How do women feel when men cry?
You know, I was very curious of this myself.
I was so curious I decided to ask a few women in my life.
I personally believe there shouldn’t be any stigma around men crying. We are all human. It is completely normal and healing to cry. It also shows you care and are capable of expressing your emotions. It takes courage to cry. Crying allows you to let go and move forward. These are healthy things.
I am not entirely sure why there is still stigma around men crying. But hopefully once you read how women actually feel about it… you may feel more inclined to shed a few more tears. Crying is a healthy thing to do. I also believe the stigma around men crying plays a huge role in the continuation of toxic masculinity in our society.
I asked my girlfriend how she feels when men cry
I figured the first person I should ask is the woman I am closest to.
This is what she told me in regards to how she feels when men cry:
“I think it’s necessary. I also think it is healthy for men to process their emotions. Men should cry and I don’t agree with saying ‘men don’t cry.’ It doesn’t make you weak to cry. It is sexy for a man to be able to process his emotions in a healthy way. If men don’t cry, they will bottle up those emotions, and they will end up coming out as completely different emotions.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I spent years as a kid, growing up around my grandfather, not really allowing myself to cry very often. I felt like I would be viewed as weak if I did. This taught me to suppress my emotions.
I now go to therapy once a week to help deal with some of the negative consequences of that mindset. Men should cry and I promise you it will help you to do so.
I asked my mom how she feels when men cry
You know, the generation my mom comes from, they were conditioned to believe men don’t cry. But I don’t think that matters when it comes to your kids.
However, I asked her about men in general. She told me that “it is powerful when men cry.” It isn’t a common thing for a lot of men. So, when men open up and become vulnerable, it is powerful.
She also pointed out to me that when men cry “it shows that they care.” Say you are at a funeral and you cry, it shows you care and able to express your emotions in a healthy way.
You should be more worried about a man who doesn’t cry than one who does. All those emotions are probably bottled up, waiting to be taken out on someone.
I asked a girl in my class how she feels when men cry
I asked a girl in my Psychology class how she feels when men cry.
This was her response:
“Growing up, I was taught to believe that girls cry, but boys don’t. However, over time I realized this simple isn’t true. We are all human. It is completely normal and healthy to cry. I view a man’s ability to cry and be vulnerable as strength. It is attractive to me. If a man can cry, he is comfortable enough in himself to express his emotions in a healthy way.”
Honestly, how can a man really be that intimate if he doesn’t cry? Crying is just expressing your emotions. Men should lead with vulnerability more often. Be the example as man for other men to see that it is safe to lead your life with vulnerability.
I asked a coworker how she feels when men cry
I wanted to get more input on this question, so I asked a coworker how she feels when men cry.
This is what she told me:
“There is absolutely no shame in a man crying. Honestly, it is very endearing when men cry. I don’t know why society ever taught men to suppress their tears and emotions. Tears can be out of happiness and also out of sadness.. In my opinion, it says they are comfortable enough in their masculinity to be vulnerable.”
I try not to let society influence me as a man, but I definitely do feel some sense of fear about crying in public. Some people still view men as weak for crying. I just don’t see that to be true, though.
Vulnerability is powerful. Tears release built up energy and emotions. By crying, you are surrendering and allowing yourself to let go. We should comfort men when they cry, just as we do women.
I asked my sister how she feels when men cry
Finally, I asked my little sister how she feels when men cry.
This is what she said:
“I respect when a man cries. Honestly, it is an honor if he trusts me to be a part of that vulnerable moment with him. If a man is open to feeling anything, especially what makes him uncomfortable, that shows a lot of growth. I am glad society is starting to recognize that it is toxic to teach boys that they shouldn’t cry.”
You know, it sets a great example for boys to see grown men cry. Crying isn’t a sign of weakness, but a form of expression. I think it is important for young kids to know that.
We need more sensitive men in society, rather than the cold men who lack empathy. Women find men who show their softer side to be more attractive.
Men have emotions too. If women cry, why shouldn’t men? Crying is completely natural and normal. It doesn’t make you any less of a man. In fact, it makes you a stronger one.
Cry. Feel your own feelings and be accepting of other men whey they do the same!
We are all human beings.
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This post was previously published on Medium.com.
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Photo credit: Tom Pumford on Unsplash