An Act of Kindness in a Shopping Mall: How a Compliment Created Lasting Joy

If the going-out words are beautiful, then the coming-back words will be beautiful.”, Korean Proverb

Sometimes, the smallest gestures in the most ordinary places can create memories that stay with us forever. I was recently reminded of this truth during a trip to Seoul, South Korea, when an act of kindness in a shopping mall transformed an ordinary day into a Memriz moment.

An Unexpected Compliment in Seoul

I had been busy exploring Myeongdong shopping mall when a Korean shop owner stopped me with a simple, heartfelt compliment about my unusual purple hair. With limited Korean and her limited English, we managed to communicate, laugh, and connect as though we had known each other much longer than just a few minutes.

She explained how, in Korea, purple is often associated with independence, creativity, and even royalty. Our conversation about the many interpretations of purple hair was lively and full of smiles.

An Act of Kindness in a Shopping Mall: How a Compliment Created Lasting Joy

Before long, I found myself purchasing a beautiful handmade purple scarf from her stall. She insisted it matched my hair perfectly, and her sincerity made the moment even more special.

The very next day, another Korean woman complimented me on the scarf, extending that ripple of kindness even further. Later, I discovered the Korean word for kindness is chinjeol, and that beautiful proverb about words reminded me how kindness, once shared, finds its way back.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

What struck me most about this encounter was how effortless it was. A single compliment, simple, sincere, and unexpected, brightened my day, sparked conversation across cultures, and created a memory tied forever to that scarf.

Kindness doesn’t require perfect words, fluent language, or grand gestures. It can be as simple as noticing someone, offering a smile, or sharing a thoughtful compliment.

Share Your Memriz Moment

What has been the highlight of your day recently? Was it giving a compliment, or receiving one?

👉 Share your story on Memriz.online. Let’s continue encouraging one another and remind the world that kindness can blossom in the most unexpected places.

Have a lovely day, and keep looking for your next Memriz moment.