How to not cry when someone tells a sad story?

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Okay, I might be a bit of a crybaby, but don’t you feel like crying when you hear a sad story of someone’s life? You’re supposed to act positive and encouraging but you feel like crying.

I just remembered that one time 10 months ago, when a guy I was on a date with told me how his brother died of suicide and his father died when he was 12. How his mother struggled to raise him and so on. I couldn’t stop crying and he was comforting me…

But, I am supposed to be the one to comfort the people who have experienced such things, so how do you manage not to cry and comfort people instead?

I just had to send my condolences to my teacher whose brother passed away, I felt very sad and instead of writing any words of condolences I felt like crying.

I might be emotional cause I am on my period. But It still affects me a lot when I hear sad news.

[NathanDavis]

you don't always need to be stoic when comforting someone...

and especially, when it comes to loss... you do not always have to be positive and encouraging

if you are able to listen and to be with them in the moments of need, then that might be enough... maybe a hug with no words would help a lot more than saying something "positive and encouraging in a very calm manner"

maybe, just think of it this way... comforting people is not about making people feel better right away, comforting people is more about making them feel less alone, less bad, to make them feel supported in spite of the very negative situations, even if they feel a little less bad, that would be a win...

[love_conquers_lust]

Sometimes you can’t. You can try maintaining a stern face but the tears flow anyway. Or try to stop thinking about it.

It’s like you’re crying for others. You’re is walking in the other person’s shoes reliving their experience. It’s yet another sign of true empathy. And that in itself is would be comforting to the individual you’re focused on.

Maybe try drinking some tea or sip warm cocoa while wearing a soft robe if you can manage that with your healing leg.

[Paris13]

Sometimes What People May Tell me Or What Someone Says about Someone else or a Movie or Show on TV or at he Movies... xxoo

[Paris13]

Thanks, Gag. xxoo

[Date_a_Snob]

I dont cry hardly ever. I dont cry at funerals or sad stories. I've cried at other times though.

[MasseurDeMojo]

I am a man and have spent a lot of time helping others. There are times when even I wish to cry. I have to remind myself why I am there, and that their need is such that I have to be stronger. This is not an easy task.

You have to be mentally strong, and when you become overwhelmed with emotions, acknowledge them, and continue to listen and share. Listening is a very powerful tool!! It allows the one who is experiencing the hurt to talk through all their issues, and with a word here and there from you, it helps them find comfort and resolution themselves.

Never stop being kind and available to help others!!

[msc545]

Oddly enough, it is somewhat comforting to hear that you have this reaction because it is identical to the one I often have.

We are both empaths and being an empath is not an easy thing...

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

How do you manage being an empath and doing the job you do? It must be very difficult to listen to other people’s painful life stories everyday…

[msc545]

Nobody who isn't an empath can actually do my job at all.

[Anonymous]

If I was in his position and I was comforting you, I'd still feel good because you crying shows that you're compassionate and sympathizing with what I went through. Most people would express condolence, but your tears did that instead.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Yes, he said the same. He comforted me and told me I am very kind and that he felt good that I took his pain close to my heart. He also joked that it must be him crying and me comforting :) I don’t think I am kind, I just felt bad to imagine all those things happening to him.

[ComteDeSaintGermain]

It's okay to cry. Please don't feel ashamed of it.

[Guido]

Being able to feel the emotions that a story generates is what makes us human. A story that can generate emotions in people is a powerful story.

[slatyb]

Why not cry? I often do. I was driving one day and listening to NPR and heard a Rabbi listing the names of Nazi death camps. I had to pull off the road.

[exitseven]

I am sorry that this happened to you. It shows that you have a lot of empathy. That is not a bad thing. I wish that maybe i had more empathy.

[HouseMoat]

There's nothing wrong with crying over a sad story. Crying over burnt fries, is another story. NOONE IS OUT TO GET YOU

[Staximus]

It's ok, it's better than you being a cold piece of work

[KrakenAttackin]

As a woman it's OK to be sensitive to the challenges in other people's lives.

[Jmmmfi4]

DON'T BE SUCH A GIRL

[Twalli]

I don't cry, but I can commiserate.

[Ashley1993]

Be a sadist

[Ashley1993]

(kidding

[Date_a_Snob]

funny but inappropriate to say