If you see someone alone and crying

It depends on the vibe they are giving off. I've been known to just drop a little note on my way by if they seem like they do NOT want to be talked to.

I heard a lady crying in a bathroom stall once. I waited for a minuet before asking if she was okay. (She could not see me and I could not see her.) she said yes, and I said are you sure? After she answered again, I left the bathroom.

I hope that what I did was not burdensome to her and that she felt like someone cared. I would hope someone would do that for me, even if it is a little embarrassing. I'd rather be asked than not. Others here think differently, and that's okay.

I also encountered an older lady on a plane who had never flown before and was very frightened due to bad turbulence. I passed her a little note saying that I understood how she felt and that I was saying a little prayer for her.
After we landed, she and her husband both thanked me and told me that it was a comfort to her. As nervous as I was to do it, I'm so glad I did.

I'd want to be left alone I cry a lot in public. Mostly because I witness mother/daughter or father/daughter relationships that make me miss my parents. Last week at the nail salon I had a hard time controlling myself and felt like a fool. Of course if someone asked I wouldnt share why I was upset because who wants someone else to feel guilty about enjoying a pedicure with their mother. Odd all the way around. More harm than good could come from approaching a blubbering fool like me hahaha!


I saw a woman crying at Lanikia Beach last year and it haunted me to think what was hurting her so badly that she just sat on the shore and bawled in front of all the beach-goers. I said a silent prayer that she would find peace and averted my eyes.

I've asked someone if they're OK (which looking back was a dumb thing to say, they clearly were not OK), but I couldn't bear the thought of someone being sad, alone, and thinking no-one cares.

Having said that, when I cry I want to be completely alone - but I know that's not normal for many people.

I'd rather check on someone crying and have them tell me to mind my own business/leave them alone than to do nothing

This past summer, DH and I went on vacation to Savannah, GA. We walked into a park. We found a production team creating a video with Paula Dean, her DH and another person. (not a son). We hung around for a while, took a few pics and went on our way.
A few hours later, we were in the park on River Street. Guess who walks with her crew to film for her new internet channel? Paula Dean and crew. After they finished filming, Paula noticed a lady sitting on one of the rocks. From afar, the lady looked like she'd been crying. She wasn't a part of the crowd vying for Paula's attention. She sat on the rock, knees pulled up close to her body. She hugged herself and laid her head down on her makeshift body pillow.
Paula asked her male body guard/assistant, "What's wrong with her?" He said, "I don't know." She said, "Well, go find out if she's ok." Quite a few people heard the conversation. I felt bad for the lady because people were staring at her. She hadn't appeared she wanted any attention. The body guard/assistant wasn't too happy to do the task but did it. He reported back to Paula, "She said she has a cold and isn't feeling well." The lady looked pretty bad.
I thought it was nice a "celebrity" noticed the lady and inquired about being.

Eff Paula Dean. And if she was really kind she would have asked herself not sent a minion hahaha. Sorry I just can't stand that lady. Yall carry on.

I've quietly handed off tissues before. 

I ask if they are ok...I hand them a tissue pack. Just seems like the natural thing to do. I hate to see others hurting.

I can't think of a time this has happened to me. If I was the one crying I definately wouldn't want someone to talk to me so I would be torn and respecting their privacy and showing compassion.

I have asked "can I do anything for you?" to people who were upset or crying in public. Some have said yes, most say no.

I ask if I can do anything. I have a hard time walking by anybody in pain. If the vibe is one that is of non-approach then I will at least offer a smile or a kleenex.

I work in a hospital setting. It is not uncommon for us to have people crying. I watch tons of people walk by people in need without offering anything. I am almost always taken up on my offers to help. For example, I had a guy who was losing his shit. He couldn't figure out where he was. He was becoming embarrassed and scared. The ambassador (information, direction givers) helping him kept raising her voice because she did NOT get how upset he was. I just stepped in, ended up getting him to where he was going, etc. Not at all a big deal, but it really meant something to him. He told me how he had just gotten bad news, had a previous TBI, hadn't slept or ate. He just needed a little more than a "go that way."

I have not seen anyone that I can remember, but I would probably see if they needed something.

I know how it feels to be there and feel so alone. Three years ago I had found out that my mom's leukemia had progressed and I knew from research that she only had 1-3 months to live. I ended up cutting a trip short and was flying home (where I grew up, not lived) when I found out they were taking her to the hospital due to fever. I was in the Denver airport and lost it. To me, I knew that meant the end would come sooner. Quietly crying for an hour waiting for my connection and not one person said a word.

This got me thinking. First I heard a GREAT story told by Joel Osteen. Joel Osteen story



The next story is my story and I am still haunted by it.   We were at WDW at Christmas time.   My mother came and was being a royal pain.  I couldn't take it any more and excused myself to go into the ladies room at the Grand Floridian and have  cry.   Quietly.    Well I hear  a conversation between a mother and daughter.   Mom, why was I born this way.  Why don't my legs work and I have to be in the wheel chair.  I want to be like everyone else.  Why....    I cried even harder realizing I had no right what so ever to complain.  If I hadn't been such a mess I wish I would have gone out and given this little girl a hug and told her something, anything to ease her pain.  

ugh...makes me cry thinking about it.   

I don't normally see people out crying, but one time I did offer a tissue. She was on the phone or I would have asked if I could get her something, like a water.

My dog was attacked by another dog in November and I was completely hysterical and in shock. We happened to have just come from the vet and were about 2 blocks from the veterinary office. A woman came out of nowhere, put her arm around me, walked me to the veterinary office, told them what happened, asked them to get me some water, and once I was sitting down and my dog was in with the vet she left. I don't know who she was, but her cool head was a complete blessing and I get teary just thinking about how she helped me in a horribly stressful moment in time. I don't even remember what she looked like, but I hope I would do the same in a similar situation. (And I hope I thanked her enough.)