I came across some research recently that said women cry on average 5.3 times per month.
Seriously?!
I’m pretty sure I don’t cry anywhere near that often! Maybe 5.3 times a year … How about you?
10 Things That Make Me Cry
There are quite a few things that can move me tears, and it is not just feelings of sadness. For example:
1 – When I am extremely angry. Fortunately this doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, it pips me off even more! Just say for example the hubster and I are having a heated argument (pretty rare) – my anger boils over into tears and I *hate* it. It makes me feel and look like I’ve lost control, or trying to manipulate the situation.
2 – At extremely emotional moments. Again, it’s not something I have control over – it happens spontaneously – but unlike when it’s angry tears, I don’t mind. The first time I heard my baby’s heartbeat during a doctor’s visit when I was expecting our firstborn, my eyes leaked tears. The same happened when I first held my little brother’s baby in my arms (about 6 years ago). I have a feeling it might happen at Miss 22’s wedding next year too so will have to make sure I am wearing waterproof mascara.
3 – Funerals. Even if I don’t know the person that well, I struggle to remain composed and have even written a guide for myself and others here on the blog, called “How Not to Cry at a Funeral“.
4 – Sad movies or books. For example, when Beth dies in Little Women – whether book or movie, and despite the fact I know it’s coming – it always makes me cry!
5 – Fluctuating hormones. At certain times of the month I am more likely to dissolve into tears, usually over something stupid. Also related to hormones – when I was pregnant, I would find myself sniffling during World Vision ads or RSPCA ads and even news bulletins on TV.
6 – Redundancy. When I was told my job was to be made redundant, much as I wanted to stay strong and give off a “your loss” vibe to my horrible bosses, I completely lost it.
7 – In counselling sessions. I’ve shed more than a few tears in counselling sessions, when I’ve delved into some of the stuff I went through with my mad mother.
8 – Dreams. Once or twice in the last few years, I’ve woken from a bad dream to find myself crying which was really weird!
9 – Empathising with others. When friends or family members confide sad news or other difficulties in their lives, I often find my eyes welling up with tears (though I usually don’t shed them).
10 – And, I laugh til I cry.
Shedding a few happy tears is one thing, but what I really hate is when I find myself full on snotty-sobbing. It can be mega-embarrassing (depending on the situation, for example in the workplace) – and then there’s the after effects. My nose gets so blocked up I can’t breathe, my face is red and splotchy, my eyes are bloodshot and eyelids are puffy, and to top it all off I get a massive headache. Some might say crying is cathartic, but for the most part I have to say it’s really not worth it in my case!
Over to you now – what makes you cry?!
