When Someone is Sad

[Cookiebaker]

Does it upset you if you see someone who is visibly upset or sad??

We went out for breakfast this morning to this cute little restaurant in Vermont. Our waitress came and greeted us, and I noticed that she seemed to be acting a little strange, like her eyes were nearly shut. We ordered, and afterwards I noticed she was standing, leaning against the wall, sobbing. I felt so bad for her, and I have no idea what happened. But all the other waiters/waitresses were just acting like nothing was wrong.

Anyway, I suppose this is a pointless thread, but I still can't stop thinking about her, and wishing there was something I could have said to make her feel better. I felt so shaky inside, and UPSET to see her upset, even tho' I don't know her. I just left her a good tip and a note wishing her a Merry Christmas.

[dukedogsmom]

You did what I would have done. I can't believe her coworkers were ignoring her. Maybe they didn't know what to say?

[Amber]

I think that was the best you could have done. Thats was really sweet of a thing to do. Theirs nothing like reading a nice note! It would surly cheered her up some. :]

[slick]

I get really shaken up when I see someone so sad, especially if it's a stranger. Many people get really depressed this time of year and perhaps she was missing a relative that passed on. It's hard to know what to do. Strangers don't always want share their pain with other strangers.

I'm sure that note meant the world to her.

[teenster3]

You are a very caring person for doing what you did, not everyone would have been so kind!

I saw a girl crying at the registers at a grocery store once. I asked her if everything was "ok" & she just snapped at me. I wished her "a good day" anyways! Hope it worked!
TiNa

[Kfamr]

Yep... always.

I hate seeing people upset. It makes me all shakey and upset too.

[sirrahbed]

I feel like you, slick and Kay in this situation - very sick inside and sad if I see somebody crying and upset.
I think what you did was exactly the perfect thing and like several folks mentioned - I am certain that reading that note helped her more than you will ever know - while actually speaking to her may or may not have helped - and may have been terribly awkward. What you did was very caring and sweet.

[KYS]

You did the same thing I would have done.

I feel bad when I see someone upset.
I want to go up to them, give a hug and console them,
but I never have. I am afraid to invade their privacy.

[shais_mom]

I would have done the same thing - I usually allow the person to have their privacy. But I can also cry at the drop of a hat. Like at a Hallmark Commercial. When my grandma was sick I was xraying a patient and was standing in our film checking area and started thinking and I just broke down and the ER Doctor came bouncing down (very nice guy) to ask me something else and he was like OMG are you Ok? I had to answer him thru my hiccups he tried to be encouraging but I knew there was little hope for her.

Poor thing

[sirrahbed]

After reading Staci's response - I have started wondering just how many of us who are so empathetic have entered a medical field or intend to? My training was as an RN and I was a good nurse - but really burned out quickly. How about the rest of you - any other medical, health or service professions?? I think these areas do draw in those who are very compassionate.

I am also a teacher - secondary education English and Speech and MUCH more comfortable in this role.

PS I cry for Hallmark commercails too

[Kfamr]

I wanted to add yesterday -- When we went to the gas station yesterday evening, there were three people working. They looked exhausted, and we felt so bad that they had to work on Christmas.

We went back home, made up a tray of cookies and one of the Christmas Cards of the dogs for them, and brought it back to them. The lady we handed it to couldn't stop saying thank you, and as we were pulling away we saw one of the guys walk over and eat a cookie.

I almost wanted to cry for them, here I was sitting with my family, playing cards and having fun, while they sat there having to work.

[Miranda_Rae]

Yes, I know what you mean. When I see someone visiably sad i want to go up to them Hug them and tell them how special they are, even though I don't know them. I think if i was in your situation I *might* have went up to her and ask her if she was ok, but I don't know. I am kind of bold in that way, but if I didn't do that I would have left her a note like you did. Sometimes when I see people that are sad like that I wonder what happened and what their life is like.

Kay, that was a very sweet thing to do. My third cousin had to work on Christmas Eve so he wasn't able to come to the celebration at my house. I felt sorry for him.

[Cataholic]

I always get teary eyed when someone else does. I try to say an encouraging word, even if it is something lame like "I am sorry you are so upset"...who knows- it might help. That was sweet to leave a note.

[Logan]

Anna, not only did you do the right thing, you and KayAnn gave beautiful examples for all of us of how we need to take that extra step sometime when we can do a nice thing for other people. You two obviously understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Thanks for sharing those stories.

Logan

[NoahsMommy]

I agree with everything said here. What you did was best.

I think just the kind gesture of "Merry Christmas" and a nice tip could have been enough to get her through the rest of her shift.

I hate to see anyone sad or upset. Sometimes, all you can do is smile and say a prayer that God will watch over them and get them through whatever is going on.