I have had a number of discussions lately about crying. One recently on a blog, but others with various people over the last few months on the phone or in person. I have yet to find anyone who absolutely agrees with my position. Often they might agree on one level, but not to the degree in which I present the situation.
It seems that there are a lot more apologists out there than I ever thought. Most people seem to think crying in public is ok or crying if certain conditions are met is forgivable. Being raised the way I was, and searching deep within myself I have yet to find a good enough reason to change my mind about crying. Perhaps someday something will happen, but as of yet, nothing I have experienced has brought out the waterworks.
Before anyone thinks seeing people cry makes me feel uncomfortable, that’s not it. I just don’t see the value in wasting all that energy.
I’ve never been a big fan of crying in public. I understand it more from women, since (and yes, I’m generalizing here) they tend to be more emotional than men.
The way I was raised, men don’t cry in public unless:
1. It’s at their mother’s funeral (depending, of course, on whether they actually liked their mother)
2. At the birth of a child
3. When their team loses in the Super Bowl. And they were actually playing in the game.
Other than that, rub some dirt on it and move on.
That sounds about right, Frank. Although, I have to say that I didn’t even cry at the birth of either of my children. What does that say about me?
I have to admit, I have two daughters and I cried at both of their births. It wasn’t anything I thought about one way or another, it was just an overwhelming, emotional experience that came out in tears. Not blubbering, mind you, but there were visible tears.
But then again, I wasn’t the one laying on the table, pushing for 36 hours, either.
A real man would have hopped up on the table and HELPED her push!
I can understand that the death of a family member, or the birth of a child are both prime examples of situations that can bring out the waterworks. But never having experienced either, I don’t know how I would react. I think a few rolling tears, so long as the emotional state is poised without any blubbering or gasping sobs, are ok… so long as no one can see you… wear big sunglasses.
Yea… I was pretty much too exhausted to cry at that point. I was also anxious, and wanted to know that they were healthy. I don’t cry when I’m anxious.
(Good to know you weren’t blubbering, Frank)