Your Mysterious Tears

CRYING accompanies us from the day we are born.  One expert explains that as babies, crying became our "acoustic umbilical cord," because  we cry to have  our emotional and physical needs, cared for.  But why, do we shed tears as we grow older, when we can communicate in other was?

Emotional tears flood our eyes for a variety of reasons.  We may cry  because of grief, frustration, or physical or psychological suffering.  But euphoria, relief, and achievement likewise provoke  emotional tears - in this case, tears of joy.  Tears can be contagious.  "If we see someone else weeping-whatever the cause - I can't help but feel moved to tears," says Maria. Maybe imaginary situations in a film or a book have also made you cry.

Whatever the reason, crying is a powerful nonverbal language.  "There are few other ways to say so much in such a brief interval," explains the book Adult Crying.  Tears provoke reactions.  For example,  most of us find tears of sadness difficult to ignore because they alert us that someone is suffering. In response, we may try to comfort or help the one who weeps.

Some experts believe that crying provides a useful outlet for our emotions and that systematically  holding back tears  may damage our health.  Other argue that the physical or psychological benefits of crying  have not been scientifically verified.  Nevertheless, surveys estimate that 85 percent  of women and 73 percent of men reported feeling better after crying.  "Sometimes, I know I need to cry," explains Noemi.  "Afterward, I can take a deep breath and see things more clearly, in their true perspective." 

Next time: Conclusion of Your Mysterious Tears

From the jw.org publications