It seems like everyone has a coping mechanism to get through tough times. Some people are strong and stoic. Some people eat, Some people don’t eat. Some people yell and then there is what I do.
I am a crier. I always have been my whole life. Happy or sad tears come frequently in my house. It’s the worst when I am pregnant. I have to admit to actually shedding tears over many hallmark commercials and even an episode of the cartoon Clifford the big red dog once.
After reading a study done by the German society of ophthalmology, I do not feel so alone. This study found that women cry more than men and longer. I know is not a big surprise or anything I definitely outcry my husband or any guy I have ever known. But I still found it interesting to read the information they reported on.
The study found that women cry when they feel inadequate, when they are confronted by situations that are difficult to resolve or when they remember past events.
I definitely find that to be true! I also tend to cry when I see someone else cry. I always have a hard time not shedding tears when something has made one of my kids really upset.
I think there are benefits to having a good cry. A good cry can be very releasing and feel so good afterward, especially the tears that come from laughing so hard you cry. Maybe it is not such a bad way to cope after all!
Are you a crier? What things make the waterworks come for you?
Carly is a contributing writer for Mommy Moment. She has 3 very dramatic but beautiful girls ages 7, 4, and 1. Carly loves to write, cook, and connect with other moms through this crazy thing called blogging! See what she has been up to over at www.livingthescream.com
The Education Of Ours
Wednesday 19th of January 2011
I cry weekly. Sometimes about big things, sometimes just about sad news stories. I've always been sensitive, but now I view it as a strength. Both in teaching and mothering. Great article!
Practical Parenting
Wednesday 19th of January 2011
I've always been a crier. I just feel better after I let it out. It breaks my heart when one of my kids is sad or has their feelings hurt, but I try not to cry around them. They have their own feelings to process, they don't need mine too!
I did cry in front of them when my mom told she was getting remarried, which baffled my 3 year old. She could not grasp the concept of "happy tears"!
Great post!
Living the Scream
Wednesday 19th of January 2011
I love hearing how everyone copes. I am in good company! :) So sad to hear all the hard things going on in everyone's life. But I think it can make us all feel not so alone. Thanks for sharing everyone.
Jamie Thompson
Wednesday 19th of January 2011
I can be strong and stoic like when others need to lean. But I usually have my cry when no one is around. Yes I cry with my little guy when he hurts or feels sad. I cry when others "need someone to cry with". I cry over silly things too like hallmark cards, sappy tv commercials and the like.
alissa4illustration
Wednesday 19th of January 2011
Everything seems to be making me cry lately. I don't think of myself as someone that cries a lot. Lately I'm the opposite.
My Grandma ran away over Christmas time. She has Alzheimer's disease. My Grandpa and her made a promise that they wouldn't let each other go to a home. The time has come where he just can't take care of her any longer. She can't utter out a sentence. When she was left in a home she said to my Grandpa, "Come Come, Come!" She wanted him to come see her a lot.
Then my sister found out that she's caring a baby that has Trisomy 18. Her baby isn't due until June. The not knowing what will happen is hard. 90% of Trisomy 18 babies do not make it past their 1st birthday. I've cried so much for her.
Then I cried because there was a shooting in a mall a few years ago. I was pregnant at the time. My sister's friend's mom was one that was shot and killed. She was there wrapping presents for the season. Another of her little girls was in a high school where a shooting was at just a few weeks ago. I felt for them! I don't even know them personally, but I sobbed.