This week’s question is from contrbuting blogger, Jewell Washington.
Cry me a river?
We’ve all had that pillow-soaked, can’t catch your breath, smiles and laughter in between “good cry.” Sometimes it comes after a breakup, after a really stressful day or even when you had big expectations for something but got a big let down instead. Some feel that shedding tears can often make us feel better and learn to put things in perspective. Others think it’s not worth all the stress, increased heart rate and having to reapply mascara.
There have been all types of lab studies on the psychology of crying, and some docs say it’s beneficial for your mental health as long as the time and place of your crying is controlled. But controlling when you cry in the real world doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, the moment is personal and natural, and you don’t know how you will emotionally react. Growing up, I cried at the drop of a dime, and it seemed to always help me come to grips with what I was feeling. But lately, I feel that I can handle my life without crying, and I feel others see me as a stronger young woman.
This week’s question:
Is crying a river an unhealthy sign of weakness or a display of emotional strength?
As always, looking forward to your comments!
Photo from: browngirlnextdoor.com
The earth needs sunshine and water to grow. Sometimes a little (or a lot) vulnerability is needed.
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Speaking from a man’s perspective (although I cannot really see the difference between a man’s tears versus a woman’s tears), I’d say that crying shows vulnerability which, in the end, is a sign of strength. I am under the belief that when a person DOES NOT cry, then it’s reason for concern.
Cause they might be on the verge of snapping out.
I think that crying is a sign of strength. It is healthy and God gave us the ability to cry for a reason. It cleanses.
It scares me when a person doesn’t cry. I have a female friend who I’ve known for almost a decade and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen her cry. We don’t have to cry in public. But after living with someone for years and hardly ever seeing that emotion is scary.
I’m with Don. Those who don’t cry scare me.
Crying is what helps me make it through some days. If I don’t get a good cry out occassionally, something will feel off balance. I don’t think it’s a sign of weakness. Anybody can hold it in, but to be able to let your tears flow freely means to me you’re strong enough to show a vulnerable side. And you don’t necessarily have to cry in public. Many times I go to the bathroom or car when something gets to me.
ALL great comments….keep ‘em coming! I cried 2 days ago..so Yay I’m not in the ‘verge of snapping’ or ‘scare my friends’ club Whew! haha! :=)