I don’t know if it’s a “normal” part of growing older, but these days, I laugh til I cry.
Must have been only a quick laugh, because there are no tears on my face …
Every. Single. Time.
I never used to be like this. Sure, sometimes I would laugh til I cried – but only after a rather sustained bout of laughter.
Now however, any time I’m having a good belly laugh, the tears start instantly.
And when I say “start”, I mean “pour”. We’re not talking about just a tiny tear or two; oh no, nothing as discreet as that. For some bizarre reason, laughing seems to trigger my tear ducts (probably a hundred times more than when I am sad) – and my face is quickly flooded with moisture.
From a relatively ordinary, sane looking woman, within seconds I transform into a wet, snotty, mess.
I’m aware of my primary triggers – looking at funny memes on Pinterest, and consuming alcohol (even just a sip or two – my tolerance for the stuff is extremely low!), are almost certain to result in my transformation to this attractive state.
Not sure where this pic is from sorry – I saved it onto my PC ages ago, just had to share it here as it seemed so appropriate 🙂
Despite the messy side of the fact that I laugh til I cry, I’m not going to let that stop me from enjoying life. I fully intend to keep on laughing – I’m just going to make sure that I pack tissues or a hanky in my handbag, so I’m always prepared for the inevitable waterworks!
Annoying as this little affliction might be, it seems I’m right on trend – because the Oxford Dictionary’s word of 2015, was the emoji which showed a laughing face with tears.
Pic from a recent issue of Who magazine
Not surprisingly, the announcement stirred up a heap of controversy, because hello, an emoji is a picture, not a word!
Perhaps I should start using it as my profile pic on social media?!
I can’t help but wonder though – is crying every time you laugh, a normal part of middle age?! Does anybody else do it? Or is it just me?!
I don’t know Janet what age is middle aged? I am 43 and it doesn’t take much to make me cry for reasons other than being sad. Usually when I am feeling love or being sincere. I’m a shocker for blubbering when I am trying to show my appreciation. Yesterday when many kids were going back to school, including my own, I read something on FB that triggered the tears and suddenly it hit me that my kids are growing up. And TEARS! But laughing doesn’t do it to me I don’t think? I can’t actually recall my last big belly laugh! That’s pretty sad isn’t it? But I will take note next time I find myself laughing and get back to you!!!
Yes I get a bit emotional even over stupid soppy ads on TV, but nothing like the flood of tears when I start laughing …
I seem to be the opposite. Hope that changes.
Does that mean you cry til you laugh? I guess if you have to cry, that’s not a bad way to finish up – smiling and laughing!
Hi Janet,
I don’t laugh til I cry, although I love it when people do. Frankly I don’t think I laugh enough so I’m always looking out for funny movies and I love it when I find a funny book. Fortunately I have a few funny friends who are always guaranteed to make me giggle.
Anyway, laughing until you cry is all good. It’s laughing so much you wee that can be a problem 😉
Hmm I don’t think I’ve had that problem – maybe when I sneeze, but not laughing! And if you’d like to laugh more, head to Pinterest and search “humour” – you’ll be in stitches in no time!