DEAR ABBY: Do you think it's appropriate to laugh when someone inadvertently falls -- especially if it's unclear whether the individual is hurt?
I have never found it amusing to see someone fall. Instead, I feel concern. Some of my friends think that laughing is not only the appropriate response, but "necessary" to help ease the embarrassment of the individual who has fallen. Who's right? -- COMPASSIONATE WITNESS IN SEATTLE
DEAR COMPASSIONATE: You are. And watch out for those "friends" because they either lack maturity or empathy -- or both.