What I Once Believed About Crying—and Why I Was Wrong

I used to think that people who cry are weak and aren't capable of handling their problems or at least trying to solve them. I cried, too, especially when I didn't get what I wanted. This is something relatable as many of us have passed through that stage. Some of us are still in that phase where we let out that cry and mostly done privately so no one would see us or know what's going on.

I have often heard people say we shouldn't let others know we are crying because it's a sign of weakness. I believed that strongly and would keep to myself anytime I cried or felt sad because I didn't want to be mocked or embarrassed.

In fact, there would be times when people around would make fun of me, saying I wasn't strong enough to defend myself or find those problems resolved.

It took me years to realize that crying is not a bad thing. It's better to let out those tears than to bottle them in, only for them to spill over later, often uncontrollably. The best thing is to cry and let it out. Crying helps, and it doesn't mean one is weak but an avenue to release those emotions, which brings clarity and relief later on.
It was later I understood that emotional expression is a strength and it promotes healing.

I remember watching a movie where the lady had gone through a lot of trouble and was depressed. At one point, she cried bitterly. A man, who acted like a hero came by and was a protector to her. One day he saw her crying, then he said, "Keep crying because this would be the end of it." That statement struck me. I love how she was able to cry, and the guy understood. Instead of consoling her, he watched and allowed her to cry until she was done. When she wiped her face afterwards, she seemed calmer, as though a weight had been lifted.

Another instance that stood out to me is how therapists or counsellors handle emotional outbursts. During a therapy session, when someone starts crying, the therapist does not stop them or try to rush them. Instead, they wait patiently, allowing them to let those tears out, sometimes offering a tissue or handkerchief and just letting the person cry it out. They notice that it is when the tears subside that such a person can gather themselves and fully articulate their thoughts and feelings. In this case, crying is like a pathway to a deeper expression of oneself and healing.

Crying isn't a weakness; it's a way to release those emotions - ones that could weigh us down. Crying is a natural response to overwhelming feelings, whether of sadness, frustration or even joy. For a long time, I realized that those who cry don't mean they are helpless or weak; in fact,, they are the brave ones who are capable of confronting their emotions rather than suppressing them.

If there is a profound lesson I have learnt from crying, it is that tears are a language of the heart. They speak what even words cannot express. It is when we cry we recognise and acknowledge our humanity and vulnerability, which are vital parts of being strong. When we deny ourselves from crying, it doesn't make us stronger but acts as a barrier to our healing.

Science even supports this idea. Studies have shown that crying releases stress hormones and toxins, which help to restore emotional balance. If you notice, we feel lighter after a good cry, it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off our shoulders. It's like a reset button for our emotions.

Another thing about crying is that it builds connections. When we cry in the presence of someone we trust, it brings empathy and understanding from them. This is a reminder that we don't have to carry our burdens alone; we need someone's shoulder to cry on. While it's true that some people might mock or misunderstand our tears, others understand clearly and see them as a sign of courage and honesty. These are people we need to watch out for. Those who won't feel too weak to help us.

That's why I have stopped hiding my tears. I've realized that it's okay to cry, whether in private or in the presence of others, as long as it helps me process what I'm feeling. Tears are just evidence of our experiences and the resilience it takes to face them.

So, if you think crying is a sign of weakness, I'd say this: Strength isn't about breaking; it's about what you do after the break. Letting yourself cry is a step to healing and clarity. Instead of bottling the emotions up, why not let them out? Give yourself permission to cry it out. Then, you will discover that crying isn't a sign of weakness but a way to move forward while healing.

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_{Image imagined with Meta AI}