How Do You React

[Purple_Popple]

If someone close to you starts crying, be it a loved one, friend or work colleague, do you get embarrassed, do you make an excuse and leave, or do you get right in there with a good comforting hug ? I'm a hugger ! Can't bear people crying alone, I have to join in!

[Baldric]

Leave them to get on with it!

[2sp_]

I couldn't walk away from someone who was so upset, even if I didn't know them. I'm usually not into hugging folk (other than Mr P and the kids), but I have put my arm round a total stranger who was upset in the hospital one day.

If it's someone I care for, I tend to start welling up too.

[rockyracoon]

If one of my friends or loved ones cry I'll invariably cry with them, I can't help it. Unfortunately if I see someone being sick, I'll throw up as well :)

[grasscarp]

I try to get them out of it with a joke or advice or whatever is appropriate at the time. I have known people cry - adults and children - but I try and get them smiling again ASAP

[tiggerblue10]

I would try to comfort them.

[solvitquick]

Ask them if they want to chat about their problem in a private place or even outside. There, be a listener, with the odd question to clarify if it's complex.
Do not touch them in public or in private - that's a potential bag of worms these days.
SIQ.

[Tilly2]

I usually end up in tears as well, whilst trying to comfort them.

[craft1948]

I'm not a hugger, but when needs be I am a good listener.........

[Elina]

lol @ rocky & vomiting! .. solvit ... get in there with a hug!!!! ;0)

[Elina]

I'm a hugger by the way purple.

[boxtops]

It depends entirely on the circumstances. I wouldn't leave them alone. I remember bursting into tears myself at work once - the person I was with was brilliant, she handed me a box of tissues and sat there sympathetically. I certainly wouldn't make a joke out of it, if someone's upset enough to weep.

[pixie373]

I would hug them if it was a friend or relative. Would probably just take the hand of a stranger and try to reassure them.

[China Doll]

A Friend or relative would get a hug, a cuppa or something stronger and ear. A work collegue will get ushered out the door and down to canteen for a tea and a chat, I work in an open plan office and I think if someone starts crying they need to be out as quickly as possible before they feel embarassed or the whole floors starts nosing. A stranger, dunno, I'd probably offer a tissue.

[tamborine]

A snotty tissue soon mops up ;)

[Arksided]

For me it depends on the family member for eg:

Nieces "Awe what's wrong, what's happened come here, tell me I'll try help"
Brother "Grow up, you big tart!"

[solvitquick]

Aaaw elina, O.K. a hug if it's a relative or very close friend otherwise nope could lead to complications during these litigacious days. Ridiculous & crazy I know but touching someone without their permission can be construed as assault.
Maybe after a private chat as I said earlier, a move in grasscarp's direction of humour could be good idea as a possible temporary end-bit depends on the circs.
Dear Rocky, you would be worse than useless - doubling the problem :)
SIQ.

[boxtops]

what I don't understand re rocky's vomit.... (as it were) ... is that if it's a family member vomiting, or one of the animals, I can deal with it no problem. If it's a third party, then I'm in there with rocky . Why is that?

[pixie373]

I often cry if someone is very upset, especially my sister. And also want to vomit if someone else does :-\

[boxtops]

OH says that's why I always have a handful of diced carrot in my pocket - oh purlease.... :-)

[pixie373]

Eeeeuuuuiwwew...