What would you think/do

[petuladaisy]

If you were sitting out in your garden of an evening and you could hear your single neighbour crying ?
is it wrong to do nothing as we are strangers to each other ?

I don’t know tbh.

Perhaps you can ask over the fence if she’s ok? But, if you don’t know her I can see why you might not feel like it’s the right move. Hopefully she’s got people to reach out to if she needs it.

I think if i felt comfortable doing so with that particular person, I would call out over the fence to ask if she is ok. But bearing in mind she might say no, then you need to be ready to help.

I’d peep over the fence or knock on. She’ll likely give you the brush off as it’s getting a bit late but hopefully she’ll see there’s a caring person nearby

Oh i'd have to do something!

I don't know what exactly as i dont know you're set up - low fences, open doors, flat, house ect?

I'm like that though - i'd approach a stranger in distress but i know a lot of folks won't.

Can you call out from the garden? Or would you have to go and knock? I really can't imagine anyone being cross with someone being concerned even if they dine actually accept help.

They'll remember your kindness. People do.

Tricky one really, especially as you don't know each other.

You could choose to ignore it.

You could go and knock the door and if they answer just step back a bit and say you couldn't ignore the fact you heard crying and wanted to check on them.

Or write a note in readiness of not getting an answer and pop it through the letter box explaining that you don't need the in's and out's but if they ever need a chat you're willing to offer an ear.

But as mentioned you need to be prepared if it turns out it's going to be a regular occurance.

I think I would have to gently ask if everything is okay? I couldn't pretend not to hear anything. I think it's natural to ask and offer help when we know someone is distressed.

If it's quiet sobbing then no.

If it's loud crying where she knows she can be heard, then I probably would pop my head over the fence.

I could see myself doing this; having a nice cry in my own garden. I wouldn’t want a neighbour to interfere or intervene. Sometimes you just need to let it out in peace.

There’s a six foot fence and tall hedge between the two houses so we can’t see over so all I’d be able to do is call out.

I put a little note in a card saying I hoped she was ok but that there was no obligation to answer, no pressure and put it through the door.