There is a natural body function that helps relieve stress, but unfortunately, it is something that probably most men have been discouraged from doing. Crying is a natural way to relief stress that if left unchecked has negative physical effects on the body, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related disorders. Sure, there are other ways to relief stress naturally; exercise, sex, sleep, massage, baths, but don’t deprive yourself of a good cry. The natural stress relief is really the best of all options.
Usually women are known as the weaker sex because we are more emotional and sensitive. I find that statement to be libel and offensive since I consider myself to be a strong woman, but sometimes I have no choice and a good cry makes me feel better, it doesn’t mean I’m weak, it makes me human. It is unhealthy to keep one’s feelings bottled up and shoved deep down inside.
On the other hand, men are known as the less emotional sex, the rock in the middle of a storm, and the reason is that from an early age they were told not to cry. From a very young age, boys were indoctrinated to accept pressures and pains and to suppress their emotions. To always, show their masculinity, confidence and strength, no matter what.
But when is it okay for a man to display his emotions through crying?
There are plenty of acceptable times for a man to cry. For example, the death of a loved one, the death of a beloved pet, a break up, at the birth of their newborn son or daughter or even when watching a moving film or show. However, the majority of men don’t even consider crying an option. Why do they stuff down the tears when they really need to let them out? When they are emotionally stressed, sad, in physical pain or depressed? Why do men rarely consider it acceptable for themselves or other men to cry? Does that make him any less of a man?
As a mother of three boys, I asked my sons the same question, and all three came up with the same answer because ‘we were told to be brave little soldiers.’ It’s amazing how a simple harmless phrase can cause so much impact in a boy’s life. I never told them not to cry, but somehow that is what a brave little soldier meant to them.
Society has a lot to do with the concept that a man needs to be strong. But what does it mean for a man to be strong? Does it mean he cannot cry? Does he have to be invincible and never show someone he trusts his vulnerable side?
Crying is good for either gender, it is therapeutic, de-toxin, cathartic, and stress reliever. Crying is a healthy response, not an emotional meltdown. Men should be encouraged to cry; they should put down their shield and allow themselves to cry when the situation demands it. Men who cry when it is considered appropriate for them to do so are no longer seem as weak or effeminate; to the contrary, it is a sign of strength and self-assurance. Not showing your emotions makes one weaker in the end. Bottle up feelings are unhealthy mentally and physically. Of course, women will continue to shed tears significantly more often than men do, but it takes a truly strong man to be able to cry, especially in public. Real men show their feelings. Real men do cry.
Personally, I don’t mind seeing a man crying, a man who is willing to show his vulnerable side has my respect and admiration; it means that he is human, genuine and honest. Every woman likes a strong man, but one with emotions.
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