Walking into the garage at the end of the work day,

I saw a young woman sitting in her car crying her eyes out — big, racking sobs like a child.

I asked her if she was all right. She was just barely able to get out that she had just received word that her dog back home had been killed.

I said I was sorry to hear it and left her, figuring there was nothing more I could have done to help.

Do you think there was anything I could have done for her?

Top | New | Old

Coralmist · 41-45, F

I don't think you could have done a lot to help ..she was just taking in the reality /sadness of it all. That was kind of you to inquire, Bec many wouldn't.

exexec · 70-79, C

I have been in similar situations, and I ask a question like, "What was the dog's name?" If that leads to a response that shows the person would like to talk about it, I listen. If it is obvious they want to be left alone, I express my sympathy and go away. Listening is about all we can do.

moonlightlullaby · 46-50, F

You did all you could do & more than most people. I hope you don't overthink it much longer. Big hugs for being a good human 🤗

joe438 · 61-69, M

I often ask explicitly in case there’s something I might be able to do that I didn’t think of. The answer is always “no” but she would know you cared enough to offer.

Pomegranates · M

I would have stayed bit longer for her until she felt better and ready to head home.

Listening to a person in grief and just silently sitting next to them, makes huge difference

Degbeme · 70-79, M

You offered you condolences, not much else you could do.

Levenrack · 46-50, M

Other than putting a towel on whichever shoulder you prefer to be cried on, maybe both and then doing the bring it in motion with your hands and arms. Probably not.

Layla07 · 26-30, F

Could have offered sex

DunningKruger · 61-69, M

@Layla07 While she was a lovely young woman, I think, under the circumstances, that might not have gone well for me.

Layla07 · 26-30, F

@DunningKruger that's too bad

DunningKruger · 61-69, M

@Layla07 I mean, just in general, even without the trauma, offering sex to strange young women you meet in a garage is not going to go well for someone like me. Like, I've been tear gassed, so I'd rather avoid being pepper sprayed. Or arrested.

Add a comment...