What would you do for a stranger? If it’s someone you’ve never seen before and will never see again? It isn’t charity. This isn’t someone who needs money or a handout. If I told you it would cost you nothing to provide this favor, I bet you’d do it. But not everyone does in reality.

The other day I was that stranger. My flight had been delayed. So when we landed I had less than 10 minutes to make my connection. I made my way up the row asking each person the same question.

“I only have 10 minutes to make my next flight. Do you mind if I go ahead of you?”

The doors hadn’t been opened yet. I just wanted to get to the front so I could run up the jet bridge and hope against hope, make my next flight.

The responses to my question fell into three categories.

1. “Go ahead.” Some people were models of kindness encouraging me and wishing me luck and safe travels. These were my Good Samaritans.

2. “Where’s your connection?” These folks wanted more info. They wanted to be sure their act of kindness was justified. Still, I can’t complain. They let me pass. These were Open Skeptics. Skeptics because they wanted to be convinced. Open because they accepted the information.

3. “There’s nowhere to go.” This person flat out rejected my plea. The previous 10 people moved slightly aside back into their rows to let me pass. This individual preferred to maintain his place in line. This was the Greedy One.

Which one would you be?