Have you ever comforted a distraught stranger; or has a totally stranger ever comforted you when you were viably upset?

I don't know about how "distraught" I was, but there were times when I clerked at a store and had rude customers that annoyed me, and a few times the customer behind them would say something nice. That's why whenever I see someone be rude to cashier or server, I try to be a little nicer when it's my turn.

Yes, it's happened to me before. I remember I broke up with my boyfriend while I was at work. It was at the tail end of me getting off for the night so the emotions were extremely raw and I just a wreck. I was crying on the train ride home. There was a woman who saw how upset I was and asked what was wrong and if she could help in any way. Of course, I played it off and told her I was fine but I really did appreciate her concern and compassion. She even moved to sit next to me and just keep telling me that whatever it is, it'll be okay. Almost the same thing happened in reverse. I saw a woman crying on the train once too and wanted to go over and say something to her, but she got off before I could.

In my younger days, when I went out a lot, I always had ladies cry on my shoulder in the bathroom over their friends or a guy. I guess I just had that "I give a damn" look to me or something.

NY, your story was sweet, I am not knocking that a bit. These girls were always drunk and just stupid and attention seeking. It is a lot different to be crying in a club bathroom looking for sympathy.

no, i dont think thats ever happened to me

I've offered my shoulder to cry on to strangers but no it has never happened back at me.