One of the diners I frequent just comped my brunch for Christmas.
Last year, one of the other customers at the diner overheard that it was my birthday and paid for my meal.
I have paid for other customers. Most notably a couple of young men with toddlers. I really admired the way they were keeping the toddler corralled from disturbing other patrons, while still letting them explore some of the attractions in the diner. You usually see one extreme or the other: hard, sit-in-your-seat-and-be=quiet discipline or free-range, no limits.
I make it a habit to occasionally directly tip the bus staff supporting the server, never relying on the server tips being shared. This one Latina was so surprised when I slipped her a tip, that she wasn't sure she had properly thanked me in her limited English. So as I was walking to my car, she came running after me and had gone to her cellphone translate app and typed out her extreme appreciation. Felt good making her day.
