Would you find it odd if a complete stranger came up and touched you on the shoulder asking if everything was OK? (females, males)

[lost_immortal]

I would actually love that, and, depending on the day, I might actually start crying.
So few people show any kind of sympathy or empathy towards others that I believe we're actually starved for it, even if we don't realize it.
Plus there are so many people with anxiety and depression now that, that small gesture might actually save their lives.

[Ottawa2011]

I don't think it's all that strange. Something similar has happened to me a couple of times. Usually, it's followed by this question: "Have you met Jesus?"

[canadian citizen]

Ottawa.

Yes, I would also be expecting the "Have you been saved " line ?

Religionists seem to be taught that those who are having trouble are easier to exploit, than those who are on a even keel and happy. I call it, "taking advantage of the sad situation " when the person's emotions are in turmoil.

Do I have no use for religion, yes. I support freedom FROM religion.

Jim B.

[nostoneunturned]

Originally Posted by Ottawa2011

I don't think it's all that strange. Something similar has happened to me a couple of times. Usually, it's followed by this question: "Have you met Jesus?"

LOL!

I actually would be touched by compassion of a complete stranger. I don't know that I'd had the nerve to do it myself, if I were to come across someone who looked emotionally distressed. Physically, yes of course (fallen over, stuck, etc) OR if the person in question were a child, definitely.

[joe from dayton]

Without putting the question in perspective, the answer is, "yes," "no," or "maybe" What is the rest of the story?

[Miss Blue]

I think most people are kind so I would not be offended by a stranger asking me if I was ok. My response would likely be "I'm fine, thank you, and how are you today?"

You never know, maybe that person needs a little kindness

[Stagemomma]

I work in a library. Sometimes we get people in who are in need of refuge of one sort or another. 99% of the time we give people space and mind our own business, but on occasion we see someone who is in distress and we offer assistance. Usually when that happens we'll ask a co-worker just to get a second opinion before we approach.

This summer I saw a teenage girl sitting on the curb out front sobbing her eyes out. It was 100 degrees outside and she was in jeans and a hoodie. I went out and convinced her to come in to the AC and get a drink. She mooned around the library for a few hours and refused all other attempts at conversation and assistance. But when she left, she came and shyly said goodbye which I assumed was a thank you.

Personally, if i am in public and see someone who is all alone and in obvious distress, I will go offer assistance. I have appreciated times when someone did that for me (even if my distress was not that severe and I didn't really need help) Why would you be combative with someone who just wanted to help? Even if I suspected they had an ulterior motive, I would not generally find a reason to be impolite about it.

That's just the kind of world I want to live in.

[Harpaint]

I wouldn't like the touching part, but if I were obviously distressed I would appreciate someone asking at a non threatening distance.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by LowTune

If you were sitting down by yourself, would you find it odd if a complete stranger came up, tapped you on the shoulder, and asked if everything was OK?

Would you find it odd if a complete stranger came up and touched you on the shoulder asking if everything was OK?

I would feel like I'm being setup for a con.

Actually, this very question, to me, implies you are seeing how this con would work. You may or may not be, but that's how I would assess that kind of situation.

[gentlearts]

I cannot answer the question without knowing if you appeared distressed. Let's say you are a person sitting on a park bench, crying. I am an older woman, with strong mothering instincts, so if I walked by and saw you, I would probably sit down and ask if you were OK.