WWYD - Woman crying in the street

[ExhaustedGrinch]

There's a specific reason I have to ask this, will explain in a later post once I've got some answers.

Scenario is this: You're just wandering around town/city and you see a woman crying to herself. She's not wailing or sobbing loudly but just wiping tears away that won't stop falling.

What would you think about a person if you saw them crying in town?

How would you react?

TIA to anyone who answers

I would approach, and have done so in the past.

It's possible they might tell you to get lost, but I'm OK with taking that risk--it's not the end of the world! Whereas a kind word can really make a difference to someone who needs it.

How would you feel if you saw someone crying in public, OP?

I would feel very much the same as all the other posters. I would (and have) comfort them with a smile, kind words or assist them in anyway that I could. I wouldn't judge them, I reserve my harsh judgement for myself. I guess I got so used to other people judging me harshly for crying that I felt everyone else would too

I'm also surprised how common this appears to be, with most posters either having been the one crying or having comforted someone who has! And they say Mumsnet is a nest of vipers

It depends on lots of things. I have said quietly ‘you ok?’ As I pass in case they need help of some sort. On occasion this has been the right thing to do and I’ve been able to help lost/panicky situations. I don’t think I’ve ever thought it was the wrong thing to do.
On occasion I’ve done nothing when I get the sense all is ok other than sadness.
Just going through tough bereavement here and I haven’t cried in public on my own but have come close ! In fact came closest on bus and ended up having lovely chat with really sweet young guy who I think knew something was up. Left that bus remembering how many really lovely people there are out there.

I would have to ask if she was okay. I've done so on more than one occasion and I am quite prepared for them to tell me to fuck off, but I would hate to think that someone in distress of some kind is simply ignored.

I saw someone obviously crying quite a lot in the street fairly recently and just walked over and said “here you go love” and handed her a tissue and an unopened bottle of water I’d just bought for myself. She said thanks and that was it.

Think of it in the same way as if she was injured and ask if she's alright, is there anything you can go to help. You could save someone's life by making a simple intervention.

I would ask if she was ok. A kind word might help a little.

Nothing wrong with crying in private or public. Sharing your emotions is healthier than bottling them up.

In the original scenario I'd have asked politely if OK but not pushed it too much.

This happened to me on the tube, I gave the woman a tissue and said she looked liked she needed one.

I would never be embarrassed for someone crying in public, or think that they were odd or weak.

I'd probably quietly offer a tissue and a smile.

I would go up to her and ask her if she was OK and pass her a tissue and ask if she needed some help. There isn't enough compassion in this world and a kind word can make someone feel better.

I was sobbing quietly to myself in A and E with my DS when he was about 1, he was really poorly and I had that 'I can't cope with this' feeling, and someone gave me a tissue and sat with me and it was really nice of them.

It's not weak or pathetic, and I'd feel very sympathetic. But I wouldn't speak to anyone crying on the street, only because I'd rather be left alone when it happens to me - and it has. I don't want them to feel awkward by me approaching them.

Not weak at all, it's human to be human.

I've had difficult times and sometimes been very emotional in public and even if a person can't actually help at all a tissue and brief human contact always makes me feel a bit better.
I can even recall from nearly fifteen years ago one woman who was kind to me.

I think I would have to ask if she was ok and be ready for any reply. I just couldn't leave someone crying.

actually did math, that would be 23 years ago.

I pulled up in a car park, not very full, plenty of spaces, and a man in car nearby was sitting with his head lowered on to the steering wheel. I looked at him for a bit wondering what to do, then decided to go get my ticket, came back and he was still in the same position. I was worried he might have had a heart attack or something, so I screwed up my courage and went over to him, & tapped gently on the window. He looked up and I said are you ok? He was having a nap! Queue red face (mine!) and I scuttled off sharpish!

When I got the news my Mum had died out of the blue I was at a conference so I got straight on the tube to go to my Dad's. I was crying in the carriage and didn't have any tissues on me and a girl opposite passed me some tissues without saying anything. I really appreciated the kindness and care of her gesture but wouldn't have been able to say anything if anyone had asked me if I was okay.

My answer would have been 'No, my Mum just died.' Thats a bit heavy to put on a stranger. I was beyond articulating it anyway.

I'd like to think I'd ask if she was ok and offer a tissue or ask if there was anything I could do.

I'm also autistic, and noise/crowds are a huge thing for me to trigger anxiety. I'd be grateful if someone asked me if I was ok x

It's happened to me before, saw a woman sobbing loudly sat at the side of the pavement. Everyone just walked past. I stopped and asked, turned out she'd been kicked by some complete arsehole and was scared of him coming back. She talked for a while about her life and it was desolate.

I left to get my train in tears feeling so guilty for my comparatively perfect life.

I always think there's nothing wrong with showing a bit of kindness, it makes the world go round. I'd rather do that and possibly get conned than live a life where I'm constantly suspicious.

About six months after a very close relative died, I burst into tears in the supermarket.

I couldn't stop. Thankfully no one stopped to talk to me.

I'd ask if I could help.

I ended up sobbing my eyes out on a tube home a few years ago having lost my job. Someone just quietly asked was I ok and handed me a tissue. It meant a lot.

People in general don't like seeing anyone distressed.

I’d definitely speak to her. Might be something I could do to make her feel a bit better.

Has anyone ever comforted you when you've been crying?

I know how you feel. Undergoing CBT as I have depression, GAD with agoraphobia and panic attacks. I don't feel safe outside at all and only leave the house with people who make me feel safe. My main worry is that I will break down outside and how people will act. This thread is very reassuring, it's easy to forget how kind most people are.