I know that look - seen it many times.
The look that says...nobody's done this for me in years! Why are you doing this for me? I don't deserve this! Please, don't be kind to me! You don't know me. If you knew me, you wouldn't be so kind.
Breaks my heart. Then there are some people who just haven't seen kindness before. They're genuinely appreciative.
I held the door open for this little old lady at Denny's like 8 years ago. She had that look on her face, and she practically curled up into a ball when she went inside as I held the door for her. She whispered thank you. I told her You're welcome.
When we were ready to leave, the waitress told us that our meal was paid for. I ask who did it, and she said some little old lady did it. My heart broke.
I wasn't expecting anything in return from her, but I was glad just the same. Wish I could find her today and hug her.
