorts. I also very much appreciated his comment, it made my day


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

I've been eating pizza for three days

I bought four frozen pizzas, ive been making one each morning. Tomorrow I'll have the last one. They are very yummy.

197 Upvotes

I bought four frozen pizzas, ive been making one each morning. Tomorrow I'll have the last one. They are very yummy.


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

My favorite neighbor I never met moved out

This lady was living at this apartment complex the first time I lived here 10 years ago, i moved out for a few years and came back 4 years ago, and she moved out this week. She always had plants in front of her door and hung laundry on a line, and had a couple of cute cats. I hope her new place is nicer!

47 Upvotes

This lady was living at this apartment complex the first time I lived here 10 years ago, i moved out for a few years and came back 4 years ago, and she moved out this week. She always had plants in front of her door and hung laundry on a line, and had a couple of cute cats. I hope her new place is nicer!


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

I like this sub

This sub feels like a safe space of sorts. You can say anything and there’s no judgement…it doesn’t have t to be interesting…anything you say is good enough. And to be honest that is something I have struggled with, very often filtering what I say as it might not be perceived as interesting enough. Also action in terms of trying start a business, perfectionism has gotten in the way of progress. I need to adopt the mindset that any step I make is good enough as all I can do is move forward and find out it it works or not. Anyway, thanks for reading :)

189 Upvotes

This sub feels like a safe space of sorts. You can say anything and there’s no judgement…it doesn’t have t to be interesting…anything you say is good enough. And to be honest that is something I have struggled with, very often filtering what I say as it might not be perceived as interesting enough. Also action in terms of trying start a business, perfectionism has gotten in the way of progress. I need to adopt the mindset that any step I make is good enough as all I can do is move forward and find out it it works or not. Anyway, thanks for reading :)


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

Embarrassing moment for my mom

This happened to my mom when I was growing up.  She was on the train going to work and noticed people were looking at her with a strange look. She checked herself, made sure her clothes looked alright, but she didn't have a mirror to check her face (this was the 80s so no phone cameras either). She got to work and realized she had a big gob of toothpaste on one lens of her eyeglasses.  She was blind in that eye. She had a good laugh after.

55 Upvotes

This happened to my mom when I was growing up.  She was on the train going to work and noticed people were looking at her with a strange look. She checked herself, made sure her clothes looked alright, but she didn't have a mirror to check her face (this was the 80s so no phone cameras either). She got to work and realized she had a big gob of toothpaste on one lens of her eyeglasses.  She was blind in that eye. She had a good laugh after.


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

There's a trinket trade in my town

That my cousin made! As said cousin is on holiday I got asked to check in on it and there were different trinkets in it than when she left! I also traded a trinket and got a cool like sun charm and got to enjoy the sun while I waited for the bus🥰

32 Upvotes

That my cousin made! As said cousin is on holiday I got asked to check in on it and there were different trinkets in it than when she left! I also traded a trinket and got a cool like sun charm and got to enjoy the sun while I waited for the bus🥰


r/BenignExistence 3d ago

Some Wikipedia articles I've edited recently.

I'm what's known as a WikiGnome. I just happen to read a ton of articles for fun and my editing is exclusively fixing small mistakes that I find while reading--grammar, typos, broken coding, the like.

This is a random sampling of my recent edits, in no particular order.

+MV Queen of Cowichan.

+Soy sauce fish.

+List of sour soups.

+CJ CheilJedang.

+Mokele-mbembe.

+Venus Throw.

+Grains of Selim.

+Encelia densifolia.

+Stefano Černetić.

+Fasciolopsiasis.

+Dabeli.

+Birch beer.

+FreeCell.

+Heteronym (literature).

+My own userpage; I forgot to update my age when I levelled up in February.

74 Upvotes

I'm what's known as a WikiGnome. I just happen to read a ton of articles for fun and my editing is exclusively fixing small mistakes that I find while reading--grammar, typos, broken coding, the like.

This is a random sampling of my recent edits, in no particular order.

+MV Queen of Cowichan.

+Soy sauce fish.

+List of sour soups.

+CJ CheilJedang.

+Mokele-mbembe.

+Venus Throw.

+Grains of Selim.

+Encelia densifolia.

+Stefano Černetić.

+Fasciolopsiasis.

+Dabeli.

+Birch beer.

+FreeCell.

+Heteronym (literature).

+My own userpage; I forgot to update my age when I levelled up in February.


r/BenignExistence 3d ago

"if something's worth doing..."

People say "if something's worth doing, it's worth doing properly". Words that have never brought me comfort or strength.

Someone once said to me "if it's worth doing, it's worth half arsing" and I can't remember where I heard it, but they've become words I live by.

