Does anyone else feel awkward when people cry to them?

Question

I feel like I missed a life course on empathy/sympathy. Whenever someone cries in front of me I just stand there like an idiot 😭 Like how do you even comfort someone in such a devastating state, what do you say 😳

Answer

I teach workshops on active listening skills, which is exactly what you are describing. The thing people miss the most is that most of the time people just want someone to listen and validate their feelings. Tell them it makes sense they feel that way in whatever words feel natural to you. Repeat back to them what they’ve told you and say stuff like “that freaking sucks” “that’s really rough” “that sounds like it’s a lot to deal with” etc.  just let them talk and show you’re listening by nodding along. Don’t give them advice unless they explicitly say they want it.

Answer

I'm awkward because I want to hug them or put my arm around them, but I'm not sure if they want a hug or arm! So I try to speak to them calmly to let them know it's okay. I offer them a tissue. I say take your time, I'm not leaving & I let them vent. It's all you can do.

Answer

I wouldn’t say awkward but I feel anxiety if I’m doing a good job at comforting them

Answer

Just letting you know empathy and sympathy are very different things, I highly recommend the short video by Berne Brown, Empathy vs Sympathy, it should the an animated/illistated short. But no I am very comfortable when people can be vulnerable with me. The video might actually have some really great tips for you (it’s on YouTube) :)

Answer

It depends on who the person is…

Answer

Depends on who it is and what they’re crying about I guess. 
If I can relate and I care about them a lot I have a much different reaction.

Does anyone else feel awkward when people cry to them?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products