Yes, It's Okay To Cry
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Yes, It's Okay To Cry

Crying is a natural response to certain stimuli. Don't let society dictate how you feel.

110
Yes, It's Okay To Cry
Max Pixel

Why is there such a stigma against crying? What's wrong with showing some emotion? The short answer is nothing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with shedding a few tears, or more. It doesn't make you weak or sensitive. It makes you human.

Ever since a very young age, I was told that I was too sensitive. That I cried too much or got upset too easily. I was told that because I cried, I was displaying weakness, as if I were some kind of one dimensional, perfect being that wasn't entirely human. I don't hold anything against the people that told me those things, as they were simply repeating everything that they had been taught. However, this belief that crying shows weakness needs to end. It's not only damaging to certain individuals, but also to society. It'll only continue to cause pain unless we put a stop to it.

So, why do we have such a stigma anyway? What's the deal? Well, unfortunately, in this case, men have it harder than women. There's much more of a stigma against men crying versus women crying, which possibly stems from a feeling that tears are feminine and may "compromise masculinity." Personally, I don't think this is the case at all. Oftentimes, I find that girls actually like guys who show emotion more than stoic guys, because publicly displaying emotions shows that one is more in touch with their inner self. I think it boils down to other people's discomfort. Most people don't really understand or know how to deal with someone who's crying. So instead of learning how to handle and console an emotionally overwhelmed person, society has simply deemed it as a weakness.

Crying isn't a matter of strength or sensitivity. It's simply your body's way of trying to calm you down. Oftentimes, crying actually helps soothe you. I know that after I have a good cry, I feel a lot better than before. In fact, crying is known to release leucine-enkaphilin. According to "How Crying Works" from howstuffworks.com, leucine-enkaphilin is "an endorphin that reduces pain and works to improve mood." Based on this, crying is actually scientifically good for you!

Through my own anecdotal research, I've noticed that people who suppress their emotions and don't cry often (or at all) are typically more likely to have large, infrequent outbursts that ultimately result in more damage being done than if they had simply cried. Furthermore, these people tend to push their views on crying towards others, inflicting even more harm than necessary.

There's really no need to suppress your emotions. If you feel like crying, then go for it. Don't hold your tears back just to please society. If you personally don't think crying accomplishes anything or it just doesn't work for you, then that's your prerogative. Just, please, don't force others to hold their emotions in. You never know what they're going through, so telling them to "stop being so sensitive" may hurt them for the rest of their lives.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48866
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31081
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954876
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180189
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments