True Confessions: I Cry

I have to claim it – I am a crier. I cry when I am mad, when I am sad, when I am happy, proud, or honored. I have a great repertoire – beginning with moist eyes, to sniffling, to weeping, to sobbing. And on rare occasions I wail (only in private you’ll be relieved to know).

Because I am a crier and because of this unspoken agreement on the dangers of crying at work – I also have a great repertoire of ways to avert tears. Glad to share them with you if you’d like.

I cry because I care – and care deeply. So someone is going to have to fill me in on why that is seen as the ultimate sign of weakness.

Other visible signs of strong emotion don’t carry this stigma. It’s okay to get angry – the occasional tirade from a man is seen as strength. Kicking butts and taking names is just fine, thanks. Occasional cursing shows your tough side.

In reality, angry outbursts, yelling, and temper tantrums are uncontrolled emotional reactions that tend to create collateral damage. I bet just about everyone can recall a time they were the butt of someone’s angry outburst – and these are not fond recollections. I’d also bet that no one was damaged anytime I’ve cried – as long as you don’t count being a bit uncomfortable.

Being stoic, cool, unemotional may seem strong on the surface, but we’ve all seen those who continue to stifle emotion turn brittle and ultimately break.

So now you know it – I cry. I care. I am strong. Get over it. Bring tissues.