LifestyleThe GuardianThe kindness of strangers: I was crying on a sofa in Ikea. Then a small gesture reminded me that love is possible
A widow who broke down crying in an Ikea store was comforted by a stranger with a packet of tissues, a small act that reminded her human connection was still possible.
Dating as a widow was awkward and I thought a shopping trip would distract me. What it really did was highlight all the couples making homes together Read more in the kindness of strangers series My wonderful husband passed away in 2010. My father died soon after that, and I remember saying to my mo
A woman who lost her husband in 2010 and was struggling with dating again broke down on a display sofa in Ikea and was quietly comforted by a passing stranger.
The stranger handed her tissues, placed a hand on her shoulder, waited until she nodded that she was okay, then smiled and walked away without a word.
She has since found a new partner and now carries tissues herself, having used them to comfort strangers crying in restaurants and bars on four occasions.
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