What will you do or say in this situation
By shaace
@shaace (105)
Singapore
April 5, 2011 12:30am CST
Hi all. Howdy? This afternoon, when I go for lunch, I saw there is one grandmother (age around 80) sit by herself at one of the stairs near my office. She seems to be someone who stay around that area and thinking about something with sad blank face.
In my opinion, she is thinking about what to do? or the purpose of life.
When I passed by, I stop and thinking should I stop by and at least ask her how she is doing? Then I am thinking how should I start? or what should I say?
Dear mylotters, what will you do in such situation? and what will you say?
6 responses
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
5 Apr 11
Ask her if she's got family, why she always stay there. Does she have someone she's been waiting for that she kept staying there. And a lot could go on the conversation.
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
5 Apr 11
If you happen to see her again hanging around. Do stop a moment and try to ask her what she's been doing. and why. That way we wouldn't much wonder why she stays there so often. :)
@xien2xien (1382)
• Philippines
5 Apr 11
is she homeless or alone in life? maybe you can start by offering her a food, then simply ask her what is she doing there and where is her family.... then if she talk to you it's good and you can be her friend maybe she can say what's she's thinking or talk to you about something
@shaace (105)
• Singapore
5 Apr 11
Thank you xien2xien, that is a good way to start ask question. I do not think she is homeless (from the way she dress). I think she live by herself or at least need someone to talk to. I know there are lots of eldery around this area that is live by herself and very cautious who she is speaking with (as there a lots of incident happen before int this area that they are being cheated for money).
@xien2xien (1382)
• Philippines
5 Apr 11
hmm when you start the conversation with her, better tell her that just stay in her house for the outside world is really dangerous for a woman at her age, plus just like you said many incident happen that elderly was cheated for money there... if you think she wants to talk with somebody then go and befriend to her.... i really don't think that she's totally alone, i think she has a family but they just don't seem like taking care of her... poor lady raise a bunch of kids that dumped her now
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
5 Apr 11
If it were me I would simply say Good Afternoon, how are you? If she responds then take the conversation as small talk and wait to see if she responds. She may be afraid to because she will not know you and think of you as simply a stranger.
So being neighborly is fine but await to see if she reciprocates the gesture.
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
6 Apr 11
You said that you don't think she's homeless but probably she's a lonely old woman living by herself. You can always start the conversation by a simple hello with a sincere smile on your face. If she's up to a conversation then maybe she will start the ball rolling.
If I were in this situation though I would just give her a smile and walk off. But if she would start a conversation I woukdnt mind talking to her at all.