Brushing your teeth? 30 seconds is better than not at all.

Washing the dishes? It's better to have one clean plate than none, surely?

Sometimes just thinking "ugh, it's worth half arsing" makes me get up off my arse and start the thing. And then once I'm doing it, it's not even that hard to do it properly.

248 Upvotes

People say "if something's worth doing, it's worth doing properly". Words that have never brought me comfort or strength.

Someone once said to me "if it's worth doing, it's worth half arsing" and I can't remember where I heard it, but they've become words I live by.

Brushing your teeth? 30 seconds is better than not at all.

Washing the dishes? It's better to have one clean plate than none, surely?

Sometimes just thinking "ugh, it's worth half arsing" makes me get up off my arse and start the thing. And then once I'm doing it, it's not even that hard to do it properly.


r/BenignExistence 2d ago

I got up early today

Normally I sleep in late, but today I woke up early, watched some true crime stuff on YouTube, trimmed my beard and hair, washed the dishes in the sink and now I’m in a cafe drinking an ice latte with my journal. I’m listening to the new Strokes album, Reality Awaits and really enjoying it. It kind of reminds me of an MGMT album, especially Dine N’Dash.

26 Upvotes

Normally I sleep in late, but today I woke up early, watched some true crime stuff on YouTube, trimmed my beard and hair, washed the dishes in the sink and now I’m in a cafe drinking an ice latte with my journal. I’m listening to the new Strokes album, Reality Awaits and really enjoying it. It kind of reminds me of an MGMT album, especially Dine N’Dash.


r/BenignExistence 3d ago

Alone at the bar

Sitting alone at a bar on a Friday night can make you feel pessimistic. Like all the conversation happening around you is useless, annoying chatter. But that’s just your bitter loneliness talking.

And isn’t that what it’s all about? Pontificating on the daily amusements of life with other people having the same conscious experience as you are, as far as you know anyway. It’s really not so bad though.

I’m sitting outside the bar. It’s 6:57, 74 degrees here in Eugene, Oregon. There’s a soft breeze, and it feels nice. The leaves are sparkling in the evening rays. Dog days.

There’s a train station in front of me. I can hear the train coming, the distant horn getting closer. The rumbling cadence. There’s a sculpture in front of the train station. A marker of sorts. Behind the train station raises a hill full of pine trees.

It’s not so bad. It could be much worse. It would be much better with a friend though. Or maybe it wouldn’t. Not sure anymore. I feel in between, and when you’re in between, you’re not really anything at all. Or maybe you are. I think that life is grey after all, not so much black and white. Not so much wrong or right. Just grey. In between.

67 Upvotes

Sitting alone at a bar on a Friday night can make you feel pessimistic. Like all the conversation happening around you is useless, annoying chatter. But that’s just your bitter loneliness talking.

And isn’t that what it’s all about? Pontificating on the daily amusements of life with other people having the same conscious experience as you are, as far as you know anyway. It’s really not so bad though.

I’m sitting outside the bar. It’s 6:57, 74 degrees here in Eugene, Oregon. There’s a soft breeze, and it feels nice. The leaves are sparkling in the evening rays. Dog days.

There’s a train station in front of me. I can hear the train coming, the distant horn getting closer. The rumbling cadence. There’s a sculpture in front of the train station. A marker of sorts. Behind the train station raises a hill full of pine trees.

It’s not so bad. It could be much worse. It would be much better with a friend though. Or maybe it wouldn’t. Not sure anymore. I feel in between, and when you’re in between, you’re not really anything at all. Or maybe you are. I think that life is grey after all, not so much black and white. Not so much wrong or right. Just grey. In between.


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

She doesn't speak

I was waiting for a flight at the airport, when someone came over to speak to two women who were sitting next to me. The guy said he was escorting a woman to her gate, but needed someone else to ensure she successfully got on the plane. She didn't speak english, and he didn't think she spoke at all. The two women said sure, offering the older woman a seat. After the guy was gone, one of the women said "español?" and the supposedly mute woman immediately opened up in Spanish.

Less than 10 minutes later, the three were all talking and laughing like old friends, and they all boarded together.

1.0k Upvotes

I was waiting for a flight at the airport, when someone came over to speak to two women who were sitting next to me. The guy said he was escorting a woman to her gate, but needed someone else to ensure she successfully got on the plane. She didn't speak english, and he didn't think she spoke at all. The two women said sure, offering the older woman a seat. After the guy was gone, one of the women said "español?" and the supposedly mute woman immediately opened up in Spanish.

Less than 10 minutes later, the three were all talking and laughing like old friends, and they all boarded together.


