Happy Tears

Have you ever wondered why people cry when they’re happy? 

Aren’t you supposed to save crying for when you’re sad?

I guess I never really noticed before, but people often cry when they are MOST happy. Now maybe I’ve been a bit confused on the subject of crying, as I grew up in a time and place where men crying in front of others was generally frowned upon.

“Hold back those tears. Suck it up. You’re a man, and you can’t show weakness. Crying is for girls and babies.”

Yeah, that was kind of the mantra of my small Midwestern town upbringing. But it wasn’t just a function of that particular place. It was true most everywhere: Guys had to be strong, unemotional, macho men — i.e., no crying. 

At least in public.

But I’ve discovered there’s actually a quasi-scientific term for it: Happy tears.

And it’s getting to be more accepted for both women AND men. In fact, a 2018 study showed 68 percent of respondents -- comprised of both genders -- admitting that a happy or positive event caused them to tear up.

Researchers looking into the “happy tears” phenomenon have cited several factors that can precipitate crying when someone is feeling joyful.

Tearologists (OK, I just made that up) say one of the biggest benefits of crying is that shedding tears is a great pent-up stress reliever -- and Lord knows we live in ever-more-stressful times.

They also suggest that crying — in general — helps regulate the body’s need for hormonal balance. Tears contain enzymes, lipids, electrolytes and metabolites — all important to maintaining general good eye and body health.

Tears release neurotransmitters called leucine enkephalin, which act as a natural painkiller. 

Crying also helps keep our eyes clean, can boost our mood and can help us sleep better.

Studies have also shown that kids are just as likely to cry happy tears as adults, and men are just as likely as women to shed tears of joy.

So happy crying is apparently not a function of age or gender. And while it might seem like females generally are more likely to turn on the waterworks when they’re experiencing a joyful moment, that may be because they were more likely to grow up without being ashamed of crying in public.

You know: Possessing more natural human emotions than men — uh, in general…

And it may shed some light on why women — again, in general — live longer than men: Fewer pent-up feelings and repressed emotions, perhaps?

So men, it’s time to get on board the crying train and not be afraid to let those tears begin to flow — whether it’s for sadness or joy.

Holding it in is definitely Old School, and not a good way to live one’s life. If you feel like crying, go ahead and do it.

It’s good for the body and the soul.