When your friend is in distress, should you laugh or cry?

Question

Should you show your friend that you are also in distress, concerned about his situation and be in a sad mood?

Or

Should you try to lighten things up and be funny and in joyful mood joking and trying to make your friend forget his situation?

Sara....very nice of you!

Answer 1

That depends on the gravity of the situation, and your friends personality. There is no correct answer, really, you just have to judge your friends mood, and how serious the problem is.
Sometimes a friend will come to me moaning about something or other, and I will tell them they are a wussy, just grow up. More serious issues require full attention, and either advice or condolence. Generally, a serious situation needs a bit of time for one to vent, at first, and then a small laugh can help with further stress relief, but always on a different subject to redirect thoughts away from the problem for a time.
Just from my life experiences, and good luck.

Answer 2

I think a little bit of both is appropriate. Your friend needs to know that you care, but if you are able to lighten his/her mood/load a bit then I encourage that also. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend in distress is simply let them know you are there for them.

Answer 3

OK, I'm searching for the proverb or verse that warns not to sing songs to the broken hearted or downcast Perhaps you know it.
To answer your question if you feel compassion and empathize with his suffering then show it. Listening is better than anything you can say or do. It's healing.
Once when I was overcome with worry my friend said "Don't you think that Jesus is big enough to handle this? I was shocked out of my lack of faith...never forgot that.
Blessing
Juju

Answer 4

Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. No one wants to see their friend suffer, but to play into the sadness or distress will not help them. Set by example, looking at the glass half full instead of half empty.

Answer 5

Of the above behavioural descriptions, one is important: concern

You can show concern without being distressed, and without joking. This is the most appropriate reaction for most situations.

Answer 6

I'll cry with them when it is appropriate and only laugh when they begin to see the lighter side of things themselves. To laugh at a moment when someone is still feeling pain only serves to make them feel worse. Either way, I show my concern and always have an available hug on hand.

Answer 7

It depends on the friend, really. Take a good look at the situation. Are they at the point where they need someone to cry with them and comfort them, or do they want someone to cheer them up? You sound like a sensitive person--you should be able to figure it out case-by-case. :)

Answer 8

Both, in the right balance will do good. Be sympathetic, compassion, supportive & encouraging. An outing or diversion with you, all in the name of light fun, will provide temporary relief to a friend in need. A friend like you is there for emotional support. Anything above & beyond this would have to be handled with a counselor. Its not good to become codependent to your friend. You do not want to enable your friend's self-destruction at your expense. Good luck. {{{{Z}}}}

Answer 9

depends on the situation really. like if a friend is cutting themself then there is no joking or anything to make light of. i would cry.


but like if you friend was just having a little disspute over something with someone else like with my friend today then you can joke. i said something that she thought was funny which made the moment lighter.

Answer 10

I think that the answer is personality to personality,as well as situational dependent...some need a shoulder,some a happy clown face....

personally,I'm a clown with big shoulders...so i'll just take the cash.

EDIT: (((Jack))), makes a very good point.