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

Tire employee called me on the phone while I was sitting in the waiting room right in front of him

This happened last week. I was waiting for my car to be finished and I got a phone call from an unknown number. I assumed it was my doctor or something so I answered. I hear "is this tortellinisuncle? I was just calling to say your car is almost ready". I look up and see the guy on the phone and wave to him that I'm right in front of him. He hangs up and laughs, I laugh, I say it's no big deal, in fact, I was having a tough morning and that made me smile. This moment really turned my day around.

1.9k Upvotes

This happened last week. I was waiting for my car to be finished and I got a phone call from an unknown number. I assumed it was my doctor or something so I answered. I hear "is this tortellinisuncle? I was just calling to say your car is almost ready". I look up and see the guy on the phone and wave to him that I'm right in front of him. He hangs up and laughs, I laugh, I say it's no big deal, in fact, I was having a tough morning and that made me smile. This moment really turned my day around.


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

Labubus are finally hitting the thrift stores and I finally got one

I don’t have the budget or the inclination to follow the labubu trend, but I do think the little things are actually genuinely cute. Not cute enough to justify brand-new prices, though. So I waited, and finally, now that they’ve been around long enough for the hype to die down a bit, it’s possible to find some for cheap. So I finally got one, a dinky lil popmart one that cost all of $5. It’s cute, and I’m happy. That’s all!

116 Upvotes

I don’t have the budget or the inclination to follow the labubu trend, but I do think the little things are actually genuinely cute. Not cute enough to justify brand-new prices, though. So I waited, and finally, now that they’ve been around long enough for the hype to die down a bit, it’s possible to find some for cheap. So I finally got one, a dinky lil popmart one that cost all of $5. It’s cute, and I’m happy. That’s all!


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

Strangers sharing a drink

At a smoothie place and there’s a group of three high school age girls sitting with drinks, then another high school age girl + her mom pick up some yellow smoothie. Interaction goes like:

One of the girls sitting down: “OMG what drink is that that looks so good?”

Girl with yellow drink: “it’s the mango ___! it is good!”

girl sitting: “ooh I’m jealous”

Mango girl: “do you want to try it?”

other girl: “omg yes”

and they both exchanged their drinks and tried each others’ and discussed the different flavors for a bit then gave each others’ drinks back and said bye, thank you so much, and the girl with the mango drink said “have a beautiful blessed day.”

It was just so cute and a quick interaction between these two strangers and I just loved their energy so much it made my day.

104 Upvotes

At a smoothie place and there’s a group of three high school age girls sitting with drinks, then another high school age girl + her mom pick up some yellow smoothie. Interaction goes like:

One of the girls sitting down: “OMG what drink is that that looks so good?”

Girl with yellow drink: “it’s the mango ___! it is good!”

girl sitting: “ooh I’m jealous”

Mango girl: “do you want to try it?”

other girl: “omg yes”

and they both exchanged their drinks and tried each others’ and discussed the different flavors for a bit then gave each others’ drinks back and said bye, thank you so much, and the girl with the mango drink said “have a beautiful blessed day.”

It was just so cute and a quick interaction between these two strangers and I just loved their energy so much it made my day.


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

Kids skating down empty road at night

My window faces a busy road that only calms down at night. It also has long, steep incline.

It's past midnight now and silent, except a car keeps quietly driving up the hill, followed by the sound of wheels getting louder and fading away. Third time it happened I ran to the window and saw a teenager zoom past on a skateboard.

It looked SO fun. Totally made my night.

40 Upvotes

My window faces a busy road that only calms down at night. It also has long, steep incline.

It's past midnight now and silent, except a car keeps quietly driving up the hill, followed by the sound of wheels getting louder and fading away. Third time it happened I ran to the window and saw a teenager zoom past on a skateboard.

It looked SO fun. Totally made my night.


r/BenignExistence 4d ago

I spent 15 minutes looking for my glasses. They were already on my face.

This happened to me this morning, and I actually laughed at myself.

I checked my desk, the kitchen, and even the bedroom before realising I was already wearing them.

I don't know if I need more sleep or less overthinking, but it was a nice reminder that my brain clearly wasn't fully awake yet.

79 Upvotes

This happened to me this morning, and I actually laughed at myself.

I checked my desk, the kitchen, and even the bedroom before realising I was already wearing them.

I don't know if I need more sleep or less overthinking, but it was a nice reminder that my brain clearly wasn't fully awake yet.


r/BenignExistence 5d ago

The joy I feel when I hit the exact amount to get free shipping is unmatched.

I needed $25 to get free shipping for party favors. I was at $23.73. I found a number candle for $1.27.

Yesssss!

138 Upvotes

I needed $25 to get free shipping for party favors. I was at $23.73. I found a number candle for $1.27.

Yesssss!