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?

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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.