AIBU to feel deeply upset for someone I barely know?

[YellowDaffodil25]

Someone I know in passing posted on social media that her husband passed away a few months ago. She’s the same age as me (mid 30s) with a DS the same age as my DD. I haven’t been able to get them out of my head, and have been feeling inexplicably sad for them. I can’t shake the feeling, AIBU to be so upset for someone I barely know?

I think when you see someone who is of a similar age and also with a young child, it allows you to relate to them, see how terrible their situation is and it instills a bit of fear in you that no one is immune to loss. It's your empathy coming through. Just dont allow it to take over you, that's all I'd say. Try to use it a good reason to enjoy each day and be in the moment.

Agreeing with PP. I think it can really hit you when something awful happens to someone of an age or circumstances that really chime with you. I remember the Baby P story really hit me, my son was a similar age and I found it incredibly upsetting