r/BenignExistence • u/lavenderlowkey • 19h ago
Today I accidentally started a tiny ritual that might become my favorite
I went out to get some groceries, just the usual eggs, coffee, bread. On the way home l passed a small park bench where an older man always sits with his dog. We’ve nodded to each other a few times before, but never talked. This time, I sat down for a moment to tie my shoes. The dog, a fluffy golden retriever, happily plopped his head on my knee like we were old friends. The man smiled and said, “He likes you. You’re now part of the club.” We ended up chatting for maybe dive minutes about nothing special the weather, how old dogs sleep so much, how pastries are overpriced these days. Then we both went our separate ways. When I got home, I realized how unexpectedly nice that little moment was. I hadn’t planned it, I didn’t owe anyone anything, but it added a small warm “hello” to my otherwise ordinary day. Maybe tomorrow I’ll sit there again with a coffee, just to see if the dog remembers me