ok, this seems petty, but im interested to c what other people would do. i was just in a busy bakery and i heard a smash and this guy dropped a bottle of coke and it shattered inside the plastic bag he had it in. he was wearing a business suit and got a bit wet too. everyone just stared and walked past him. Not knowing how i could help, i just sort of gave a sympathetic smile and walked past like everyone else!!! i feel so bad!!! i couldnt have helped him in anyway but what would u do in a situation like this. i couldnt help him clean it up coz all the glass was in the plastic bag and i wasnt going to go get the mop! lol
2007-08-29 15:53:18 · 11 answers · asked by KissesnKuddles 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is quite normal for well adjusted people to have pangs of empathy and sympathy when witnessing something bad happening and feeling that one cannot help..It means you are normal, well socialized and have feelings.
the sympathetic smile and asking here is more than many would have done.
You were right to not do much more; some guys take a little offense that they cannot handle life's' small issues.
2007-08-29 16:06:10 · answer #1 · answered by Rockies VM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did what you could. Since it was in the plastic bag their was nothing you can do. Since a little got on him you probably could have gave him a napkin or something. But, that sympathetic smile you gave probably showed him that you would have helped if he needed it. That could have meant more to him than the others just walking by like nothing happened.
-You did good. Don't worry.
2007-08-29 15:59:17 · answer #2 · answered by Acumen 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a sticky situation, to be sure. (no pun intended). I guess I would ask, "Is there anything I can do to help, like call the manager or cleaning staff?" If he refuses, then just say, "I'm sorry", and go about your business. But if he takes you up on the offer, then find someone to help the poor guy. How embarrassing for him.
2007-08-29 16:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure he picked up on the sympathetic smile and it probably mattered to him. Don't be too concerned. These things happen all the time. Sometimes the only thing you can do is show you're sympathetic, but that in itself is helpful.
2007-08-29 15:59:54 · answer #4 · answered by Pulu Si Bagumba 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Id bring over some napkins maybe a cup of water in case he needed to spot clean and i would have asked if there was anything i could do to help
2007-08-30 02:23:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOu learnt from this. Don't ignore the person in need next time. You should have simply said "Oh no, is there anything I can do to help?" Or grabbed some paper towel for him.
2007-08-29 16:00:41 · answer #6 · answered by Renesme 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think all the guy was looking for was your simpathy you know., a smile can sat it all and i bet your said 'im sorry that happen to you, wish i could help you but i cant find away' he got it and at the very least you did try.
2007-08-29 15:59:42 · answer #7 · answered by Corrector Inspector 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It gives me hope that you at least felt guilty, not many these days would have even done that. You'll be okay.
2007-08-29 16:25:57 · answer #8 · answered by Glinda W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you did all you should have done...saying anything may have caused more embarassment for him
2007-08-29 15:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by nicole 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would have laughed at the guy
2007-08-29 16:20:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