I loved the post by Dr. Eliva G. Aletta on PsychCentral.com about crying. I find it comforting to hear a shrink say that she cries too. (I thought they were immune?) Elvira gives us some history on her philosophy on weeping …

Flashback to sixteen years old when I was desparately trying to get my Dad to understand why I was so angry with him. Today I can’t tell you what I was upset about. What sticks with me is the ‘Aha’ moment when my Dad told me to Stop Crying. Totally frustrated I said, “I cry, that’s what I do. Please just listen to what I’m saying.” And miracle of miracles, he did. 

What I learned from this episode:

* I was done apologizing for my tears. Growing up I was constantly told crying was a weakness and to cut it out. Well, to hell with that.

* Crying has its cathartic quality but sometimes it can also be more of a reflex of the fight or flight variety, like shortness of breath or an increased heart rate.

* Some of us have a low tearfulness threshold and those who don’t have to put up with us and love us anyway.

To continue reading her post, click here.