Valerio Russo, 27, moved to New York from Italy because his now ex-girlfriend lived there. After they broke up, he stayed for his construction job. He knew he was attractive, but unlike his coworkers, he had no interest in the girls who lingered around the site just to stare and giggle.

One morning before his 6 a.m. shift, he stopped by the grocery store to grab breakfast. With only ten minutes to spare, the long checkout line made him sigh. The teenage girl in front of him had a cart full of groceries and a two-year-old in a stroller.

Noticing him glance at the line, she raised an eyebrow. “You can go ahead. Looks like you’re in a hurry.”

“Thank you. Appreciate it.” Valerio stepped in front of her. She simply nodded before turning her attention back to her son, who was happily babbling away.