The basic problem with cliches is that we treat them as if they were obvious, we tend to select only that data which supports the underlying assumptions, and reject or simply not notice other data. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Long distance relationships rarely work for long. There are people close by who start to look interesting. Cliches in general do not offer good advice for living.
People are LESS likely to help another person when they are alone than when there is a group around.
Essentially, we take cues about whether to act from the others gathered around us. No one wants to look like a fool for being the only one to act and end up with it being a mistake. This is exaggerated in situations that are ambiguous. We see this being addressed in crisis intervention and first aid classes when they tell people that if you are choking at mealtime to stand, throw over the table, and point to your throat. Reduce the ambiguity.