Let It Out: The Reasons We Cry
Divine Caroline 17 April 2009
By Allison Ford

http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22189/68792-let-out--reasons-cry

Crying is an emotional reaction that's completely unique to humans. Our capacity for complex thoughts and feelings means that we can cry whether we're overwhelmed with any emotion—happiness, despair, or fear—but not everyone cries the same way or for the same reasons. Some people break into tears at the drop of a hat; others remain stony-faced even when confronted with great tragedy or pain. Understanding the impulse to cry isn't always easy, but understanding the psychological and evolutionary reasons we do it is even more complicated.

Hmm. This was interesting because I most definitely fall into the "at the drop of a hat" category. What they said doesn't hold true for me though. Crying usually doesn't make me feel better, which is the opposite of the article. I cry when I'm sad or hurt (emotionally). I have a really hard time stopping, but when I do, I'm still sad.

I really didn't like that it said that crying a lot is a way of getting attention. I hate that I cry so easily. It makes me feel like some sort of freak. I try as much as possible not to draw attention to the fact that I'm crying although that doesn't always work. I don't want everyone to be able to read my emotions that way, but I can't seem to help it. It reminds me of a condition I've heard of where people blush spontaneously, and everyone can tell what they're feeling (it was on a "Grey's Anatomy" episode).

(couldn't resist  )

Oh believe me, Nichole.  I let it all out quite frequently and for anything really (sad, happy, ugly, angry moments).  I am afraid that if I continue this way, I will not have any more tears to shed anymore! 


tink

I wish I could cry at the drop of a hat.  I get upset and angry, and I just wish I could cry.  Too many years of the indoctrination of boys don't cry.

I do cry but it takes a lot.  And wearing makeup doesn't help.  Can't have the mascara running now, can we.

Janet

Janet, there is waterproof makeup/mascara, you know? 

tink

Quote from: Starr on March 17, 2009, 04:57:33 PM
Hmm. This was interesting because I most definitely fall into the "at the drop of a hat" category.....

....I really didn't like that it said that crying a lot is a way of getting attention. I hate that I cry so easily. It makes me feel like some sort of freak. I try as much as possible not to draw attention to the fact that I'm crying although that doesn't always work. I don't want everyone to be able to read my emotions that way, but I can't seem to help it....

So I guess it's "Hi There"  from another freak....I suffer the same problem and have spent a lifetime holding the tears back.

I get passionately involved in most of the things I do, and all too often.. it shows...

...very difficult in a business meeting..

Chrissty

Quote from: Chrissty on March 18, 2009, 04:43:30 AM
So I guess it's "Hi There"  from another freak....I suffer the same problem and have spent a lifetime holding the tears back.

I get passionately involved in most of the things I do, and all too often.. it shows...

...very difficult in a business meeting..

Chrissty

O Goddess, I argue so much better on a computer!! Simply because the tears go unseen!! Strong emotions have always brought mine. (Sometimes even the waterproof make-up runs though!! )

Movies, books, arguments, loss, love, whatever -- I seem to have tears for all occasions. And, so far, Tink, just so ya know and maybe won't worry so much    They don't look like they're in any danger of depleating and leaving me dry!!

Nichole

Every emotion is valuable even anger. Knowing how to handle one's anger is sometimes a problem. Can anyone explain tears of happiness. e.g. Seeing a loved after being seperated for an extended period time. Or sometimes I laugh so hard it brings me to tears. FYI: Primates do cry however the tear ducks don't function the same as homosapiens.

Wow. I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one. I've never met anyone who cried as easily as I do.

Quote from: Chrissty on March 18, 2009, 04:43:30 AM
So I guess it's "Hi There"  from another freak....I suffer the same problem and have spent a lifetime holding the tears back.

I don't know how you did it. That must have been awful.

Quote from: Chrissty on March 18, 2009, 04:43:30 AM
...very difficult in a business meeting..

Yeah, I've cried in front of every boss I've ever had. I've even been written up for it. They said I was too sensitive. 

Quote from: Starr on March 18, 2009, 11:22:50 AM
I don't know how you did it. That must have been awful.

As I haven't started transition yet ...it still is..

...you can always spot me at a meeting...I'm the one with the box of Kleenex

Maybe we could start a new Olympic sport....*hugs* 

Chrissty

Olympic tear-shedding? O, wow, dja think they'd go for that, Chrisi?

you can always spot me at a meeting...I'm the one with the box of Kleenex

I seem to recall working for that company too. 

Quote from: Nichole on March 18, 2009, 05:02:44 PM
Olympic tear-shedding? O, wow, dja think they'd go for that, Chrisi?

Well you know us Brits...any chance to get a few more medals with an obscure sport and were up for it, especially as we are hosting!

Yea I have always been sensitive, just feeling another's feelings gets my own emotions going and sometimes it gets confusing if it's another's feelings I am picking up on or my own. But I do seem to know once the tears begin to run down my cheeks if it is my own feelings or not.

Goodness,ya know how many trips I had to make to the bathroom when ever we watched a sad movie on TV when I was living at home and trying to hide the fact I was crying from the rest of the family?

At least now I am damned well free to cry where ever I want, when I want, when ever I have the urge to do so. Thank goodness Wing Walker always carried kleenex in her purse. I also cry  when happy, sad, depressed, sore, frustrated, mad, well the flood gates usually open before I can even reach the peak of getting mad.

My moods are also affected by different experiences, both the beauty, ugliness, and the nature of the constant battle of the dualities of this world

What's the prise if you win the contest? A cupie doll?

Cindy

Quote from: Chrissty on March 18, 2009, 04:41:46 PM
As I haven't started transition yet ...it still is..

Oh, I'm sorry. From your picture I assumed you had transitioned. You look great. I'm sorry you still have to hide your tears. 


Based on the responses here, it doesn't seem like any of us cries easily as a means of getting what we want as the article writer stated. I'd be willing to be she's not much of a crier and just looks down on those of us who are. 

I cry, more often than I'd like. If I cry when angry or sad I feel weak and vulnerable and I dislike that. When I cry experiencing a beautiful moment, such as a wonderful sunset or a beautiful song I feel elated and closer to everything. (the B-52's Revolution Earth is a song which gets me going every time I hear it.)

I was moved to tears recently when a young lady I watched grow up came back East to visit family with her 8 month old daughter. It was a most wonderful moment, watching her and her child, and I was affected so very deeply.
(sniff)
Having no children of my own, I also felt a bit of the ol' "missing out on raising children" thing.

Hi Linda, I empathise with you on the children. I had 8 children in my care vicariously through the years  and the three that I fathered. I should count myself lucky that I have had the experience of children but have  many a time day dreamed of what it would have been like to have given birth and mothered children myself. I loved children, and I am at least grateful to have had the opportunity to have them in my care.

Cindy

I never use to cry and would often wonder why. But more recently I cry far to easily. Sometimes I'm not even sure what I'm crying about  Go figure

I try not to but sad movies and social injustice can set me off.

The worst one: and this sad so don't read if you're not up to it.

I was called into the Emergency Dept on Xmas Eve about 6pm. I was keen to leave and see my friends etc, But I went, took some bloods from a really nice 25ish lady who had her baby 6mths? with her. The haematologist registrar was with her ( a thick b*h), "How long have you had the leg bruises? Ever since I've been bouncing baby on my lap. I'm not sure what's wrong I'll get the consultant - she didn't know what was wrong. I knew, diagnosed the disease and cried all the way home. Still do.
She had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. It was obvious, She was dead in 6mts.
I don't believe in gods

Sorry

Cindy James