How to be a sensitive journalist (US style) Crying If the interviewee cries, this is not necessarily a bad or harmful thing. Carry paper tissues at all times, and offer them as a caring gesture. One reason people feel self-conscious about crying is nasal discharge, and offering them a paper tissue can help. A friendly touch on the arm is also often good. http://www.portal.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2001/10/04/nmed104.xml&sSheet=/news/2001/10/04/ixhome.html