Do you leave someone alone who cries or do you try to comfort them?

I ASK them what they WANT & NEED & then RESPECT that.
What I think they need or what is irrelevant.

Not if they are crying about the misdeeds of politicians they voted for.

Depends on who it is.

Some people prefer to be alone when they cry. When I know someone has this view I leave them alone. I still make myself available for comfort then they seek it.

Some people want comfort from the get go. When I know this about the person, I'm right there to comfort them.

When I have no idea what they want. I simply ask them.

All the above assumes I have some connection with said person already. I would not be comfortable trying to comfort someone I don't know.

Both...But always "offer" comfort/help...


Hi (((((Audrey)))))...

I try making them feel good by being there but sometimes it's best to let that person have his/her space.

depends on who it is. If it is a person who normally does not cry, I offer comfort right away. If it is a person who always cries.. I leave them alone.

Depends why they are crying. If it is for dramatic effect I ignore them.

If the are legitimately upset and ask for comfort I give it.

If they are crying because they are out of control then I tend to step way back and let them get a handle on things.

If they are crying because they are in pain then I try to give what comfort I can or just be there because I know they are self soothing. I know quite a few people who do have severe chronic pain and they depend on me to allow them that comfort to grieve or cope with the symptoms and keep others from bothering them.

That is also a good point. Then again, if someone always cries from just about anything. I don't think I would be able hang around them for long.

Depends.
Do they cry constantly or all the time?
I leave the drama queen alone.

Are they someone I work with?
Hell no, I ignore them, harassment laws and all sorts of problems at even the hint of anything more than a professional relationship among peers and equals can hurt me.

Are they a woman or a man?
If I see some dude crying I leave them alone. A lot of guys will go from crying to swinging punches on the flick of a switch.

Are they some stranger sitting on the side of the road or in their car in a mall parking lot?
If my path takes me past them outside I might stop if it's a woman crying.
If they are in their car I keep driving or walking. I see women in their cars crying all the time.

Are we in a movie together?
Then it depends on who they are and what I know about them.
Some people will have their focus from the movie broken if I try anything.
Some people use the crying as a means to get a response and bond over some shared sad idea.

Am I the reason they are crying and if I stick around to comfort them does it increase my chance of going to prison?
I keep running.

Do I care? Really?
If not I leave them alone.


Other than that it really depends on the nature of our relationship, what I know about them, and how secure in that knowledge I am.

it really depends on the situation and the person.
are they crying for real?
are they just trying to get attention?
what's going on to cause the tears?
one of the kids in the family often cried to get what they want. I would say go sit on the couch and when you're ready to have fun, come back and join us.

somebody crying because they got hurt or scared is too close to panic. offering comfort could make the situation worse and make it harder to understand them enough to assess the damage and/or apply treatment.

when comforting is the appropriate course, then yes I do.


on a side note, I would add that when I'm close to the breaking point, comfort isn't what I want because I won't be able to hold my composure.

I agree with the keeping distance if it is someone you don't know. You startle someone who is crying they can hurt you. Especially if they are drunk or under the influence.

I also agree if it is a co-worker. That is going to be trouble more often than not. If I walk into a office or bathroom where someone is crying I generally leave. If I have an employee that is crying I generally give them permission to excuse themselves briefly or ask them if they want to take personal time once. I don't ask why and if they start to tell me some sob story I refer them to HR. If it is chronic I will put them on leave or terminate them. I do not pay employees to bring their drama to work.

But yes I have seen people crying in cars often. It is generally not safe to bother them. Often they can have a weapon and you just encourage them to use it on themselves. Or to try to drive away by bothering them before they collect themselves; causing and accident. Or use it on you if they think you are the police or mental health.

. I confront them... WHAT'S THE MATTER CRY BABY... suck it up buttercup...lol..jk

@ suck it up buttercup

u r something else,,,,lol

lol I'm like that too, harden up.
but if's something real bad i will comfort them.

I generally ask a stranger if they are going to be ok and read their body language as to whether I should follow up with more action or leave them be.

People I know,, well I know which ones prefer to be left alone and which ones need to 'vent'.

I'd ask them if they wanna talk or be alone? And then respect their answer.

I'm too gentle hearted. I never was one who could stand someone close to me to cry. It really depends on the situation and who the person is. If it's my woman, (If I had one) In my comforting arms she belongs. A friend, I would ask first.

I generally offer comfort, first.

Their response, determines, if I comfort them, give them space, or simply ignore them.