Door-to-door survey worker bursts into tears at elderly woman's kind gesture: 'So much love'

Chance interactions can feel small in the moment, but they can shift the way you think about connection, kindness, or the quality of presence people bring into each other’s lives. That’s what happened to Shana Ginsburg when she met Guillermina, an 85-year-old woman she had never seen before. What began as a quick stop during a day of door-knocking became something unexpectedly meaningful, and it moved Shana to tears right there on the street. She shared the beautiful encounter with the woman on her Instagram account @shana.ginsburg.

In the video, Ginsburg is out for a day of knocking on doors — something survey workers often do. It is during this process that she chances upon Guillermina, an older lady who greets her with kindness and affection almost instantly, despite the two having just met. English is Guillermina’s second language, but that doesn't stop her from expressing what she wants to say. She tells Ginsburg, "I love you," while holding her hands and kissing her on the cheeks. "I speak a little bit of English," she adds. Ginsburg is quickly overcome by emotion, responding with, "I love you too," and going on to mention, "My gosh, you are a gem." Guillermina even invites Ginsburg to her house and offers her milk and Mexican candy. "Love does NOT have to be earned. It can be given and received freely and openly," Ginsburg wrote in the video's caption. 

Ginsburg said that she was moved to tears not because of what was said, but because of how deeply loved she felt within minutes of meeting a stranger. "We barely talked (English was her 2nd language). It was about her energy that spoke volumes. The love we felt from our initial exchange was enough," she explained in the caption, going on to reflect upon what her door-to-door work has taught her. "Knocking doors for a living showed me just how lonely and isolated people are. It showed me how badly people want to be noticed and heard. I want to be remembered for my overwhelming capacity to love people, including acquaintances, like Guillermina once was," she said. 

She also shared an update, writing, "I just visited Guillermina a few days ago for the first time in 2 years!!" In a world where connection often feels conditional and affection, all too frequently, has to be earned, Ginsburg's innocent run-in with Guillermina shattered that notion completely. Her experience mirrors findings from a 2014 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, which looked at how brief interactions with strangers, what researchers called "weak ties," can meaningfully impact well-being. The study found that people often underestimate how uplifting and emotionally significant these everyday moments can be.

The story resonated with many online, prompting heartfelt responses from the viewers. @nancylucio commented, "That’s my grandma! She’s always so loving, affectionate, and embraces me with her kisses. I’d have to admit, I don’t visit her as often, but really need to make it a point to do so." @sandraavalos wrote, "As a daughter of a loving Mexican mother, thank you for accepting the love this sweet lady had to offer you." @allison_and_daisy said, "This proves that we are nothing without community. This is so beautiful. I also think women connect without words." @mamaorozco59 added, "So beautiful and heartwarming! Blessed for the two of you to find this moment that some others wouldn’t notice, a moment to be cherished. Thank you!" @sara_maraffino shared, "Your souls have known each other before. The language of love is understood by all."

You can follow Shana Ginsburg (@shana.ginsburg) on Instagram for more daily life content.