This Story Proves We Should Take A Stranger To Lunch

Next time you see someone alone in a restaurant, you might want to walk over, sit down and join them. At least, that's what we thought after reading this wonderful and moving story of a woman who did just that - and struck up a friendship with an elderly woman.

The story of Brooke Ochoa, a woman from Texas, went viral after she revealed her good deed on Facebook. Visiting a local restaurant one day, she saw an elderly woman asking for a table for one. Brooke asked to join her on a whim, and the pair struck up a strong friendship - they now meet every week.

With over 2.2 million likes and nearly 300,000 shares, countless people have been inspired by the pair's story. It's certainly made us want to be nicer to people.

Today I went to eat at a restaurant for lunch and I saw this elder lady coming from afar so I waited to hold the door for her, she was very thankful and sweet" she began.

"She then told the waitress, "table for one", so I waited and hesitated but then I walked over and said, "I'm eating by myself too would you like to have lunch together?" She was ecstatic! Come to find out she spent the last decade living with her mom who recently passed away and her aunt who recently was put into a nursing home, so she has been having a hard time being alone."

Brooke added: "We had a wonderful talk, and she just kept smiling and saying thank you for listening to me, which made me smile too! Her words healed my heart just as much as i healed her lonely one. By far the best decision I've made all year!!! Her name is Delores, and we will be having lunch every Thursday from now on."

Since Brooke posted the story, she's been dubbed "the nicest woman on Facebook". She said it was not a title she was "reaching out to get", but just wanted people to "take a step back, make a change and smile" and to "make a difference in one person's life".

So next time you're having a Pret for one, will you ask someone to join you?