plants (left) Man reading note (right)
When Sarit Ray first saw a handwritten note addressed to him, he was equal parts excited and apprehensive. Mostly because every streaming drama he consumed warned him that handwritten notes always precede something sinister…often involving murder or maybe espionage on a good day.
However, the note he received wasn’t anything quite so menacing. It was simply his neighbor requesting that he water their plants “if they look sad” while this person was away for three weeks.
The thing that really struck Ray wasn’t the request (he's a flag-waving plant-obsessed millennial, after all) but the fact that it came from someone who he had never really spoken to, save for maybe a few polite hellos here and there. Even that he wasn’t sure of.
It left him with only one conclusion: this person must be an introvert. How did Ray know this? He was an introvert himself. To him, it was obvious how slipping a note to a complete stranger seems far more feasible than forcing small talk.
If there were any doubts to this hypothesis, they were quickly squelched three weeks later when the plants Ray had happily taken care of disappeared (presumably back into their home)and Ray found a pouch of fancy African coffee sitting on his outside shoe rack.
While he didn’t get a note, there was a WhatsApp message saying, “Thanks for watering my plants. I brought you some coffee” that came his way.
Again, even though no verbal conversation was had, this neighbor accurately surmised that, along with plants, Ray was also "obsessed" with quality coffee.
Latte art in a cup of coffee.Photo credit: Canva
The whole ordeal left Ray appreciative of the way two introverts were able to find one another and communicate in their own common language.
“That person never knocked and said hi. Am I complaining? Not at all. I prefer it if anything…No knock, no awkward chats. Just plants and coffee.”
All in all, people were ostensibly touched by this simple, yet wholesome exchange. And many agreed that this was less of a thoughtless gesture and more of a sign toward shyness.
“I can’t describe why but I think this is sweet. It’s a gesture that says she trusts you with her plants.”
“Some people are introverts and, therefore, uncomfortable with talking to people they don’t know. The note was polite. And she gave you a gift.”
“She has been observing you and has deemed you trustworthy. ❤️”
And of course, many were hoping they wouldn’t remain wordless strangers for longer.
“Aww could be the start of a lovely friendship.”
“Invite her up for coffee and ask about her trip.”
Ray’s story is a perfect example of how introverts just navigate the world in a different way. To introverts (or socially anxious people), handwritten notes, thoughtful gifts, shared tasks, or slow-burn conversations over time might feel safer and more enjoyable than small talk.
And when those gestures are met with understanding, as Ray did with his neighbor, it creates a kind of friendship that feels refreshingly human. Maybe that’s why this tiny interaction resonated so much online. It’s a reminder that connection doesn’t have to be loud to be real. It doesn’t have to be verbal, period. Sometimes it’s as simple as two quiet people tending to plants, gifting coffee, and showing silent kindness across a doorway.